1998 Annual Report for FNC98-218
Specialty Meats Marketing Project at Sycamore Street Market
Summary
Direct sales and added value show promise for small producers trying to maintain economic viability.
Objective: To develop and promote a local market for specialty meats produced in northeast Iowa.
The orginal plan was to establish a meat business at Sycamore Street Market, a year-round public market in downtown Waterloo, Iowa. However, circumstances necessitated using the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Farmers Market instead. The group marketed beef, pork, lamb, ostrich and bison, and educated consumers about the health benefits of meats raised in a humane environment without hormones and antibiotics. The project team also sold products directly to health good stores in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Results: The project was extended to develop promotional materials and expand sales.