Premium Beef in Saskatchewan If you're a meat - loving Canadian, you might want to consider trying premium beef from Saskatchewan. This province's beef is of a high quality, and its premium beef is also affordable. In this article, we'll cover the different types of premium beef in Saskatchewan, including the cost and quality. Cost of premium beef in saskatchewan The supply chain for beef in Saskatchewan begins with cattle producers. Cattle producers raise newborn calves and then transfer them to feedlots, where they are fed silage, corn grain and barley. When the cattle reach 1500 pounds, they are sold to a packer. Then the beef is packaged and sold. There are many reasons why beef prices in Saskatchewan are high. In addition to the drought, the producers are also dealing with rising fuel and fertilizer costs. This, they claim, is limiting the supply of beef. In response, they are calling for the federal and provincial governments to investigate. Many producers are also downsizing their herds, converting grassland to crops, or selling their land. The drought has made it difficult for producers to stay afloat. Premium Beef in Saskatchewan Premium beef in Saskatchewan is quite expensive. A side of beef costs from $1,200 to $1,800, depending on its hanging weight. A quarter of beef costs about $6.25 per pound and contains a mix of beef cuts. Premium steaks sell for $18 to $30 per pound. Quality of beef in saskatchewan The beef industry in Saskatchewan is a complex one. Historically, beef has been shipped from the western prairies to cities like Toronto and Montreal for processing. More recently, cattle have been transported to the province and processed for retail sale. Cattle are a natural source of protein and also provide the farmer with nutritious food. Many farms in the province raise beef cattle for both meat and milk. The quality of beef produced in Canada is assured through the VBP+ program. This industry - led program is part of a comprehensive effort to improve food safety in Canada. It is based on the principles of a globally recognized quality control program, called Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). The program helps beef producers improve their operations and provide consumers with high - quality, safe beef. The emphasis on food safety is growing as a critical factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Premium Beef in Saskatchewan Beef grades in Canada are based on the amount of fat, and tenderness of the meat. The AAA and Prime grades represent the highest - quality beef and account for 88% of graded beef produced in Canada. The remaining 45% of graded beef is AA grades, which offer excellent cooking qualities. Availability of premium beef in saskatchewan There is no question that the beef industry in Saskatchewan is strong, with close to one million cows. While the industry has long opposed government intervention in the supply chain, it welcomes competition from new players in the processing market. According to agriculture economist Jared G Carlberg, regional meat processing coops will increase competition for cattle and put more money into the producers' pockets. Premium Beef in Saskatchewan Producers say they want greater transparency regarding the pricing of beef. Currently, the meat industry is suffering from high fuel and feed costs, and producers are cutting their herds to survive. In an effort to combat this problem, they are asking the federal and provincial governments to investigate beef pricing. One rancher, Garner Deobald , who owns a farm near Hodgeville , says he wants to know where the beef industry's money is going. According to Statistics Canada, meat prices are on the rise in Canada. In May, beef prices increased 11.2% year - over - year. Nonetheless, retailers have seen a drop in their profit margins.