I use burger/mince, even cheaper. Put on a disposable vinyl glove and stir and stir and stir until it goes back to being fibrous.
Cabela Jerky Pistol will pay for itself with the meat economy. 16 oz meat will squirt out 17' long x 3/4" wide.
Low oven on cake racks for as dry as you like. I blend a couple of Hi Mountain seasonings with the cure.
Will freezer burn to dehydrate even more. I can't hide it well enough to last more than a week.