/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/trainkorpus/1/file_181.html NN ----------------------------------------- : Alternative NP Beef NN Marketing NP Livestock NP Technical NP Note NN ATTRA NP National NP Sustainable JJ Agriculture NP Information NP Service NP PO NN Box NP 3657 CD Fayetteville NP , , AR NP 72702 CD Phone NN . SENT 1 LS 800 CD 346 CD 9140 CD FAX NP . SENT 479 CD 442 CD 9842 CD By IN Richard NP Earles NP and CC Anne NP Fanatico NP NCAT NP Agriculture NP Specialists NNS May NP 2000 CD The DT PDF NN version NN of IN this DT document NN is VBZ available JJ at IN http NN . SENT attra NN . SENT ncat NN . SENT org NP attra NP pub NN PDF NN altbeef NN . SENT pdf NN 19 CD pages NNS 141 CD kb NN Index NP Abstract JJ Introduction NN Part NP One CD . SENT Adding VVG Value NP to TO Beef VV in IN the DT Conventional JJ Market NN Alliances NNS Marketing NP Cooperatives NNS Part NP Two CD . SENT Alternative JJ Marketing NN of IN Beef NN Niche NN Markets NP Lean NP beef NN Organic NP beef NN Natural NP beef NN Pasture NN finished VVD beef NN Direct NP Marketing NP Legal NP Considerations NNS Processing VVG and CC Packaging VVG Cooperatives NNS for IN alternative JJ beef NN marketing NN References NNS Resources NP Abstract JJ This DT publication NN explores VVZ marketing NN alternatives NNS for IN small JJ scale NN cattle NNS ranchers NNS who WP would MD like VV to TO add VV value NN to TO the DT beef NN they PP produce VVP . SENT Part NN One CD discusses VVZ methods NNS for IN adding VVG value NN within IN the DT conventional JJ marketing NN system NN , , including VVG retained VVN ownership NN and CC cooperative JJ marketing NN . SENT Part NN Two CD introduces VVZ alternative JJ marketing NN strategies NNS , , including VVG niche NN markets NNS for IN natural JJ , , lean JJ , , and CC organic JJ beef NN . SENT Production NN considerations NNS for IN pasture NN finished VVD beef NN are VBP given VVN special JJ attention NN . SENT A DT section NN on IN direct JJ marketing NN focuses VVZ on IN connecting VVG with IN consumers NNS and CC developing VVG a DT product NN . SENT Processing NN and CC legal JJ issues NNS are VBP also RB covered VVN . SENT Two CD case NN studies NNS from IN a DT UC NP Davis NP report NN including VVG and CC economic JJ analysis NN is VBZ available JJ as IN an DT additional JJ resource NN by IN calling VVG ATTRA NP and CC requesting VVG the DT print NN version NN enclosures NNS for IN this DT publication NN . SENT A DT list NN of IN resources NNS at IN the DT end NN of IN the DT document NN provides VVZ suggestions NNS for IN further JJR reading NN , , contact NN information NN for IN several JJ producers NNS and CC marketers NNS of IN alternative JJ beef NN , , and CC Web NP pages NNS of IN interest NN . SENT This DT document NN is VBZ intended VVN as IN a DT beef NN focused VVD supplement NN to TO ATTRA's NP Alternative NP Meat NP Marketing NP , , which WDT presents VVZ in IN greater JJR depth NN the DT many JJ issues NNS and CC challenges NNS associated VVN with IN small JJ scale NN meat NN sales NNS . SENT Go VV To TO Top NP IntroductionIn NP the DT present JJ production NN and CC marketing NN structure NN , , about IN half PDT the DT value NN of IN beef NN is VBZ added VVN after IN cattle NNS leave VVP the DT farm NN , , and CC net JJ returns NNS to TO the DT cow NN calf NN producer NN tend VVP to TO be VB low JJ . SENT At IN the DT sale NN barn NN , , the DT rancher's NNS profit NN is VBZ trimmed VVN by IN wholesale JJ price NN fluctuations NNS , , middle JJ man NN fees NNS , , and CC the DT grading VVG process NN . SENT Producers NNS who WP sell VVP in IN this DT highly RB competitive JJ market NN can MD be VB described VVN as IN price NN takers NNS , , competing VVG with IN many JJ other JJ producers NNS of IN relatively RB homogeneous JJ commodity NN products NNS 1 CD . SENT Working VVG within IN the DT conventional JJ market NN , , the DT rancher NN can MD significantly RB increase VV profit NN per IN head NN of IN cattle NNS by IN retaining VVG ownership NN past IN the DT weaning VVG stage NN , , by IN producing VVG higher JJR grade NN and CC heavier JJR animals NNS , , by IN carefully RB managing VVG the DT culling VVG process NN , , and CC by IN minimizing VVG the DT costs NNS of IN production NN . SENT Small JJ producers NNS can MD further RBR empower VV themselves PP by IN forming VVG marketing NN cooperatives NNS or CC other JJ types NNS of IN alliances NNS . SENT Some DT ranchers NNS , , however RB , , judging VVG the DT conventional JJ market NN as IN unresponsive JJ both CC to TO their PP$ needs NNS and CC to TO the DT changing VVG desires NNS of IN consumers NNS , , choose VVP to TO develop VV markets NNS outside IN the DT conventional JJ system NN . SENT They PP add VVP value NN to TO their PP$ beef NN by IN differentiating VVG it PP from IN the DT supermarket NN fare NN that WDT is VBZ the DT end NN product NN of IN the DT commodity NN market NN . SENT Alternative JJ marketing NN of IN beef NN primarily RB means VVZ niche NN marketing NN and CC direct JJ marketing NN . SENT The DT niche NN is VBZ simply RB a DT segment NN of IN the DT buying VVG public NN unsatisfied JJ with IN conventional JJ beef NN , , and CC willing JJ to TO pay VV a DT premium NN for IN a DT leaner JJR , , tastier JJR , , or CC more RBR natural JJ product NN . SENT The DT most RBS likely JJ way NN for IN the DT producer NN to TO connect VV with IN these DT consumers NNS is VBZ by IN marketing VVG directly RB to TO them PP . SENT In IN the DT words NNS of IN researchers NNS at IN the DT University NP of IN Wyoming NP . SENT This DT approach NN can MD add VV value NN to TO cattle NNS by IN allowing VVG producers NNS to TO capture VV much RB of IN the DT margin NN otherwise RB going VVG to TO middlemen NNS in IN the DT marketing NN chain NN . SENT Of IN course NN , , the DT producer NN also RB captures VVZ much RB of IN the DT work NN and CC associated JJ costs NNS , , as IN the DT producer NN must MD identify VV and CC attract VV customers NNS , , perhaps RB provide VV added JJ feed NN , , arrange VV for IN slaughter NN , , distribute VV the DT product NN to TO customers NNS , , and CC secure JJ payment NN 1 CD . SENT Differentiating VVG your PP$ beef NN from IN the DT conventional JJ product NN entails VVZ changes NNS in IN production NN as RB well RB as IN marketing NN . SENT If IN your PP$ customer NN is VBZ a DT meat NN packer NN , , your PP$ production NN will MD have VH to TO conform VV to TO industry NN standards NNS for IN everything NN from IN breed NN selection NN to TO use VV of IN antibiotics NNS to TO yield VV and CC quality NN grades NNS . SENT But CC if IN your PP$ customer NN is VBZ an DT individual NN looking VVG for IN lean JJ beef NN raised VVD and CC finished VVD on IN a DT local JJ family NN farm NN , , or CC raised VVD organically RB , , you PP will MD be VB working VVG with IN a DT very RB different JJ production NN model NN . SENT Integrating VVG meat NN production NN and CC marketing NN may MD radically RB alter VV the DT whole JJ enterprise NN . SENT For IN instance NN , , to TO improve VV efficiency NN within IN the DT conventional JJ live JJ sale NN market NN , , many JJ ranchers NNS have VHP consolidated VVN their PP$ calving VVG schedules NNS . SENT Some DT alternative JJ marketing NN strategies NNS , , however RB , , may MD require VV year NN round NN production NN to TO meet VV year NN round NN demand NN 2 CD . SENT Beef NN that WDT is VBZ slaughtered VVN off IN pasture NN and CC sold VVD locally RB is VBZ generally RB considered VVN more RBR sustainable JJ than IN feedlot NN finished VVD , , mass RB marketed VVN meat NN . SENT Sustainability NN means VVZ that IN the DT best JJS interests NNS of IN the DT farm NN family NN , , the DT community NN , , and CC the DT environment NN are VBP being VBG taken VVN care NN of IN . SENT For IN some DT consumers NNS , , sustainability NN is VBZ already RB a DT strong JJ selling NN point NN . SENT Many JJ others NNS can MD be VB educated VVN about IN the DT values NNS they PP are VBP fostering VVG when WRB they PP choose VVP an DT alternative JJ beef NN product NN over IN the DT supermarket NN cut NN . SENT Pasture NN finishing VVG combined JJ with IN direct JJ marketing NN can MD substantially RB benefit VV the DT farm NN family NN , , the DT rural JJ community NN , , and CC the DT environment NN by IN . SENT keeping VVG ranch NN families NNS on IN the DT land NN and CC independent JJ , , protecting VVG land NN from IN development NN , , reducing VVG pollution NN of IN surface NN and CC ground NN waters NNS , , building VVG soil NN and CC plant NN diversity NN , , rebuilding VVG local JJ rural JJ economies NNS , , passing VVG down RP traditional JJ farming NN and CC animal JJ husbandry NN skills NNS . SENT Alternative JJ marketing NN strategies NNS can MD turn VV price NN takers NNS into IN price NN makers NNS , , but CC the DT added JJ time NN , , labor NN and CC resources NNS needed VVN to TO perform VV these DT added VVN functions NNS beyond IN producing VVG a DT calf NN or CC yearling NN should MD not RB be VB underestimated VVN . SENT Marketing NN management NN expertise NN also RB is VBZ required VVN , , along RB with IN the DT traditional JJ knowledge NN of IN the DT production NN side NN of IN the DT business NN 1 CD . SENT The DT more RBR you PP learn VVP and CC prepare VVP before IN entering VVG a DT new JJ market NN , , the DT less RBR surprising JJ , , expensive JJ , , and CC frustrating VVG your PP$ learning VVG curve NN will MD be VB . SENT The DT Beef NN Marketing NP Flowchart NP on IN page NN five CD of IN the DT enclosed VVN University NP of IN California NP report NN will MD help VV you PP visualize VV the DT issues NNS involved VVN in IN pursuing VVG different JJ marketing NN strategies NNS . SENT This DT print NN version NN enclosure NN is VBZ available JJ by IN calling VVG ATTRA NP and CC requesting VVG it PP . SENT Go VV To TO Top JJ Part NP One CD . SENT Adding VVG Value NP to TO Beef VV in IN the DT Conventional JJ Market NP One CD of IN the DT first JJ things NNS you PP hear VVP when WRB you PP get VVP into IN the DT subject NN of IN marketing NN with IN a DT commercial JJ cattle NNS producer NN , , and CC even RB with IN people NNS who WP run VVP some DT pretty RB good JJ size NN yearling NN operations NNS , , is VBZ that IN cattle NNS are VBP only RB worth JJ so IN many JJ dollars NNS a DT hundred CD on IN the DT market NN , , and CC it PP doesn't VVD matter VV what WP you PP do VVP , , you PP aren't VVD going VVG to TO get VV more JJR than IN that DT . SENT This DT just JJ isn't NN true JJ . SENT In IN fact NN , , you PP can MD have VH a DT great JJ deal NN of IN control NN over IN the DT prices NNS you PP receive VVP for IN the DT cattle NNS you PP sell VVP 3 CD . SENT The DT passage NN above RB appears VVZ in IN Cowboy NP Marketing NP by IN