Answers as I can.
No, we take them to market. The beef I get is what my brother and Dad hold back just for the family. But there are some local grass-fed producers who almost always go through small grocery or butcher places. I can ask my Dad, he's the brand inspector and works the Petaluma auction yard (he subs for the regular guy who is on leave) for a referral of a respectable producer. There might be an online directory, I'll look into it.
The fact that he supplied the roast and not you is probably because of his local reputation. He'd be in deep shit with his neighbors for wrecking a community bbq and its really bad when you have mutual favors and personal reputations on the line. Producers like to look like the good guy when they supply community events, like rodeos and fairs. And it's possible that they placed the order before you, but I really think the former answer is correct.
Based on the price increase, it kinda sounds like he gave you too low a price and your order is the last one he wants to fill. But you have a deposit, so he has to get around to finally filling it.
But I wouldn't be surprised if the market price for hogs has gone up (which locals usually base their price on), this happens with beef production too, and I wouldn't be surprised if there is some new level of certification being imposed. And the price of gas means feed has gone up, too. And further confounding the issue, I have had more problems with butchers than with producers over the years. Sometimes they can get flaky too. Or swamped with orders. All of these things put you on the end of a long chain of circumstances.
If I were you, I would ask for my deposit back and walk if he doesn't deliver by tomorrow. And I know this is a hassle but maybe its the fastest, cleanest break you can make, even though you lose on what you were looking forward to. You might have to drive up there and get in his face to collect it, too.
So sorry, this does not help an area of commerce that should be encouraged, not discouraged, cause yer not goin thru the commercial process.
I wonder if every producer requires a deposit. My sister never has for her lambs. Cash on delivery or pick-up.
Hopefully, this will all be resolved by tomorrow.
Editing in: just looked at the Yelp. Yikes. I would wait until you either have the pork or your deposit back (of course, now I know he won't have the deposit based on the supplier entry). You might have to small claims court the guy. But it was a good price. But that organic heritage bit is pure b.s.
