Complaints

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• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/24/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On March 11, 2023, I purchased a half-side of beef from BMP Farm for a total cost of $3,223.92. This price included the cost of a third party meat processor.
  
  BMP Farm’s website promises “tender flavorful beef.” When I contacted the meat processor to discuss how I wanted the beef cut and packaged, I was told by them that this particular beef I was ordering was for a 3+ year old cow.
  
  The beef is extremely tough and has a bad flavor. Even the filet mignon was tough and had a bland flavor. None of the beef has been tender or flavorful. Even the ground beef is chewy and taste terrible. This is obviously from a old cow.
  
  I contacted the owner, **** ******, and explained the experience and respectfully requested a partial refund. I did not ask for a refund for the processing fee, or a refund of the beef we already consumed. I even offered to return the unused beef to her or donate it to a food bank or charity of the owner’s house.
  
  Here is the owner’s condescending and confounding response:
  
  So saddened that you are dissatisfied with your beef purchase. I was so upset after reading your email that I hesitated to enjoy a couple of strip steaks with my 93 year old mother this weekend. I let them come to room temp after covering them with Montreal Steak Seasoning with a touch of salt. A quick sear on each side in a preheated skillet, still pink in the middle. As I ate it I pondered your experience.
  
  Belted Galloway cattle are a "slow grown" breed. In Europe they get a disposition from the government to account for the fact that they are at least 3 years on pasture, much longer than commercial beef.
  
  The US "Mad Cow" regulation which processors scoff at requires that the spine be removed on any animal 30+ months in age. We take a look at our steers at 29 months and decide whether are not they are adequately finished for processing. If not, we do not hesitate to keep them on pasture longer.
  
  One customer of ours prefers the bone in steaks. We accommodate and make sure she gets a steer processed at 29 mos. You mentioned purchasing a year old steer... that would be veal in our world.
  
  We pay a premium for USDA inspection. This assures a marketable standard for our beef. It is of course not grain fed with all that this brings to the finished product.
  
  I appreciate your years of experience preparing beef. You exceed my expertise. I have learned a lot from a young couple that you might consider for your future beef source. They serve the St. Louis area. The farm name is Clover Meadow.
  
  They have an amazing website. I often go to their site for recipes and preparation techniques... specific to grassfed beef. That said, we do not offer a money back guarantee on any of our pricing information.
  
  The beef was USDA inspected and of satisfaction to the other two customers purchasing split sides from the other half of this beef. I am saddened that you intend to damage the reputation of our small farming endeavor due to this experience.
  
  Maybe it's a sign that it is time to sell the critters and pursue an easier life. We do not make money, but love the lifestyle. I am retiring from teaching in Alaska. Without that income we may be bankrupt very soon.
  
  China is anxious to buy any farmland that comes for sale in Missouri. Ours may be next! Costa Rica has always been a favorite destination of mine... their motto is Pura Vida... meaning "pure life". We have had such on our beloved farm...
  
  Kind regards,
  ****

  Business Response

  Date: 04/26/2023

  As stated in my quoted response to this customer, our beef is USDA Inspected to insure quality.  The customer received our pricing and processing information prior to purchase.  We do not offer a money back guarantee.