the DT late JJ Jay NP Nixon NP . SENT According VVG to TO Nixon NP , , most RBS commercial JJ calf NN producers NNS in IN this DT country NN are VBP losing VVG from IN 50 CD to TO 100 CD per IN cow NN . SENT They PP incur VVP this DT loss NN by IN not RB being VBG active JJ enough NN in IN their PP$ marketing NN effort NN , , and CC not RB focusing VVG their PP$ production NN on IN the DT quality NN preferences NNS of IN the DT market NN . SENT Cowboy NP Marketing NP is VBZ a DT primer NN for IN producers NNS who WP have VHP not RB considered VVN themselves PP as IN marketers NNS , , and CC perhaps RB have VH a DT prejudice NN against IN marketing NN . SENT Nixon NP advocates NNS raising VVG a DT marketable JJ product NN by IN producing VVG what WP the DT packers NNS want VVP , , and CC encourages VVZ producers NNS to TO carefully RB choose VV a DT sale NN barn NN , , get VVP to TO know VV buyers NNS , , and CC prepare VV a DT list NN of IN the DT animals NNS they PP are VBP bringing VVG to TO market NN . SENT He PP also RB maintains VVZ that IN culling VVG what WP you PP cull VV , , how WRB you PP select VVP it PP , , and CC finally RB how WRB you PP market VV it PP is VBZ an DT income NN decision NN of IN major JJ proportion NN . SENT The DT book NN includes VVZ chapters NNS on IN selling VVG cattle NNS in IN the DT country NN by IN private JJ treaty NN and CC co NP op NN marketing NN , , and CC development NN of IN a DT marketing NN plan NN . SENT For IN information NN on IN obtaining VVG a DT copy NN of IN Cowboy NP Marketing NP , , see VVP the DT Resources NP section NN at IN the DT end NN of IN this DT publication NN . SENT Another DT guide NN to TO increasing VVG profits NNS within IN conventional JJ marketing NN channels NNS Value NP Added NP Cattle NNS . SENT Guidelines NNS for IN Cow NN Calf NN , , Stocker NP , , Feeder NN emphasizes VVZ retained VVN ownership NN options NNS . SENT By IN retaining VVG ownership NN through IN some DT of IN the DT post NN weaning VVG production NN stages NNS preconditioning VVG , , winter NN pasture NN , , summer NN grass NN , , and CC the DT feedlot NN , , producers NNS can MD decrease VV losses NNS from IN shrinkage NN and CC sickness NN , , eliminate VV middleman NN fees NNS , , and CC improve VV the DT return NN rate NN relative JJ to TO production NN costs VVZ the DT pre NP weaning VVG stage NN is VBZ the DT most RBS expensive JJ stage NN of IN production NN . SENT Retained VVN ownership NN can MD provide VV buffering VVG from IN seasonally RB low JJ prices NNS , , giving VVG some DT measure NN of IN price NN protection NN not RB available JJ to TO those DT selling NN a DT bawling VVG calf NN straight RB off IN the DT cow NN 4 CD . SENT Value NN can MD be VB added VVN to TO beef VV through IN improvement NN of IN carcass NN value NN . SENT This DT means VVZ turning VVG out RP carcasses NNS . SENT with IN good JJ yield NN and CC quality NN grades NNS , , weighing VVG no DT less JJR than IN 550 CD pounds NNS and CC no DT more JJR than IN 900 CD pounds NNS , , with IN sufficient JJ muscling VVG , , fewer JJR bruises NNS , , and CC no DT dark JJ cutters NNS a DT dark JJ appearance NN in IN meat NN from IN animals NNS that WDT were VBD stressed VVN prior RB to TO slaughter NN 4 CD . SENT The DT authors NNS of IN Value NP Added NP Cattle NNS recommend VVP the DT Texas NP A NP M NP Ranch NP to TO Rail NP program NN , , which WDT provides VVZ feedback NN to TO producers NNS about IN the DT performance NN of IN their PP$ calves NNS after IN weaning VVG . SENT Producers NNS complain VVP that IN they PP get VVP average JJ prices NNS in IN the DT market NN place NN for IN superior JJ genetics NNS and CC that IN they PP don't VVD receive VV a DT premium NN for IN delivering VVG a DT product NN to TO the DT market NN that WDT has VHZ been VBN managed VVN to TO perform VV above IN the DT average NN of IN the DT industry NN The DT cattle NNS industry NN is VBZ a DT segmented VVN business NN in IN which WDT most JJS calves NNS lose VVP their PP$ identity NN in IN the DT market NN channels NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ little JJ feedback NN of IN information NN to TO cow NN calf NN producers NNS on IN how WRB their PP$ calves NNS fit VVP the DT needs NNS of IN the DT beef NN industry NN The DT Ranch NP to TO Rail NP program NN is VBZ an DT information NN feedback NN system NN that WDT allows VVZ producers NNS to TO learn VV more JJR about IN their PP$ calf NN crop NN and CC the DT factors NNS that WDT determine VVP value NN beyond IN the DT weaned VVN calf NN phase NN of IN beef NN production NN . SENT It PP also RB helps VVZ them PP to TO establish VV the DT relative JJ value NN of IN their PP$ calves NNS compared VVN to TO the DT industry NN norm NN 4 CD . SENT To TO learn VV more JJR about IN the DT Ranch NP to TO Rail NP program NN and CC retained VVD ownership NN considerations NNS , , and CC for IN information NN on IN yield NN and CC quality NN grades NNS and CC breed NN sire NN selection NN , , contact VV a DT local JJ Extension NP office NN . SENT Alliances NNS In IN a DT marketplace NN dominated VVN by IN large JJ buyers NNS , , the DT independent JJ small JJ producer NN is VBZ at IN a DT disadvantage NN . SENT By IN creating VVG economies NNS of IN scale NN and CC allowing VVG for IN effective JJ coordination NN , , alliances NNS among IN producers NNS with IN similar JJ goals NNS can MD add VV value NN to TO beef VV and CC increase VV the DT members NNS marketing NN leverage NN . SENT Alliances NNS can MD integrate VV the DT cattle NNS market NN both CC horizontally RB among IN producers NNS and CC vertically RB among IN producers NNS , , breeders NNS , , feedlot NN operators NNS , , packers NNS , , etc FW . SENT . SENT An DT alliance NN is VBZ generally RB developed VVN around IN some DT common JJ goals NNS or CC values NNS , , which WDT may MD include VV a DT health NN and CC management NN program NN , , a DT specific JJ breed NN , , a DT geographic JJ identity NN , , or CC an DT emphasis NN on IN leanness NN . SENT Alliances NNS allow VVP cow NN calf NN producers NNS to TO share VV equally RB in IN potential JJ profits NNS through IN retained JJ ownership NN , , and CC improve VV beef NN cattle NNS consistency NN by IN grouping VVG together RB animals NNS of IN like JJ type NN , , finish NN and CC cutability NN . SENT Alliances NNS do VVP not RB guarantee VV profits NNS . SENT Premiums NNS are VBP given VVN only RB to TO cattle NNS that WDT meet VVP specifications NNS . SENT Good JJ management NN is VBZ the DT key NN . SENT Most JJS alliances NNS provide VVP carcass NN data NNS feedback NN to TO producers NNS 5 CD . SENT Colorado NP rancher NN Dan NP Kniffen NP offers VVZ the DT following NN cautions VVZ for IN those DT considering VVG whether IN to TO join VV an DT alliance NN . SENT The DT best JJS source NN of IN information NN is VBZ direct JJ contact NN with IN the DT alliance's JJ program NN coordinator NN . SENT Ask VV as IN many JJ specific JJ questions NNS as IN you PP can MD think VV of IN . SENT Also RB ask VV for IN names NNS and CC phone NN numbers NNS of IN other JJ participants NNS . SENT A DT good JJ contract NN will MD protect VV both DT parties NNS in IN the DT agreement NN , , providing VVG a DT timetable NN and CC specifying VVG the DT responsibilities NNS and CC financial JJ liability NN of IN everyone NN involved VVN . SENT Some DT alliances NNS will MD require VV you PP to TO place VV a DT minimum JJ number NN of IN cattle NNS in IN the DT program NN to TO participate VV . SENT Almost RB all DT alliances NNS have VHP specifications NNS on IN the DT genetic JJ composition NN or CC biological JJ type NN of IN the DT cattle NNS that WDT are VBP accepted VVN . SENT There EX are VBP also RB limitations NNS on IN carcass NN size NN and CC quality NN . SENT The DT most RBS critical JJ aspect NN of IN an DT alliance NN for IN the DT producer NN is VBZ the DT pricing NN formula NN . SENT You PP must MD absolutely RB do VV your PP$ homework NN in IN this DT area NN . SENT Once IN you've NN determined VVN how WRB the DT base NN price NN is VBZ established VVN , , you PP must MD pay VV particular JJ attention NN to TO the DT premium NN and CC discount NN categories NNS . SENT It's NP quite RB possible JJ to TO receive VV enough JJ discounts NNS on IN a DT few JJ non JJ conforming VVG cattle NNS to TO offset VV all PDT the DT premiums NNS received VVN on IN a DT majority NN of IN the DT cattle NNS . SENT Producers NNS who WP have VHP some DT estimation NN of IN how WRB their PP$ cattle NNS will MD perform VV in IN the DT feedlot NN as IN well RB as RB on IN the DT rail NN are VBP in IN the DT best JJS position NN for IN this DT type NN of IN marketing VVG 6 CD . SENT According VVG to TO financial JJ consultant NN Tom NP Hogan NP , , few JJ cattle NNS producers NNS really RB have VHP a DT grasp NN on IN their PP$ costs NNS of IN production NN . SENT Before IN joining VVG an DT alliance NN , , Hogan NP recommends VVZ first JJ finding NN out IN the DT carcass NN quality NN of IN your PP$ cattle NNS . SENT Retain VV a DT set NN of IN cattle NNS , , run VV them PP through RP to TO the DT rail NN and CC see VV how WRB they PP do VVP . SENT Once IN you've NN figured VVN out RP where WRB you PP are VBP and CC where WRB you PP want VVP to TO be VB , , pencil NN out IN what WP it PP will MD cost VV you PP to TO get VV there RB The DT key NN is VBZ to TO avoid VV discounts NNS . SENT If IN that DT means VVZ a DT rancher NN has VHZ to TO participate VV in IN an DT alliance NN to TO learn VV how WRB to TO do VV it PP , , then RB join VV one PP . SENT But CC in IN chasing VVG a DT premium NN , , don't JJ lose VVP sight NN of IN all PDT the DT other JJ efficiencies NNS . SENT That DT premium NN won't NN cover VV what WP you PP lose VVP . SENT Whether IN marketing NN through IN an DT alliance NN or CC outside JJ of IN one CD , , you're RB still RB a DT price NN taker NN and CC the DT only JJ way NN you PP can MD be VB profitable JJ is VBZ for IN production NN costs NNS to TO be VB lower JJR than IN your PP$ receipts NNS 7 CD . SENT Marketing NN Cooperatives NNS An DT increasingly RB common JJ type NN of IN alliance NN is VBZ the DT marketing NN cooperative NN . SENT A DT cooperative NN is VBZ a DT producer NN owned VVD , , democratically RB operated VVN business NN structure NN with IN written VVN by IN laws NNS . SENT Cooperative JJ marketing NN arrangements NNS among IN cattle NNS producers NNS often RB take VVP the DT form NN of IN packaging NN cattle NNS in IN pools NNS for IN sale NN . SENT Packaging NN means VVZ that DT cattle NNS are VBP merchandized VVN by IN putting VVG them PP into IN groups NNS with IN particular JJ characteristics NNS to TO meet VV the DT needs NNS of IN buyers NNS 8 CD . SENT While IN most JJS cattle NNS operations NNS in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT