Random Rabbit":1r9yna4i said:
Most processors are familiar , or at least aware, of other processors in their vicinity. Perhaps he could point You towards another...??
Might also check with the State Rabbit organization... They might have some leads...
Scarey thought to have invested so much... then to get the rug pulled out from under Your feet... argh !!!
Very long-shot here... but might Grumpy possibly have heard of any up Your way ???
Nope, I sure don't. Sorry.
But, I can offer a few suggestions: Check with your state and see if you can or cannot sell processed rabbits to end consumers. I'm allowed to sell 1000 processed rabbits per year here in Missouri. If you're allowed sales, start advertising...quick!!
Surf the net for reptilian clubs in and around your area. Contact them, offering food for their 'pets'. I get $2.00 per pound live weight, picked up at my farm.
Possibly contact wholesalers.....(very little profit in this deal) and see what they're paying. It won't be much...but it's a way to get rid of excess and make a little money above your costs.
One thing I've learned....NEVER...'assume' anything. ALWAYS....have more than one option available
before you begin a large expansion. Another thing that's in direct conflict to what I just said above:
You can't sell 'em....if you ain't got 'em!
You might contact some of the high-end restaurants in your area and see if they buy "direct from the farmer". That's getting to be a big deal all across the country. Ask them who supplies their meat. If you can get that information, you may be able to approach that person with the offer of your rabbits as an addition to their list of available products.
I just closed a deal last night for 30 head of fryers per week beginning in three months. It will take that long to have the product available and ready to go. I always tell folks wanting a big order that it will be 100 days before I can deliver what they order. Longer if they want stock closer to breeding. AND.....I always demand a non-refundable 50% deposit before I begin.
I got scorched ONE-TIME many years ago on a deal where the lady wanted so many dozen eggs per week. Built a new chicken house. Bought 500 started "free-range" pullets...and eventually began collecting eggs. I gave her a call and, "OOPS....I'm sorry....I'm no longer in business." NEVER AGAIN.
I sold a butt-load of chickens real cheap....real fast.
Best of luck to you and I hope you can make things work.
grumpy
