7J Cattle Company began selling beef in November 2019. Just months later, the cost of cattle plummeted, but their community jumped to their aid.
A study done by Oklahoma State University found by early April, the cattle industry across the country had lost nearly $14 billion. The loss hurt every step of the supply chain, and left local farmers trying to stay afloat.
Jayson and Becky Jackson started 7J Cattle Company 10 years ago, and began selling their branded beef six months ago. These days, they find themselves in one of the hardest times of their farm's existence.
"With everything going on, it’s been challenging to keep it going,” Jayson said. "The hardest part is some plants shutting down and scaling back.”
Their herd is 500 strong, but it's becoming more challenging to sell off cows, as packers and processors are scaling back due to COVID-19. Jayson says the industry can only handle a few more weeks of reduced sales before they’re in serious trouble.
"We’re in this lifestyle for our children. And our legacy. And it’s hard to stay going whenever you can’t make a living at it,” Jayson said.
However, as the family shifted their Made in Oklahoma company to helping their customers, their customers responded in kind.
As 7J gets their new supply every week, their community will buy out pre-orders, and has even filled out their waiting list. Jayson and Becky then load up their orders and drive them to neighbors in Bixby and Haskell, making contactless deliveries to those who can't leave home.
"We just want them to know we’re there for them," Becky said.
The Jacksons say it’s their way of saying thank-you, and showing their customers the same support they’ve received.
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