are VBP relatively RB small JJ , , the DT marketing NN system NN is VBZ geared VVN toward IN large JJ , , uniform JJ lots NNS of IN cattle NNS . SENT The DT number NN of IN cattle NNS in IN a DT lot NN influences VVZ the DT price NN buyers NNS are VBP willing JJ to TO pay VV . SENT The DT optimum JJ lot NN size NN for IN feeder NN cattle NNS sold VVN through IN a DT regular JJ ring NN auction NN is VBZ 50 CD 55 CD head NN . SENT for IN a DT video JJ auction NN the DT number NN rises VVZ to TO about RB 240 CD head NN . SENT Uniformity NN of IN weight NN and CC sex NN is VBZ also RB important JJ in IN getting VVG the DT best JJS price NN for IN a DT lot NN . SENT A DT study NN conducted VVN at IN Utah NP State NP University NP found VVD that IN buyers NNS at IN a DT video JJ auction NN paid VVD approximately RB 1 CD . SENT 70 CD cwt NN . SENT more RBR for IN uniform JJ lots NNS of IN cattle NNS than IN for IN lots NNS that WDT were VBD not RB sorted VVN by IN sex NN and CC weight NN . SENT This DT means VVZ that IN a DT 500 CD pound NN calf NN sold VVN in IN a DT uniform JJ lot NN would MD bring VV 8 CD . SENT 50 CD more JJR than IN a DT similar JJ animal NN sold VVN in IN a DT non JJ uniform NN lot NN 8 CD . SENT A DT Cooperative NN in IN Utah NP operates VVZ in IN basically RB the DT following VVG way NN . SENT 1 LS . SENT Each DT member NN of IN the DT co NP op NN indicates VVZ the DT number NN of IN steer NN and CC heifer NN calves NNS he PP or CC she PP will MD provide VV to TO the DT pool NN the DT coming JJ year NN . SENT This DT becomes VVZ a DT marketing NN agreement NN between IN the DT co NP op NN and CC the DT producer NN . SENT 2 LS . SENT The DT calves NNS are VBP pre NP priced VVN through IN a DT video JJ auction NN using VVG videos NNS and CC descriptions NNS of IN representative JJ calves NNS . SENT The DT calves NNS normally RB are VBP sold VVN in IN six CD pools NNS three CD for IN steers VVZ and CC three CD for IN heifers NNS , , based VVN on IN different JJ weights NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , the DT three CD steer NN pools NNS may MD have VH average JJ weights NNS of IN 450 CD lbs NNS . SENT , , 525 CD lbs NNS . SENT , , and CC 575 CD lbs NNS . SENT The DT pools NNS normally RB range VVP in IN size NN from IN 150 CD to TO 250 CD head NN . SENT Pre NP pricing NN through IN a DT video JJ auction NN eliminates VVZ the DT need NN to TO gather VV the DT cattle NNS to TO obtain VV bids NNS . SENT Producers NNS know VVP the DT day NN delivery NN will MD take VV place NN and CC the DT price NN they PP will MD receive VV before IN the DT cattle NNS come VVP off RP the DT range NN . SENT 3 LS . SENT On IN the DT day NN of IN delivery NN , , producers NNS are VBP responsible JJ for IN bringing VVG their PP$ calves NNS to TO the DT loading NN unloading VVG facilities NNS . SENT After IN unloading VVG , , the DT calves NNS are VBP brand NN inspected VVN and CC sorted VVN for IN different JJ pools NNS . SENT The DT sorted VVN groups NNS for IN each DT producer NN are VBP weighed VVN , , and CC then RB are VBP placed VVN into IN their PP$ respective JJ pools NNS . SENT Records NNS are VBP maintained VVN on IN the DT number NN and CC weights NNS of IN cattle NNS for IN each DT producer NN in IN each DT pool NN . SENT After IN the DT pool NN is VBZ completed VVN , , the DT cattle NNS are VBP loaded VVN and CC shipped VVN . SENT 4 LS . SENT The DT co NP op NN is VBZ paid VVN by IN the DT video JJ auction NN company NN and CC the DT co NP op NN issues NNS a DT check NN to TO each DT producer NN based VVN on IN the DT total JJ weight NN they PP contributed VVD to TO each DT calf NN pool NN . SENT Producers NNS in IN this DT cooperative NN believe VVP that IN pooling VVG has VHZ been VBN a DT very RB successful JJ method NN for IN them PP to TO increase VV the DT price NN they PP receive VVP for IN their PP$ calves NNS . SENT No DT members NNS of IN the DT co NP op NN have VHP more JJR than IN 200 CD mother NN cows NNS , , and CC some DT of IN the DT producers NNS have VHP fewer JJR than IN 10 CD calves NNS to TO contribute VV to TO the DT overall JJ pool NN 8 CD . SENT According VVG to TO the DT 1997 CD Census NP of IN Agriculture NP , , the DT majority NN of IN farms NNS with IN cattle NNS have VHP fewer JJR than IN 50 CD head NN of IN beef NN cows NNS 9 CD . SENT The DT average JJ cow NN calf NN operator NN , , after IN accounting NN for IN weaning VVG percentage NN and CC held VVN replacement NN heifers NNS , , probably RB has VHZ fewer JJR than IN 30 CD calves NNS to TO sell VV each DT year NN of IN both DT sexes NNS and CC with IN a DT range NN of IN weights NNS . SENT Packaging NN cattle NNS into IN uniform JJ lots NNS of IN optimum JJ size NN is VBZ therefore RB not RB possible JJ for IN most JJS cow NN calf NN operators NNS on IN an DT individual JJ basis NN 8 CD . SENT For IN the DT small JJ producer NN selling NN in IN the DT conventional JJ market NN , , a DT cooperative JJ calf NN pool NN is VBZ a DT great JJ way NN to TO get VV the DT best RBS possible JJ price NN . SENT It PP does VVZ require VV commitment NN , , time NN , , extra JJ work NN , , and CC , , obviously RB , , a DT willingness NN to TO cooperate VV with IN other JJ ranchers NNS . SENT For IN a DT co NP op NN to TO work VV , , rules NNS must MD be VB firm JJ , , fair JJ , , and CC strictly RB enforced VVN . SENT The DT rules NNS must MD set VV the DT quality NN standards NNS of IN the DT group NN . SENT any DT member NN whose WP$ cattle NNS do VVP not RB meet VV the DT standards NNS is VBZ not RB allowed VVN to TO sell VV through IN the DT co NP op NN . SENT The DT cooperative NN should MD be VB set VVN up RP as IN a DT corporation NN . SENT As IN Jay NP Nixon NP advises VVZ in IN Cowboy NP Marketing NP , , Each DT member NN should MD have VH a DT real JJ financial JJ stake NN in IN the DT co NP op NN , , money NN he PP took VVD out RP of IN his PP$ pocket NN and CC invested VVD up RP front NN , , the DT amount NN based VVN on IN the DT number NN of IN cattle NNS he PP will MD deliver VV for IN marketing VVG so RB that IN if IN the DT co NP op NN makes VVZ money NN , , each DT member NN is VBZ paid VVN according VVG to TO his PP$ interest NN 3 CD . SENT For IN detailed JJ information NN and CC assistance NN on IN forming VVG a DT cooperative JJ , , contact VV the DT USDA NP RBS NP Cooperative JJ Services NPS Program NP see VVP Resources NPS . SENT For IN a DT yellow JJ pages NNS of IN existing JJ alliances NNS , , contact NN . SENT BEEF NN Magazine NP 7900 CD International NP Dr NN . SENT , , Suite NP 300 CD Minneapolis NP , , MN NP 55425 CD Go VV To TO Top JJ Part NP Two CD . SENT Alternative JJ Marketing NN of IN Beef NN Niche NN Markets NP Corporate JJ consolidation NN in IN the DT beef NN industry NN has VHZ narrowed VVN the DT marketing NN options NNS for IN small JJ scale NN producers NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ increasingly RB hard JJ for IN the DT family NN ranch NN at IN the DT bottom NN of IN the DT food NN processing NN chain NN to TO maintain VV profits NNS at IN an DT acceptable JJ level NN . SENT This DT environment NN has VHZ pushed VVN many JJ ranchers NNS out IN of IN the DT business NN , , and CC inspired VVD others NNS to TO by RB pass VV the DT industry NN and CC market VV their PP$ own JJ products NNS . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , the DT industry NN has VHZ faced VVN a DT continuing VVG decline NN in IN beef NN consumption NN . SENT By IN the DT early JJ 1990 CD s PP , , chicken NN sales NNS had VHD surpassed VVN beef NN sales NNS for IN the DT first JJ time NN 2 CD . SENT Factors NNS in IN this DT decline NN in IN market NN share NN include VVP lifestyle NN changes NNS among IN consumers NNS , , health NN risks NNS associated VVN with IN beef NN fat NN and CC with IN red JJ meat NN in IN general JJ , , concerns NNS about IN use NN of IN hormones NNS , , steroids NNS , , and CC antibiotics NNS , , concerns NNS about IN bacterial JJ contamination NN , , and CC the DT inability NN of IN the DT consumer NN to TO purchase VV a DT consistent JJ , , quality NN product NN from IN the DT traditional JJ meat NN case NN 2 CD . SENT It PP is VBZ clear JJ that IN the DT industry NN is VBZ failing VVG to TO meet VV the DT demands NNS of IN a DT considerable JJ number NN of IN consumers NNS . SENT The DT successful JJ niche NN marketer NN will MD target VV those DT poorly RB served VVN consumers NNS , , identify VV their PP$ needs NNS , , and CC produce VV a DT consistent JJ , , high JJ quality NN product NN that WDT satisfies VVZ those DT needs NNS . SENT Alternative JJ beef NN marketing NN operations NNS typically RB describe VVP their PP$ product NN with IN some DT combination NN of IN the DT following VVG terms NNS . SENT lean JJ , , organic JJ , , natural JJ , , pasture NN finished VVD or CC grass NN fed NN , , or CC grass NN finished VVD . SENT Other JJ common JJ selling NN points NNS for IN alternative JJ beef NN include VVP no DT antibiotics NNS , , locally RB raised VVN , , family NN farm NN , , and CC humanely RB produced VVN . SENT Before IN a DT beef NN product NN can MD be VB labeled VVN with IN terms NNS that WDT denote VV uniqueness NN or CC superiority NN of IN some DT kind NN the DT producer NN must MD file VV an DT Animal JJ Production NN Claim NN with IN the DT Labeling VVG Review NP Branch NP of IN the DT USDA NP . SENT This DT involves VVZ submitting VVG a DT label NN application NN , , a DT prepared JJ manufactured JJ label NN including VVG the DT claim NN in IN question NN , , and CC an DT Operational JJ Protocol NP OP NN . SENT An DT OP NN must MD be VB in IN the DT producer's JJ own JJ words NNS and CC must MD state VV in IN detail NN how WRB the DT animals NNS are VBP raised VVN , , including VVG ration NN formulations NNS , , sick JJ animal NN protocol NN , , herd NN health NN management NN , , and CC other JJ facts NNS relating VVG to TO the DT proposed VVN claim NN e NN . SENT g NN . SENT , , no DT antibiotics NNS , , natural JJ , , organic JJ . SENT The DT term NN chemical NN free JJ is VBZ not RB allowed VVN to TO be VB used VVN on IN a DT label NN 2 CD . SENT For IN details NNS on IN submitting VVG an DT Animal JJ Production NN Claim NN , , including VVG specific JJ requirements NNS for IN the DT OP NN , , contact VV the DT Labeling VVG and CC Additives NNS Policy NP Division NP of IN FSIS NP see VVP Resources NPS . SENT Lean JJ beef NN While IN the DT industry NN has VHZ paid VVN some DT heed NN to TO the DT growing VVG consumer NN demand NN for IN lean JJ beef NN , , the DT existing JJ system NN is VBZ still RB based VVN on IN USDA NP standards NNS that WDT give VVP the DT best JJS grade NN to TO carcasses NNS with IN the DT most JJS marbling NN . SENT There EX is VBZ growing VVG agitation NN within IN the DT industry NN to TO reform VV the DT grading VVG process NN to TO