Everyone in my tiny county is afraid to try something as "exotic" as American raised lamb, so the leg of lambs, lamb chops, and boneless roasts never sell. I always write on my calendar what the expiration date is on the leg of lambs and I'll call the meat market manager a day or two before that date. I used to work in the deli at this particular store, so that kind of gives me an advantage. Anyway, they know that if they don't mark them down this much they will just go into the trash and they will have to eat the whole loss, instead of just a partial loss. I know that corporate will eventually quit sending them the lamb, but until then, I'm on speed dial with the market manager!
If something is a day before or the day of the expiration date, always find a meat market person and ask if they can mark it down more for you, even if it has already been marked down once. Many times they will, just to keep from loosing everything on it.
We don't eat much meat here, so most of what we buy goes into our freezer. That will extend the "expiration date" by at least 6 months, sometimes up to 1 year.
My lesson, never be afraid to ask! The worst they will do is tell you no!
Thanks,
Emily
PS - I do want to raise lamb eventually, but for now, especially at these prices I can't complain.
PSS - Raising definatly has a lot to do with how something tastes, as does the age and the butchering process. If an animal is stressed before it's butchered or it isn't bled out well, the meat will be worse! I've found that to be definatly true with rabbits and anything with a mild flavor.