Chariton Valley Beef Industry Initiative: Producer Cost-share for Technology Adoption and Market Access

Project Overview

FNC98-226
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1998: $9,875.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1998
Region: North Central
State: Iowa
Project Coordinator:
Mike Hunter
Chariton Valley Beef

Annual Reports

Commodities

  • Animal Products: meat

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health
  • Education and Training: seminars

    Summary:

    Adapting to changes in the marketplace can provide substantial premiums to livestock producers.

    Objective: To improve the marketing ability of producers in southern Iowa.

    The project was organized to enable producers to access, collect, interpret and respond to information and take advantage of evolving value-added opportunities. The producers conducted field days and attended seminars on animal identification, source verification and carcass data interpretation. These producers identified and collected carcass data on 5,135 head of cattle from 68 producers. The data provided them with a stronger position and greater flexibility in marketing.

    Results: They were able to market finished cattle in value-based grids, which has resulted in average premiums of $20 per head. The data also helped feeder cattle producers obtain higher prices for calves and yearlings.

    Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.