better RBR reflect VV current JJ market NN trends NNS . SENT Jay NP Nixon NP addresses VVZ this DT issue NN in IN Cowboy NP Marketing NP . SENT I PP know VVP that IN many JJ cattlemen NNS consider VVP the DT current JJ diet NN fads NNS of IN the DT consumer NN , , our PP$ ultimate JJ customer NN , , as IN a DT passing VVG thing NN . SENT And CC many JJ of IN them PP are VBP . SENT But CC the DT most RBS rabid JJ prejudice NN those DT consumers NNS have VHP is VBZ against IN fat NN in IN their PP$ diets NNS . SENT This DT makes VVZ the DT marbling VVG standards NNS of IN the DT grading VVG system NN for IN beef NN a DT negative JJ factor NN in IN the DT marketing NN of IN the DT product NN To TO have VH a DT so RB called VVN Quality NP Grade NP based VVN solely RB on IN the DT single JJ factor NN that IN consumers NNS object VVP to TO most RBS strenuously RB is VBZ just RB plain RB stupid JJ . SENT And CC , , I PP don't VVD believe VV that IN this DT objection NN is VBZ just RB going VVG to TO go VV away RB 3 CD . SENT Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN Based VVN in IN Kentucky NP , , Laura's NP markets NNS lean VVP beef NN in IN nine CD states NNS and CC is VBZ endorsed VVN by IN the DT American NP Heart NP Association NP . SENT No DT preservatives NNS , , salts NNS , , or CC fillers NNS are VBP used VVN in IN packaging NN . SENT Started VVN in IN 1985 CD as IN a DT value NN adding VVG experiment NN to TO a DT family NN stocker NN operation NN , , by IN 1995 CD the DT company NN was VBD debt NN free JJ , , worth JJ 20 CD million CD , , and CC employing VVG 30 CD people NNS . SENT Today NN , , Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN is VBZ sold VVN in IN 2 CD , , 400 CD stores NNS in IN 30 CD states NNS . SENT Retail JJ sales NNS for IN 1999 CD are VBP expected VVN to TO top VV 55 CD million CD . SENT The DT company NN contracts NNS with IN family NN farms NNS to TO raise VV genetically RB lean JJ breeds NNS such JJ as IN Limousin NP and CC Charolais NP , , on IN natural NN feeds VVZ only RB , , with IN no DT routine JJ antibiotics NNS or CC hormone NN implants NNS . SENT Grazing NN , , particularly RB rotational JJ grazing NN , , is VBZ an DT important JJ part NN of IN their PP$ program NN , , as IN is VBZ low JJ stress NN handling NN of IN the DT animals NNS . SENT The DT cattle NNS are VBP pasture NN finished VVD , , with IN a DT quick JJ grain NN feed NN at IN the DT end NN . SENT As IN a DT high JJ volume NN commercial JJ business NN , , Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN is VBZ not RB suited VVN to TO working VVG with IN small JJ cow NN calf NN producers NNS on IN an DT individual JJ basis NN . SENT Like IN the DT beef NN inductry NN in IN general NN , , the DT company NN deals NNS with IN truckload NN lots NNS of IN uniform JJ weights NNS and CC breeding NN . SENT Small JJ producers NNS would MD need VV to TO create VV a DT cooperative JJ calf NN pool NN in IN order NN to TO work VV with IN the DT company NN , , which WDT does VVZ offer NN price NN protection NN to TO ranchers NNS with IN whom WP it PP contracts VVZ 10 CD . SENT Producers NNS interested VVN in IN the DT details NNS of IN Laura's NP cattle NNS program NN should MD visit VV the DT company's JJ website NN . SENT www JJ . SENT laurasleanbeef NN . SENT com NN forCattleProducers NNS . SENT See NP Resources NPS for IN further JJR contact NN info NN . SENT Lean JJ beef NN appeals NNS to TO more JJR than IN a DT niche NN market NN the DT mainstream JJ consumer NN trend NN is VBZ toward IN low JJ fat JJ and CC fat JJ free JJ foods NNS . SENT Though IN the DT industry NN has VHZ been VBN slow JJ to TO respond VV to TO this DT reality NN , , the DT grading VVG process NN will MD most RBS likely RB be VB changed VVN to TO accommodate VV production NN and CC marketing NN of IN lean JJ beef NN , , which WDT is VBZ defined VVN as IN having VHG 25 CD less JJR fat NN than IN the DT industry NN average NN . SENT While IN organic JJ and CC pasture NN finished VVD beef NN clearly RB represent VVP niche NN markets NNS , , lean JJ beef NN is VBZ suited VVN to TO the DT conventional JJ marketing NN structure NN . SENT Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN see VVP box NN is VBZ an DT example NN of IN a DT large JJ scale NN alliance NN that WDT combines VVZ an DT unconventional JJ product NN with IN conventional JJ marketing NN methods NNS . SENT The DT small JJ niche NN marketer NN probably RB cannot NN rely VVP on IN leanness NN alone RB as IN a DT selling NN point NN . SENT To TO compete VV with IN lower RBR priced VVN conventional JJ lean JJ beef NN , , other JJ qualities NNS lacking VVG in IN the DT mainstream JJ product NN will MD need VV to TO be VB highlighted VVN , , with IN an DT emphasis NN on IN customer NN service NN . SENT Organic JJ beef NN Until IN recently RB the DT USDA NP did VVD not RB permit VV organic JJ labels NNS for IN livestock NN products NNS , , pending VVG federal JJ standards NNS for IN organic JJ certification NN . SENT Even RB farm NN names NNS with IN the DT word NN organic JJ were VBD not RB permitted VVN on IN the DT label NN . SENT However RB , , in IN January NP 1999 CD the DT USDA NP approved VVD the DT use NN of IN a DT federal JJ label NN for IN the DT interstate JJ sale NN of IN organic JJ meat NN 11 CD . SENT As RB with IN other JJ labeling VVG claims NNS , , the DT organic JJ label NN must MD be VB evaluated VVN and CC approved VVN by IN the DT USDA's NP Food NP Safety NP Inspection NP Service NP FSIS NP . SENT An DT application NN must MD be VB submitted VVN , , accompanied VVN by IN the DT proposed VVN label NN and CC the DT documentation NN provided VVN by IN the DT certifying VVG organization NN . SENT In IN general JJ , , organizations NNS certifying VVG organic JJ beef NN have VHP the DT following VVG requirements NNS . SENT The DT calf NN must MD be VB born VVN of IN a DT certified JJ cow NN or CC in IN some DT cases NNS , , fed VVN organic JJ feed NN from IN 30 CD days NNS of IN age NN . SENT 100 CD of IN the DT feed NN must MD be VB certified VVN organic JJ . SENT The DT animal NN must MD be VB treated VVN humanely RB at IN all DT stages NNS . SENT Antibiotics NNS , , wormers NNS , , growth NN promoters NNS , , or CC insecticides NNS not RB on IN the DT program's JJ list NN of IN approved VVN natural JJ products NNS are VBP not RB permitted VVN animals NNS requiring VVG antibiotic JJ treatment NN must MD be VB marketed VVN through IN conventional JJ channels NNS . SENT The DT animal NN must MD be VB clearly RB identified VVN , , so RB as IN to TO be VB traceable JJ from IN birth NN to TO slaughter NN . SENT The DT National NP Organic NP Directory NN lists VVZ organic JJ beef NN buyers NNS and CC suppliers NNS around IN the DT country NN . SENT Some DT market NN conventionally RB . SENT others NNS direct JJ market NN . SENT See VV Resources NP for IN information NN on IN ordering VVG this DT publication NN . SENT For IN a DT more RBR detailed JJ discussion NN of IN organic JJ certification NN , , and CC a DT list NN of IN certifying VVG organizations NNS , , request VVP the DT ATTRA NP publication NN Organic NP Certification NN . SENT Natural JJ beef NN Coleman NP Natural NP Meats NNS Based VVN in IN Colorado NP , , Coleman NP is VBZ the DT nation's JJ largest JJS producer NN of IN certified JJ all DT natural JJ beef NN , , and CC the DT first JJ to TO receive VV a DT USDA NP natural JJ label NN . SENT Coleman NP contracts NNS with IN more JJR than IN 600 CD ranchers NNS throughout IN the DT West NP to TO produce VV meat NN without IN hormones NNS or CC antibiotics NNS , , and CC the DT vacuum NN packed VVD cuts NNS are VBP marketed VVN nationwide RB in IN many JJ natural JJ and CC mainstream JJ food NN stores NNS . SENT Coleman NP promotes VVZ itself PP as IN a DT steward NN of IN the DT environment NN , , educating VVG ranchers NNS about IN grazing NN practices NNS that WDT improve VVP range NN conditions NNS . SENT This DT appeals NNS to TO green JJ market NN customers NNS who WP seek VVP ecologically RB raised VVN products NNS . SENT Their PP$ meat NN production NN is VBZ advertised VVN as IN natural JJ , , humane JJ , , and CC unhurried JJ . SENT See VV Resources NP for IN contact NN information NN . SENT Under IN current JJ USDA NP policy NN , , meat NN may MD carry VV the DT natural JJ label NN if IN it PP contains VVZ no DT artificial JJ ingredients NNS color NN , , flavor NN , , preservatives NNS , , etc FW . SENT and CC is VBZ minimally RB processed VVN . SENT The DT label NN must MD explain VV the DT use NN of IN the DT term NN e NN . SENT g NN . SENT , , no RB added VVD colorings NNS or CC artificial JJ ingredients NNS or CC minimally RB processed VVN . SENT Natural JJ production NN methods NNS must MD be VB documented VVN . SENT In IN popular JJ usage NN , , the DT term NN natural NN commonly RB refers VVZ to TO beef VV that WDT has VHZ been VBN raised VVN mostly RB on IN pasture NN , , without IN routine JJ use NN of IN medication NN . SENT The DT feed NN is VBZ not RB necessarily RB organic JJ . SENT Pasture NN finished VVD beef VV The DT 1997 CD UC NP Davis NP report NN on IN Natural JJ Beef NN , , in IN summarizing VVG the DT history NN of IN beef NN finishing VVG in IN the DT U NP . SENT S PP . SENT , , notes VVZ that IN . SENT The DT feeding NN of IN high JJ energy NN , , grain NN based VVN diets NNS to TO beef VV animals NNS prior RB to TO marketing NN is VBZ a DT relatively RB new JJ phenomenon NN . SENT Prior RB to TO World NP War NP II NP , , beef NN was VBD primarily RB finished VVN on IN forage NN . SENT Beef NN animals NNS were VBD developed VVN relatively RB slowly RB on IN forage NN based VVN diets NNS , , were VBD significantly RB older JJR at IN slaughter NN , , and CC aged VVN post NN mortem NN to TO enhance VV tenderness NN The DT majority NN of IN these DT animals NNS were VBD marketed VVN through IN small JJ , , community NN based VVN packing NN plants NNS , , with IN the DT financial JJ rewards NNS for IN the DT production NN and CC marketing NN of IN the DT product NN remaining VVG in IN the DT local JJ economy NN 2 CD . SENT In IN recent JJ years NNS there EX has VHZ been VBN a DT resurgence NN of IN interest NN in IN pasture NN finishing VVG among IN North JJ American JJ graziers NNS . SENT The DT monthly JJ periodical NN The DT Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP is VBZ a DT forum NN for IN these DT new JJ pioneers NNS . SENT Its PP$ editor NN , , Allan NP Nation NP , , proposes VVZ that IN producers NNS of IN beef NN cattle NNS begin VVP to TO think VV of IN themselves PP as IN grass NN farmers NNS , , with IN pasture NN as IN their PP$ main JJ crop NN . SENT This DT is VBZ an DT idea NN whose WP$ time NN has VHZ come VVN , , though IN it PP is VBZ not RB a DT new JJ idea NN . SENT Nation NN quotes VVZ a DT classic JJ reference NN book NN , , Forages