Northwood Farm Sustainably Raised Beef

Northwood Farm Sustainably Raised Beef

Summary

"Small farmers are rapidly disappearing, which is a tragedy not only to the farmers involved, but to the entire locality. Several years ago we decided rather than expand our dairy operation, we would have to diversify in order to continue to farm. We gradually began to chage our farming practices to comply with approved organic farming practices, which we felt in themselves promoted sustainablility. This provided the opportunity to sell directly to those people who valued a locally grown, sustainably raised proudct. We feel this concept is important to ourselves and other producers because it allows us to proive consumers with a product they feel good about buying."

Objectives: To further develop and establish a market for grainfed, hormone-free Holstein beef. The most pressing problems are expanding sales of ground beef to match supply of primal cuts desired by restaurants and freezing and storing products to allow delivery on a schedule that is satisfactory to the customer and convenient for the producer. The project coordinator plans to do a marketing study, promote beef directly to consumers, coordinate marketing and consumer educational efforts with other sustainable agricultural groups and procure the proper equipment to store beef.

Results: Although establishing a successful direct marketing program requires more than one year, the project coordinator doubled his direct sales in 1997. He attended workshops, lectures and farm visits to become familiar with state and federal requirements, educate consumers and develop a comprehensive marketing plant to match consumer needs with production and delivery.