The Expansion of the South Dakota Goosemobile Project to include Beef, Pork and Lamb

The Expansion of the South Dakota Goosemobile Project to include Beef, Pork and Lamb

Summary

A variety of projects can attract new customers and increase sales at farmers markets and other direct marketing outlets.

Objective: To market pastured beef, lamb, pork, poultry and a variety of other meats through a mobile meat market called the "Goosemobile."

The producer used a 26-foot cargo trailer pulled by a pick-up truck, retro-fitted with eight freezers containing varieties of frozen, vacuum-packed meat cuts and poultry. Summer sales were limited to a farmers' market in eastern South Dakota, while autumn/holiday sales included a route across South Dakota. The producers sold poultry, beef, pork, lamb, bison, goat and ostrich.

Results: With the addition of red meats, overall sales increased by 16 percent. However, poultry sales experienced a decline from the five-year average.