NNS , , published VVN in IN 1951 CD by IN Iowa NP State NP . SENT The DT grassland NN farmers NNS are VBP often RB craftsmen NNS in IN the DT culture NN and CC use NN of IN grass NN . SENT One PP takes VVZ into IN account NN soils NNS , , plants NNS , , animals NNS , , and CC interrelationships NNS . SENT Adequate JJ acreages NNS of IN adapted VVN grass NN legume NN combinations NNS are VBP provided VVN , , depending VVG upon IN soil NN needs NNS . SENT High JJ quality NN forages NNS are VBP emphasized VVN in IN livestock NN production NN , , with IN grains NNS supplementing VVG rather RB than IN dominating VVG the DT feeding NN practices NNS 12 CD . SENT The DT term NN grass NN farming NN reflects VVZ the DT fact NN that IN high JJ quality NN pasture NN is VBZ the DT prerequisite NN for IN healthy JJ animals NNS and CC healthy JJ profits NNS . SENT In IN 1997 CD The DT University NP of IN Missouri's NP Forage NN Systems NP Research NP Center NP completed VVD a DT five CD year NN study NN designed VVN to TO research VV the DT finishing VVG of IN beef NN cattle NNS on IN pasture NN without IN the DT use NN of IN a DT confinement NN feedlot NN 13 CD . SENT According VVG to TO one CD of IN the DT researchers NNS , , animal NN scientist NN Fred NP Martz NP , , What WP will MD push VV the DT practice NN of IN grass NN finishing VVG forward RB are VBP people NNS with IN environmental JJ concerns NNS . SENT Pasture NN finishing VVG won't NN ever RB totally RB replace VV feedlot NN finishing VVG , , but CC if IN we PP get VVP to TO a DT level NN of IN finishing VVG 25 CD of IN cattle NNS on IN pasture NN , , it PP would MD be VB a DT significant JJ change NN 14 CD . SENT To TO repeat VV a DT point NN made VVD above IN by IN Jay NP Nixon NP , , the DT wants VVZ and CC needs VVZ of IN beef NN eaters NNS the DT producer's NNS immediate JJ or CC ultimate JJ customer NN are VBP worth JJ considering VVG . SENT Who WP are VBP those DT people NNS with IN environmental JJ concerns NNS going VVG to TO buy VV their PP$ beef NN from IN . SENT Pasture NN finished VVD beef NN PFB NP is VBZ lean JJ beef NN . SENT Sometimes RB it PP is VBZ finished VVN entirely RB on IN pasture NN . SENT sometimes RB there EX is VBZ a DT short JJ period NN of IN grain NN feeding VVG as IN in IN the DT case NN of IN Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN . SENT The DT essential JJ elements NNS of IN high JJ quality JJ PFB NP are VBP high JJ quality NN pasture NN , , appropriate JJ genetics NNS , , young JJ slaughter NN age NN , , attention NN to TO factors NNS that WDT affect VVP flavor NN , , and CC aging VVG of IN the DT carcass NN . SENT High JJ quality NN pasture NN . SENT Bluegrass NN , , orchardgrass NN , , bromegrass NN , , endophyte NN free JJ tall JJ fescue NN with IN a DT 30 CD 50 CD component NN of IN legume NN should MD be VB considered VVN . SENT Alfalfa NN should MD not RB be VB overlooked VVN if IN your PP$ situation NN is VBZ suitable JJ for IN it PP . SENT Tall JJ fescue NN with IN high JJ levels NNS of IN endophyte NN infection NN will MD not RB work VV . SENT We PP need VVP animal JJ gains NNS of IN 2 CD . SENT 0 CD lbs NNS . SENT per IN day NN and CC dirty JJ fescue NN just RB won't VVD do VV it PP , , particularly RB in IN the DT summer NN Pastures NNS should MD be VB kept VVN vegetative JJ no DT seedheads NNS and CC 6 CD 10 CD inches NNS in IN height NN at IN turn NN in IN 15 CD . SENT Management NP intensive JJ rotational JJ grazing NN and CC other JJ resource NN efficient JJ grazing NN practices NNS are VBP recommended VVN . SENT Several JJ ATTRA NP publications NNS on IN rotational JJ grazing NN and CC other JJ grass NN farming NN topics NNS are VBP listed VVN in IN the DT Resources NP section NN . SENT Also RB be VB sure JJ to TO check VV with IN local JJ Extension NP and CC NRCS NP agents NNS . SENT Genetics NP . SENT Good JJ forage NN converting VVG genetics NN is VBZ important JJ . SENT This DT means NNS fast RB maturing VVG breeds NNS that WDT tend VVP to TO marble NN on IN pasture NN with IN a DT lower JJR amount NN of IN backfat NN . SENT Ontario NP agronomist NN Ann NP Clark NP recommends VVZ using VVG mainly RB medium NN framed VVN , , early RB maturing VVG British JJ breeds NNS 14 CD . SENT Smaller JJR frame NN British JJ cattle NNS are VBP well RB suited VVN to TO direct JJ marketing NN , , as IN families NNS may MD like VV the DT smaller JJR carcass NN size NN and CC smaller JJR cuts NNS of IN meat NN . SENT Research NN at IN the DT University NP of IN Missouri's NP Forage NN Systems NP Research NP Center NP found VVD that DT medium JJ frame NN cattle NNS that WDT finish VVP at IN 1050 CD 1200 CD lbs NNS . SENT work VV well RB for IN pasture NN finishing VVG 15 CD . SENT The DT researchers NNS used VVN Angus NP , , Gelbvieh NP , , and CC Hereford NP crosses VVZ . SENT Brahman NP influence NN is VBZ important JJ in IN the DT South NP for IN heat NN tolerance NN . SENT It PP is VBZ important JJ to TO note VV that DT large JJ frame NN cattle NNS bred VVN for IN feedlot NN finishing JJ will MD not RB work VV for IN PFB NP . SENT Young JJ slaughter NN age NN . SENT The DT most RBS important JJ issue NN related VVN to TO tenderness NN of IN beef NN is VBZ the DT age NN of IN the DT animal NN at IN slaughter NN . SENT Plan VVP to TO have VH pasture NN finished VVD cattle NNS ready JJ for IN slaughter NN at IN 16 CD 22 CD months NNS of IN age NN . SENT One CD problem NN associated VVN with IN PFB NP that WDT may MD be VB solved VVN by IN slaughtering VVG before IN 18 CD months NNS is VBZ yellow JJ fat NN . SENT This DT is VBZ a DT problem NN due JJ to TO public JJ perception NN that IN beef NN fat NN should MD be VB white JJ . SENT it PP is VBZ not RB a DT true JJ quality NN issue NN . SENT The DT yellow JJ color NN simply RB indicates VVZ a DT higher JJR level NN of IN beta JJ carotene NN precursor NN to TO vitamin NN A DT in IN the DT fat NN of IN animals NNS finished VVN on IN forage NN . SENT Yellow JJ fat NN on IN poultry NN and CC beef NN , , extremely RB orange JJ egg NN yolks NNS and CC naturally RB yellow JJ butter NN reflect VVP high JJ levels NNS of IN chlorophyll NN in IN the DT diet NN and CC low JJ levels NNS of IN saturated VVN fat JJ 16 CD . SENT A DT direct JJ marketer NN who WP educates VVZ customers NNS about IN yellow JJ fat NN might MD turn VV it PP into IN an DT asset NN indicating VVG a DT natural JJ , , nutritious JJ food NN . SENT In IN any DT case NN , , the DT consensus NN among IN producers NNS seems VVZ to TO be VB that IN if IN animals NNS are VBP slaughtered VVN within IN the DT 18 CD month NN age NN range NN , , fat NN will MD not RB appear VV yellow JJ . SENT Flavor NN . SENT The DT taste NN of IN grass NN fed NN beef NN differs VVZ from IN that IN of IN grain NN fed NN beef NN , , although IN the DT difference NN is VBZ most RBS often RB subtle JJ . SENT Studies NNS in IN Missouri NP and CC Alabama NP have VHP found VVN that IN consumers NNS could MD not RB distinguish VV between IN grain NN finished VVD beef NN and CC beef NN finished VVD on IN pasture NN . SENT Still RB , , PFB NP has VHZ a DT reputation NN for IN tasting VVG stronger JJR than IN grain NN finished VVD beef NN . SENT According VVG to TO researchers NNS at IN the DT University NP of IN California NP , , The DT flavor NN of IN the DT meat NN is VBZ directly RB linked VVN to TO the DT feed NN available JJ to TO the DT animal NN . SENT The DT traditional JJ grain NN fed NN product NN has VHZ the DT advantage NN of IN a DT consistent JJ feed NN that IN in IN turn NN produces VVZ a DT consistent JJ tasting VVG product NN . SENT Grass NN fed NN beef NN , , on IN the DT other JJ hand NN , , is VBZ reliant JJ on IN the DT native JJ forage NN available JJ The DT types NNS of IN grass NN can MD vary VV from IN field NN to TO field VV creating VVG a DT problem NN in IN flavor NN consistency NN of IN the DT meat NN 2 CD . SENT Grain NN supplementation NN on IN pasture NN or CC a DT short JJ period NN of IN grain NN feeding NN before IN slaughter NN can MD reduce VV or CC eliminate VV the DT stronger JJR taste NN of IN grass NN fed NN beef NN . SENT Also RB , , pastures NNS should MD be VB managed VVN to TO avoid VV plants NNS , , such JJ as IN onions NNS , , that WDT can MD impart VV an DT off JJ flavor NN . SENT PFB NP is VBZ definitely RB not RB synonymous JJ with IN bad JJ tasting VVG . SENT Members NNS of IN the DT Tallgrass NP Beef NN cooperative NN in IN Kansas NP find VVP that IN the DT flavor NN of IN their PP$ PFB NP is VBZ preferred JJ by IN their PP$ clientele NNS , , which WDT includes VVZ chefs NNS 14 CD . SENT Aging VVG of IN the DT carcass NN . SENT While IN researchers NNS in IN Missouri NP found VVD no DT off JJ flavors NNS in IN PFB NP , , the DT taste NN panel NN did VVD detect VV a DT lack NN of IN tenderness NN when WRB the DT meat NN was VBD tested VVN right RB after IN slaughtering VVG . SENT The DT researchers NNS re NN tested VVD the DT beef NN after IN it PP had VHD been VBN aged VVN for IN one CD , , three CD , , and CC five CD weeks NNS , , and CC found VVD that IN the DT PFB NP aged VVN three CD weeks NNS was VBD equal JJ in IN tenderness NN to TO feedlot NN finished VVD beef NN . SENT A DT PFB NP producer NN in IN New NP Hampshire NP , , who WP markets VVZ under IN his PP$ own JJ label NN , , allows VVZ his PP$ beef NN to TO hang VV four CD weeks NNS . SENT He PP feels VVZ that DT aging NN is VBZ very RB important JJ to TO quality NN . SENT Aging VVG also RB contributes VVZ to TO the DT characteristic JJ flavor NN associated VVN with IN beef NN . SENT As RB noted VVD earlier RBR , , the DT USDA NP grading VVG system NN is VBZ based VVN largely RB on IN marbling NN . SENT Because IN of IN this DT , , beef NN finished VVD on IN pasture NN tends VVZ to TO grade NN relatively RB poorly RB . SENT In IN a DT University NP of IN Georgia NP study NN that IN compared VVN carcass NN quality NN of IN PFB NP and CC feedlot NN finished VVD beef NN , , the DT USDA NP grades NNS were VBD split VVN as RB follows VVZ . SENT Grass NN fed VVD . SENT 15 CD Standard NP , , 70 CD Select NP , , 15 CD Choice NN Grain NN fed VVN . SENT 0 CD Standard NP , , 45 CD Select NP , , 55 CD Choice NN The DT taste NN panels NNS , , however RB , , detected VVD no DT difference NN in IN eating VVG quality NN between IN the DT two CD types NNS of IN beef NN . SENT Canadian JJ researcher NN Paul NP McCaughey NP comments NNS , , The DT taste NN panel NN work NN we've NN done VVN shows NNS there EX are VBP many JJ factors NNS affecting VVG eating JJ quality NN apart RB from IN marbling NN . SENT In IN fact NN , , USDA NP experiments NNS have VHP shown VVN that IN marbling VVG accounts NNS for IN only RB about IN 5 CD of IN beef's NNS eating VVG quality NN yet CC marbling NN is VBZ what WP we PP base VVP our PP$ entire JJ grading VVG systems NNS on IN 14 CD . SENT It PP is VBZ clear JJ that