I wouldn't call small-time farming an exception to the norm. It's all a matter of region. Florida is cattle country, and here in Alachua county, agriculture is top dog (Orlando is just...a very odd spot). There are plenty of small farmers here (small in land ownership, not in stature -- oh great now I have an image of an army of three-foot farmers). Now granted, it would be tougher for city-folk, but I'm from Tampa so obviously it's not that big of a challenge. However, not every major city has access like Tampa does. In that case, I think even northern supermarkets can still buy meat from anyone, so long as it has the USDA stamp. So in theory, its just a matter of finding a supplier.
