On yeasts, you can certainly stockpile Flieshman's or any store bought bread yeast. You could also stockpile 71b or any of the popular yeasts used for mead. But you can also save, wash, and reuse yeast.
That, however, gets you varying results. Yeast, like any other living organism, has the opportunity to evolve into something a bit different. Most folks I know that reuse say they get 3 uses out of a batch before the flavor starts to change. I've never reused so I have no wisdom myself on the matter.
Yeah, since I can stockpile it, I won't bother reusing. All I care to know is how to develop my own if the SHTF scenario occurs.
Any good source recommendations for bulk 71b? I see the obvious hits from a search, but I figure you may know a better source.
I don't. There's a local home brew show that I just buy packets from for now. I'll look into bulk when I step up from 16gal to 55gal batches. You might check Northern Brewer though, they do all kinds of bulk orders.
How are you moving your 16 gallon batches? I'd love to see pictures and a post about that!