IN PFB NP sold VVD conventionally RB under IN the DT present JJ grading VVG system NN will MD take VV a DT price NN kicking VVG to TO the DT tune NN of IN 220 CD head NN , , or CC up RB to TO a DT 24 CD lb NN . SENT discount NN . SENT However RB , , this DT loss NN may MD be VB offset VVN by IN cost NN of IN gain NN savings NNS . SENT The DT five CD year NN research NN project NN in IN Missouri NP showed VVD cost NN of IN gain NN for IN grass NN finished VVD cattle NNS to TO be VB as RB low JJ as IN 27 CD cwt NN . SENT , , compared VVN to TO 60 CD cwt NN . SENT for IN feedlot NN cattle NNS . SENT Land NP , , labor NN , , interest NN , , feed NN , , and CC all DT other JJ variable JJ costs NNS were VBD included VVN 14 CD . SENT The DT Missouri NP researchers NNS concluded VVD that IN cattle NNS can MD be VB finished VVN on IN pasture NN and CC the DT resulting VVG beef NN will MD be VB acceptable JJ for IN the DT conventional JJ meat NN trade NN The DT use NN of IN maximum JJ inputs NNS of IN pasture NN into IN the DT finishing VVG of IN beef NN will MD usually RB result VV in IN the DT most RBS economic JJ gains NNS as RB long RB as IN cattle NNS are VBP taken VVN to TO a DT level NN of IN finish NN to TO grade NN Choice NP and NP or CC Select NP and CC market NN discounts NNS are VBP avoided VVN 13 CD . SENT But CC until IN the DT conventional JJ market NN learns VVZ to TO deal VV rationally RB with IN PFB NP , , alternative JJ marketing NN structures NNS are VBP better RBR suited VVN to TO this DT premium NN product NN . SENT Rather RB than IN being VBG graded VVN and CC sold VVN on IN the DT hoof NN , , PFB NP is VBZ typically RB custom NN processed JJ and CC direct JJ marketed VVN to TO consumers NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ plenty NN of IN evidence NN that IN grass NN finished VVD beef NN is VBZ more RBR nutritious JJ and CC healthful JJ than IN grain NN fed NN beef NN , , and CC the DT case NN is VBZ presented VVN definitively RB by IN Jo NP Robinson NP in IN her PP$ recent JJ book NN , , Why WRB Grassfed NP Is VBZ Best JJS . SENT All DT PFB NP producers NNS should MD read VV this DT book NN , , and CC then RB use VV it PP as IN a DT reference NN for IN educating VVG customers NNS . SENT See VV Resources NP for IN ordering VVG information NN . SENT Direct JJ marketing NN Before IN beginning VVG an DT alternative JJ marketing NN enterprise NN , , it PP is VBZ crucial JJ to TO understand VV the DT differences NNS between IN commodity NN marketing NN and CC direct JJ marketing NN . SENT Allan NP Nation NP , , editor NN of IN Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP , , has VHZ stated VVN , , A DT commodity NN orientation NN means VVZ that IN as RB long JJ as IN you PP meet VVP the DT specs NNS and CC can MD stand VV the DT price NN you PP pretty RB much RB tell VV everyone NN else RB to TO go VV fly VV a DT kite NN . SENT Such PDT a DT selfish JJ attitude NN absolutely RB will MD not RB work VV in IN direct JJ marketing NN In IN the DT U NP . SENT S PP . SENT , , consumers NNS expect VVP an DT attitude NN of IN deference NN and CC responsiveness NN to TO their PP$ wants VVZ and CC needs VVZ . SENT If IN you PP are VBP unable JJ or CC unwilling JJ to TO develop VV or CC convincingly RB fake JJ such PDT an DT attitude NN , , stay VVP in IN commodity NN priced VVN agriculture NN . SENT However RB , , if IN you PP see VVP service NN to TO others NNS as IN a DT noble JJ calling NN , , don't NP let VVD the DT lack NN of IN specific JJ marketing NN or CC production NN skills NNS deter VVP you PP . SENT Aptitudes NNS are VBP rather RB easily RB learned VVN . SENT It PP is VBZ our PP$ attitudes NNS that WDT are VBP difficult JJ to TO change VV and CC that IN most RBS often RB determine VV our PP$ fate NN 17 CD . SENT Direct JJ marketing NN brings VVZ the DT producer NN and CC the DT consumer NN together RB in IN a DT way NN that IN the DT mass JJ market NN cannot NN , , and CC this DT is VBZ its PP$ greatest JJS strength NN and CC advantage NN . SENT Direct JJ marketing NN is VBZ relationship NN marketing NN . SENT The DT first JJ step NN in IN building VVG the DT relationship NN is VBZ identifying VVG your PP$ customers NNS , , who WP will MD not RB be VB just RB anybody NN . SENT Your PP$ customer NN base NN will MD consist VV of IN folks NNS who WP desire VVP a DT special JJ product NN , , and CC their PP$ needs NNS should MD be VB your PP$ first JJ consideration NN , , before IN you PP actually RB develop VV your PP$ product NN . SENT First RB , , talk VV to TO potential JJ customers NNS one NN at IN a DT time NN . SENT Find VV out RP what WP characteristics NNS they PP value VVP most JJS in IN a DT premium NN beef NN product NN high JJ quality NN , , low JJ price NN , , leanness NN , , organic JJ or CC natural JJ production NN , , home NN delivery NN , , particular JJ cuts NNS , , and CC so RB on IN . SENT Develop VV a DT brand NN name NN and CC a DT marketing NN packaging NN strategy NN that WDT capture VV the DT most RBS important JJ of IN these DT elements NNS and CC preview NN your PP$ brand NN to TO your PP$ intended JJ customers NNS . SENT When WRB you PP feel VVP you PP have VHP the DT right JJ combination NN to TO appeal VV to TO your PP$ niche NN market NN , , then RB develop VV the DT actual JJ product NN . SENT This DT approach NN can MD conserve VV resources NNS , , including VVG your PP$ limited JJ capital NN . SENT It PP is VBZ both DT risky JJ and CC inefficient JJ to TO develop VV a DT product NN first RB and CC then RB try VV to TO find VV a DT market NN for IN it PP . SENT Remember VV that IN the DT product NN is VBZ much RB more JJR than IN the DT beef NN itself PP . SENT the DT product NN is VBZ also RB service NN , , packaging NN , , your PP$ farm's NNS identity NN , , your PP$ production NN philosophy NN , , and CC even RB price NN . SENT For IN your PP$ product NN to TO stand VV out RP from IN the DT competition NN and CC attract VV repeat NN customers NNS , , it PP must MD be VB carefully RB differentiated VVN from IN other JJ types NNS and CC brands NNS of IN beef NN . SENT Take VV time NN in IN developing VVG your PP$ beef NN product NN and CC working VVG the DT kinks NNS out RP of IN the DT production NN process NN . SENT Begin VV by IN making VVG the DT product NN for IN yourself PP and CC your PP$ family NN . SENT Next JJ , , produce VV it PP for IN your PP$ friends NNS who WP have VHP tried VVN it PP , , liked VVD it PP , , and CC asked VVD for IN it PP . SENT The DT last JJ step NN should MD be VB marketing VVG to TO consumers NNS . SENT Allan NP Nation NP writes VVZ , , If IN you PP are VBP considering VVG getting VVG into IN direct JJ marketing NN , , don't NP bet VVD the DT farm NN on IN it PP . SENT Keep VV doing VVG what WP you PP are VBP doing VVG for IN a DT living NN and CC start VV learning VVG and CC experimenting VVG on IN a DT small JJ scale NN T NN he PP best RBS guinea NN pig NN for IN this DT period NN of IN trial NN and CC error NN is VBZ yourself PP , , your PP$ family NN and CC your PP$ friends NNS . SENT If IN your PP$ family NN and CC friends NNS are VBP not RB crazy JJ about IN your PP$ grass NN fed NN steaks NNS and CC don't NN request NN more RBR , , you PP are VBP still RB in IN your PP$ apprenticeship NN period NN and CC are VBP not RB yet RB ready JJ to TO be VB in IN business NN . SENT Don't NP try VVP selling VVG anything NN that IN you PP yourself PP are VBP not RB completely RB satisfied VVN with IN . SENT A DT new JJ business NN needs VVZ virtually RB 100 CD customer NN satisfaction NN from IN day NN one CD to TO survive VV . SENT This DT is VBZ because IN any DT new JJ business NN is VBZ necessarily RB drawing VVG from IN a DT very RB small JJ customer NN base NN 17 CD . SENT The DT authors NNS of IN the DT University NP of IN California NP study NN , , Natural JJ Beef NN . SENT Consumer NN Acceptability NN , , Market NP Development NP and CC Economics NP , , recommend VVP transferring VVG only RB a DT portion NN of IN your PP$ cattle NNS production NN into IN the DT new JJ system NN at IN first JJ . SENT This DT will MD give VV you PP an DT opportunity NN to TO learn VV the DT ups NNS and CC downs NNS of IN alternative JJ marketing NN while IN putting VVG only RB a DT small JJ percentage NN of IN your PP$ income NN at IN risk NN . SENT Diversify VV your PP$ production NN a DT portion NN at IN a DT time NN , , increasing VVG the DT number NN of IN animals NNS in IN the DT new JJ system NN as IN you PP develop VVP retail JJ skills NNS and CC market NN connections NNS 2 CD . SENT While IN you PP have VHP relationship NN marketing NN on IN your PP$ side NN , , the DT major JJ beef NN packers NNS have VHP economy NN of IN scale NN on IN theirs PP . SENT Since IN you PP will MD not RB be VB able JJ to TO compete VV with IN mainstream JJ beef NN producers NNS in IN terms NNS of IN price NN , , you PP must MD determine VV the DT appropriate JJ premium NN to TO place VV on IN your PP$ product NN . SENT Pricing NN is VBZ a DT critical JJ and CC difficult JJ task NN , , and CC under IN pricing NN is VBZ a DT common JJ pitfall NN . SENT The DT price NN has VHZ to TO cover VV costs NNS of IN production NN , , re IN capitalization NN of IN the DT enterprise NN , , and CC an DT acceptable JJ profit NN . SENT Profit NN should MD be VB planned VVN for IN at IN the DT outset NN . SENT If IN profit NN is VBZ thought VVN of IN as RB whatever WDT is VBZ left VVN over IN there EX will MD probably RB be VB no DT profit NN . SENT At IN the DT same JJ time NN , , an DT over RB priced VVN product NN will MD not RB sell VV . SENT Your PP$ initial JJ market NN research NN should MD determine VV market NN size NN , , market NN share NN , , and CC the DT price NN your PP$ niche NN consumer NN is VBZ willing JJ to TO pay VV for IN premium NN beef NN . SENT Is VBZ that DT price NN sufficient JJ to TO make VV this DT a DT profitable JJ venture NN . SENT Joel NP Salatin NP , , a DT nationally RB recognized VVN grazier NN in IN Virginia NP , , has VHZ been VBN very RB successful JJ at IN raising VVG and CC marketing VVG pasture NN finished VVD beef NN . SENT He PP gains VVZ 200 CD 300 CD head NN net NN by IN direct JJ marketing NN to TO 400 CD regular JJ customers NNS 16 CD . SENT His PP$ book NN Salad NN Bar NP Beef NN presents VVZ a DT proven JJ production NN and CC marketing NN system NN that WDT can MD make VV an DT excellent JJ profit NN from IN a DT small JJ cow NN herd NN regardless RB of IN the DT commodity NN price NN of IN calves NNS . SENT Salad NN bar NN beef NN is VBZ Salatin's NP consumer NN friendly JJ term NN for IN lean JJ , , healthy JJ , , tasty JJ meat NN raised VVD locally RB on IN fresh JJ , , high JJ quality NN pasture NN . SENT Salatin NP describes VVZ a DT three CD pronged JJ approach NN to TO developing VVG a DT clientele NN for IN this DT type NN of IN beef NN . SENT Samples NNS . SENT We PP knew VVD that IN the DT only JJ way NN to TO get VV people NNS to TO buy VV salad NN bar NN beef NN was VBD to TO get VV it PP into IN their PP$ mouths NNS . SENT We PP gave VVD samples NNS to TO anyone NN we PP thought VVD might MD be VB interested VVN . SENT Over IN the DT years NNS , , we've NN never RB given VVN anything NN away RB that IN didn't NN come VVP back RB fourfold RB Free JJ samples NNS are VBP one CD of IN the DT underpinnings NN of IN successful JJ marketing NN . SENT We PP found VVD a DT tremendous JJ prejudice NN to TO non JJ grain NN beef NN . SENT People NNS by IN and CC large JJ just RB knew VVD it PP would MD be VB tough JJ , , stringy JJ and CC gamey JJ . SENT To TO overcome VV that IN , , we PP had VHD to TO introduce VV them PP to TO it PP without IN any DT risk NN . SENT The DT response NN has VHZ always RB been VBN tremendous JJ to TO this DT technique NN . SENT Education NN . SENT We PP put VVD together RB a DT slide NN program NN about IN our PP$ farm NN , , titled VVD it PP Environmentally RB Enhancing VVG Agriculture NP or CC whatever WDT the DT group NN wanted VVD to TO call VV it PP , , and CC began VVD making VVG presentations NNS for IN local JJ organizations NNS such JJ as IN Rotary JJ , , Kiwanis NP , , Women's NP Clubs NP , , Garden NP Clubs NPS , , and CC American NP Association NP of IN Retired NP Persons NP AARP NP . SENT The DT program NN is VBZ educational JJ , , not RB a DT sales NNS pitch NN . SENT But CC at IN the DT end NN , , quite RB innocently RB , , I'll NP say VVP , , Now RB if IN any DT of IN you PP would MD like VV to TO participate VV in IN this DT type NN of IN agriculture NN , , I PP happen VVP to TO have VH some DT order NN blanks VVZ with IN me PP and CC you're NNS welcome VVP to TO sign VV up RP . SENT Other JJ educational JJ methods NNS include VVP brochures NNS , , newsletters NNS , , newspaper NN articles NNS , , and CC one CD on IN one CD conversations NNS . SENT It PP is VBZ up RB to TO you PP to TO educate VV potential JJ customers NNS on IN how WRB and CC why WRB your PP$ beef NN is VBZ different JJ and CC better RBR than IN the DT conventional JJ product NN . SENT Education NP should MD include VV instructions NNS on IN proper JJ cooking NN as IN well RB . SENT Salatin NP points VVZ out RP that IN the DT common JJ fast JJ cooking NN methods NNS are VBP suited VVN to TO marbled JJ USDA NP Choice NN , , but CC not RB to TO grass NN fed NN lean JJ beef NN . SENT He PP recommends VVZ slow VV cooking VVG his PP$ beef NN for IN the DT best JJS taste NN , , greater JJR tenderness NN , , and CC improved JJ digestibility NN . SENT Customer NN Appreciation NN . SENT This DT gets VVZ to TO the DT heart NN of IN relationship NN marketing NN . SENT When WRB the DT consumer NN knows VVZ and CC trusts VVZ the DT producer NN personally RB , , the DT relationship NN built VVN between IN them PP is VBZ not RB easily RB broken VVN . SENT Good JJ sellers NNS know VVP and CC use VVP their PP$ customers NNS names NNS . SENT Loyalty NN helps VVZ bring VV in IN repeat NN customers NNS . SENT The DT greater JJR the DT loyalty NN and CC satisfaction NN , , the DT higher JJR the DT likelihood NN of IN repeat NN business NN even RB though IN beef NN may MD be VB available JJ at IN the DT grocery NN store NN at IN a DT cheaper JJR price NN . SENT The DT two CD things NNS supermarkets NNS cannot NN do VV is VBZ provide VV high JJ quality NN food NN and CC offer VV a DT relationship NN . SENT By IN giving VVG detailed JJ , , personal JJ service NN to TO his PP$ customers NNS , , Salatin NP ensures VVZ that IN they PP will MD spread VV the DT word NN about IN his PP$ product NN 16 CD . SENT Salad NN Bar NN Beef NN is VBZ recommended VVN reading NN for IN anyone NN considering VVG alternative JJ beef NN marketing NN . SENT It PP covers VVZ both DT production NN and CC marketing NN topics NNS , , all RB from IN the DT perspective NN of IN a DT successful JJ alternative JJ beef NN operation NN . SENT See VV the DT Resources NP section NN for IN ordering VVG information NN . SENT Salatin NP sells VVZ his PP$ beef NN and CC other JJ farm NN products NNS direct JJ from IN the DT farm NN , , taking VVG orders NNS once IN a DT year NN by IN mail NN and CC phone NN . SENT Other JJ potential JJ outlets NNS for IN direct JJ sales NNS to TO consumers NNS include VVP farmers NNS markets NNS and CC local JJ grocery NN or CC health NN food NN stores NNS interested VVN in IN carrying VVG farm NN fresh JJ products NNS . SENT Stores NNS , , however RB , , are VBP usually RB uninterested JJ unless IN you PP can MD ensure VV a DT steady JJ supply NN . SENT Finer JJR restaurants NNS constitute VVP another DT possible JJ outlet NN . SENT Many JJ chefs NNS appreciate VVP the DT flavor NN and CC freshness NN of IN locally RB raised VVN , , grass NN fed NN beef NN . SENT Some DT restaurants NNS have VHP developed VVN informational JJ packets NNS on IN where WRB their PP$ ingredients NNS come VVP from IN , , to TO build VV rapport NN with IN customers NNS and CC set VV the DT restaurant NN apart RB from IN other JJ dining NN experiences VVZ 2 CD . SENT Quality NN and CC consistency NN will MD be VB this DT market's JJ main JJ concerns NNS . SENT Chefs NNS may MD be VB interested VVN in IN prime JJ cuts NNS as IN the DT majority NN of IN their PP$ purchase NN , , making VVG it PP necessary JJ to TO develop VV other JJ marketing NN outlets NNS for IN hamburger NN and CC roasts NNS . SENT Marketing VVG to TO restaurants NNS may MD provide VV the DT greatest JJS return NN on IN investment NN for IN primal JJ cuts NNS , , but CC is VBZ generally RB smaller JJR in IN volume NN and CC requires VVZ more JJR work NN per IN unit NN of IN sales NNS 2 CD . SENT Taking VVG your PP$ operation NN from IN live JJ sales NNS to TO marketing NN of IN meat NN may MD require VV changes NNS in IN your PP$ production NN focus NN . SENT Inventory NN management NN will MD be VB a DT primary JJ issue NN . SENT Beef NN producers NNS who WP have VHP had VHN a DT short JJ calving VVG and CC marketing VVG period NN for IN the DT sake NN of IN efficiency NN may MD have VH to TO time VV production NN to TO match VV variable JJ consumer NN demand NN . SENT Restaurants NNS often RB have VHP a DT highly RB variable JJ demand NN for IN product NN , , so RB that IN you PP may MD either RB have VH to TO carry VV inventory NN or CC be VB able JJ to TO move VV products NNS quickly RB from IN live VV to TO useable JJ form NN . SENT Selling VVG directly RB to TO consumers NNS as IN Salatin NP does VVZ could MD allow VV you PP to TO focus VV on IN seasonal JJ production NN . SENT Freezing NN beef NN increases VVZ the DT ability NN to TO manage VV inventory NN , , but CC adds VVZ storage NN charges NNS to TO the DT cost NN of IN production NN . SENT Generally RB , , the DT larger JJR the DT scope NN of IN your PP$ enterprise NN and CC the DT more JJR outlets NNS you PP have VHP , , the DT less RBR challenging JJ inventory NN management NN will MD be VB 2 CD . SENT This DT section NN is VBZ intended VVN only RB as IN an DT introduction NN to TO some DT aspects NNS of IN direct JJ marketing NN of IN beef NN . SENT ATTRA's NP Direct NP Marketing NP publication NN provides VVZ more RBR detailed JJ information NN on IN enterprise NN evaluation NN , , marketing NN research NN and CC planning NN , , promotion NN and CC publicity NN , , pricing NN and CC profitability NN , , and CC direct JJ market NN alternatives NNS . SENT Also RB refer VV to TO the DT Resources NP section NN of IN the DT present JJ document NN , , which WDT includes VVZ sources NNS of IN information NN and CC assistance NN for IN creating VVG a DT small JJ business NN , , as RB well RB as IN contact NN information NN for IN beef NN producers NNS who WP direct JJ market NN . SENT Your PP$ best JJS resource NN for IN information NN and CC inspiration NN is VBZ fellow JJ producers NNS , , whose WP$ experience NN can MD save VV you PP many JJ surprises NNS and CC missteps NNS . SENT Legal JJ Considerations NNS Marketing NP activities NNS are VBP affected VVN by IN a DT wide JJ variety NN of IN laws NNS and CC regulations NNS at IN federal JJ , , state NN , , county NN , , and CC city NN levels NNS . SENT While IN regulations NNS vary VVP by IN type NN of IN enterprise NN and CC location NN , , there EX are VBP some DT general JJ rules NNS to TO be VB aware JJ of IN in IN all DT areas NNS of IN direct JJ marketing NN . SENT Some DT of IN these DT legal JJ considerations NNS include VVP the DT type NN of IN business NN organization NN sole JJ proprietorship NN , , partnership NN , , etc FW . SENT , , zoning VVG ordinances NNS , , small JJ business NN licenses NNS , , building VVG codes NNS and CC permits NNS , , weights NNS and CC measures NNS , , federal JJ and CC state NN business NN tax NN issues NNS , , sanitation NN permits NNS and CC inspection NN , , food NN processors NNS permits NNS , , and CC many JJ , , many JJ others NNS . SENT If IN you PP plan VVP to TO employ VV workers NNS , , there EX will MD be VB still RB more JJR requirements NNS to TO meet VV , , such JJ as IN getting VVG an DT employer NN tax NN identification NN from IN the DT IRS NP and CC getting VVG state NN workman's NNS comp NN insurance NN . SENT Environmental JJ laws NNS are VBP also RB becoming VVG increasingly RB important JJ to TO farmers NNS . SENT Always RB check NN with IN local JJ , , state NN , , and CC federal JJ authorities NNS before IN trying VVG to TO market VV any DT food NN product NN . SENT Processed JJ foods NNS are VBP heavily RB regulated VVN to TO protect VV public JJ health NN . SENT Stay NN informed VVD , , since IN rules NNS and CC regulations NNS change VVP often RB , , and CC keep VV good JJ records NNS to TO prove VV that DT you're NN in IN compliance NN . SENT Adequate JJ insurance NN coverage NN is VBZ essential JJ . SENT The DT closer RBR you PP get VVP to TO the DT consumer NN direct JJ marketing NN , , the DT higher JJR the DT liability NN risk NN 2 CD . SENT Insurance NN that IN every DT operator NN should MD have VH includes VVZ liability NN insurance NN for IN your PP$ product NN and CC your PP$ premises NNS , , employer's NNS liability NN insurance NN to TO protect VV you PP if IN employees NNS are VBP injured VVN , , and CC damage NN insurance NN to TO protect VV against IN loss NN of IN building NN , , merchandise NN , , and CC other JJ property NN . SENT General JJ comprehensive JJ farm NN liability NN insurance NN often RB does VVZ not RB cover VV on IN farm NN marketing NN or CC direct JJ marketing NN operations NNS . SENT See VV Resources NP for IN information NN on IN The DT Legal NP Guide NP for IN Direct NP Farm NP Marketing NP by IN Neil NP Hamilton NP of IN Drake NP University NP Law NP School NP , , a DT comprehensive JJ primer NN on IN the DT many JJ legal JJ issues NNS that WDT surround VVP direct JJ marketing NN of IN agricultural JJ products NNS . SENT Processing NN and CC packaging NN Processing NP is VBZ an DT important JJ consideration NN for IN direct JJ marketers NNS . SENT Custom NN facilities NNS are VBP generally RB cheaper JJR to TO use VV . SENT Large JJ commercial NN , , federally RB inspected VVN plants NNS may MD not RB be VB geared VVN to TO do VV custom NN butchering VVG for IN the DT small JJ beef NN producer NN . SENT Producers NNS should MD contact VV their PP$ state NN department NN of IN agriculture NN for IN regulations NNS about IN meat NN processing NN and CC sale NN to TO the DT public NN . SENT Beef NN must MD be VB slaughtered VVN and CC inspected VVN at IN a DT federal JJ or CC state NN approved VVD facility NN in IN order NN to TO be VB sold VVN to TO individuals NNS , , as RB in IN the DT freezer NN beef NN trade NN , , or CC to TO restaurants NNS . SENT If IN beef NN is VBZ processed VVN at IN a DT custom NN facility NN that WDT is VBZ not RB federally RB or CC state NN inspected VVN , , then RB it PP can MD only RB be VB sold VVN prior RB to TO slaughter NN 15 CD . SENT This DT means VVZ the DT cattle NNS must MD be VB sold VVN by IN the DT head NN or CC by IN liveweight NN , , which WDT doesn't VVD account NN for IN wide JJ variations NNS in IN dress NN out IN percentages NNS between IN animals NNS . SENT Joel NP Salatin NP deals NNS with IN this DT dilemma NN by IN selling VVG his PP$ animals NNS for IN 1 CD per IN head NN and CC then RB adding VVG shipping NN and CC handling NN charges NNS based VVN on IN carcass NN weight NN . SENT However RB , , we PP cannot NN recommend VV this DT practice NN . SENT The DT liability NN risk NN involved VVN should MD not RB be VB underestimated VVN . SENT Producers NNS considering VVG constructing VVG their PP$ own JJ slaughtering VVG and CC processing VVG facility NN should MD remember VV that IN it PP is VBZ very RB important JJ to TO comply VV with IN federal JJ , , state NN , , and CC local JJ regulations NNS for IN processing VVG the DT axiom NN ignorance NN is VBZ not RB an DT excuse NN applies VVZ here RB . SENT Farmers NNS who WP intend VVP to TO process VV on IN farm NN should MD be VB aware JJ of IN all DT federal JJ , , state NN , , and CC local JJ regulations NNS . SENT Your PP$ state NN departments NNS of IN agriculture NN and CC health NN will MD have VH information NN about IN regulations NNS . SENT Your PP$ county NN Extension NP office NN should MD be VB able JJ to TO direct VV you PP to TO the DT county NN agencies NNS that IN regulat JJ zoning NN , , health NN , , and CC other JJ local JJ regulations NNS . SENT Production NN Note NN . SENT To TO castrate VV or CC not RB to TO castrate VV . SENT Some DT producers NNS who WP direct JJ market NN do VVP not RB castrate VV their PP$ bulls NNS producers NNS who WP market NN conventionally RB do VVP castrate VV since IN they PP get VVP docked VVN for IN intact JJ males NNS . SENT Bulls NNS put VVD on IN weight NN 17 CD faster RBR than IN steers VVZ and CC make VV leaner JJR gains NNS , , giving VVG them PP a DT higher JJR dressing VVG percentage NN . SENT However RB , , they PP may MD need VV to TO be VB slaughtered VVN young JJ by IN 18 CD months NNS to TO minimize VV gristle NN , , and CC run VV in IN a DT separate JJ herd NN to TO prevent VV unplanned JJ breeding NN . SENT But CC separating VVG the DT herd NN may MD not RB be VB convenient JJ . SENT Joel NP Salatin NP , , for IN example NN , , chooses VVZ to TO castrate VV so RB that IN he PP can MD run VV all PDT his PP$ cattle NNS in IN one CD herd NN . SENT In IN 1996 CD , , the DT USDA's NP Food NP Safety NP and CC Inspection NP Service NP FSIS NP announced VVD implementation NN of IN new JJ rules NNS meant VVD to TO ensure VV the DT safety NN of IN meat NN products NNS . SENT A DT major JJ component NN of IN the DT regulations NNS is VBZ the DT Pathogen NN Reduction NP Hazard NP Analysis NP and CC Critical JJ Control NP Points NP HACCP NP system NN . SENT FSIS NP works VVZ with IN small JJ and CC very RB small JJ processing NN plants NNS to TO make VV sure RB they PP comply VV with IN the DT HACCP NP . SENT All DT facilities NNS must MD comply VV by IN January NP 25 CD , , 2000 CD . SENT To TO learn VV more JJR about IN HACCP NP mandates NNS , , or CC to TO obtain VV copies NNS of IN FSIS NP developed VVD models NNS for IN designing VVG HACCP NP compliant JJ small JJ facilities NNS at IN the DT least JJS cost NN , , contact NN FSIS NN see VVP Resources NPS for IN contact NN information NN . SENT Retail JJ and CC individual JJ meat NN sales NNS require VVP packaging NN in IN accordance NN with IN state NN food NN laws NNS . SENT Since IN good JJ packaging NN enhances VVZ sales NNS , , label NN design NN and CC presentation NN are VBP important JJ . SENT Vacuum NN packaging NN provides VVZ superior JJ product NN protection NN as IN compared VVN to TO hand VV wrapping NN . SENT Feeding VVG high JJ levels NNS of IN Vitamin NN E NN for IN two CD weeks NNS prior RB to TO slaughter NN increases NNS the DT shelf NN life NN of IN meat NN 2 CD . SENT Cooperatives NNS for IN alternative JJ beef NN marketing NN Co NP op NN marketing NN can MD be VB adapted VVN to TO alternative JJ markets NNS . SENT A DT great JJ example NN is VBZ the DT CROPP NP cooperative NN , , which WDT markets VVZ certified JJ organic JJ dairy NN , , eggs NNS , , produce VV , , and CC meats NNS nationally RB under IN its PP$ Organic NP Valley NP brand NN name NN . SENT Formed VVN in IN 1988 CD , , CROPP NP is VBZ now RB the DT largest JJS producer NN of IN organic JJ dairy NN products NNS in IN the DT U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Among IN the DT more JJR recent JJ additions NNS to TO their PP$ product NN line NN is VBZ pasture NN finished JJ beef NN . SENT CROPP NP is VBZ a DT farmer NN owned VVN and CC operated VVN marketing NN cooperative NN , , consisting VVG of IN over IN 190 CD small JJ to TO mid JJ sized JJ family NN farms NNS in IN 10 CD states NNS , , from IN Maine NP to TO Washington NP . SENT See VV the DT Resources NP section NN for IN contact NN information NN . SENT For IN another DT example NN , , read VVD the DT enclosed VVN article NN profiling VVG a DT producers NNS marketing VVG co NP op NN in IN Kansas NP that WDT specializes VVZ in IN all DT natural JJ beef NN . SENT Conclusion NN The DT shortcomings NNS of IN the DT conventional JJ marketing NN system NN have VHP made VVN the DT time NN ripe JJ for IN a DT return NN to TO marketing NN beef NN directly RB from IN ranches NNS to TO consumers NNS . SENT Niche NN marketing NN can MD give VV the DT farmer NN a DT larger JJR share NN of IN the DT food NN dollar NN and CC a DT higher JJR return NN on IN each DT unit NN sold VVD . SENT Adding VVG value NN or CC marketing VVG some DT minimally RB processed VVN farm NN products NNS directly RB to TO the DT consumer NN is VBZ a DT way NN of IN enhancing VVG financial JJ viability NN . SENT While IN successful JJ direct JJ marketing NN may MD or CC may MD not RB increase VV profits NNS , , it PP will MD provide VV protection NN from IN fluctuating VVG live JJ market NN prices NNS . SENT However RB , , direct JJ marketing NN is VBZ a DT labor NN intensive JJ job NN demanding VVG time NN and CC effort NN , , creativity NN , , ingenuity NN , , sales NNS expertise NN , , and CC the DT ability NN to TO deal VV with IN people NNS in IN a DT pleasant JJ and CC positive JJ manner NN . SENT Producers NNS must MD be VB absolutely RB sure JJ they PP are VBP ready JJ for IN the DT job NN . SENT Go VV To TO Top JJ References NNS Bastian NP , , C NP . SENT and CC D NP . SENT J NP . SENT Menkhaus NP . SENT 1997 CD . SENT Niche NN Marketing NN Considerations NNS . SENT Beef NN As IN A DT Case NN Example NN . SENT University NP of IN Wyoming NP . SENT 9 CD p NN . SENT http NN . SENT ag NN . SENT arizona NP . SENT edu NP arec NP wemc NN papers NNS NicheMarketing NP . SENT html NP Levi NP , , A NP . SENT , , D NP . SENT Daley NP , , S NP . SENT Blank JJ , , and CC G NP . SENT Nader NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Natural JJ Beef NN . SENT Consumer NN Acceptability NN , , Market NP Development NP and CC Economics NP . SENT UC NP SAREP NP 1996 CD 97 CD Research NP and CC Education NP Report NP . SENT University NP of IN California NP , , Davis NP . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT sarep NN . SENT ucdavis NNS . SENT edu NN grants NNS reports VVZ nader NP Nixon NP , , Jay NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT Cowboy NP Marketing NP . SENT Jay NP Nixon NP , , Ecletra NP , , TX NP . SENT 130 CD p NN . SENT Coffey NP , , C NP . SENT , , J NP . SENT Pumphrey NP , , J NP . SENT Brightwell NP ed NP . SENT No DT date NN . SENT Value NN Added VVD Cattle NNS . SENT Guidelines NNS for IN Cow NN Calf NN , , Stocker NP , , Feeder NN . SENT Oklahoma NP State NP University NP , , Stillwater NP . SENT 68 CD p NN . SENT Anon RB . SENT 1997 CD . SENT A DT is VBZ for IN alliance NN . SENT Successful JJ Farming NN . SENT December NP . SENT p NN . SENT 26 CD . SENT Kniffen NP , , Dan NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT The DT alliance NN yellow JJ pages NNS . SENT BEEF NN . SENT Spring NN . SENT p NN . SENT 12 CD 13 CD , , 16 CD . SENT Roybal NP , , Joe NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Alliances NNS are VBP the DT wrong JJ priority NN . SENT BEEF NN . SENT Spring NN . SENT p NN . SENT 10 CD . SENT Bailey NP , , DeeVon NP . SENT No DT date NN . SENT Cooperation NN in IN Cattle NNS Marketing NP . SENT In IN . SENT Managing VVG for IN Today's NP Cattle NNS Market NP and CC Beyond NP . SENT http NN . SENT ag NN . SENT arizona NP . SENT edu NP arec NP wemc NP TodaysCattlePub NP . SENT html NP USDA NP National NP Agricultural NP Statistics NPS Service NP . SENT 1997 CD Census NP of IN Agriculture NP . SENT Table NN 28 CD . SENT Beef NN Cow NN Herd NP Size NN by IN Inventory NN and CC Sales NNS . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT nass NP . SENT usda NP . SENT gov NP Nation NP , , Allan NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN . SENT The DT Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP . SENT July NP . SENT p NN . SENT 1 CD , , 7 CD 8 CD . SENT Hamilton NP , , Neil NP D NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT The DT Legal NP Guide NP For IN Direct NP Farm NP Marketing NP . SENT Drake NP University NP Agricultural NP Law NP Center NP , , Des NP Moines NP . SENT 235 CD p NN . SENT Nation NN , , Allan NP . SENT 1997 CD . SENT Paddock NN Shift NN . SENT Changing VVG views NNS on IN grassland NN farming NN . SENT Green NP Park NP Press NP , , Jackson NP , , MS NN . SENT p NN . SENT 60 CD . SENT Martz NP , , F NN . SENT , , J NP . SENT Gerrish NP , , and CC V NN . SENT Tate NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Pasture NN based VVN beef NN finishing VVG systems NNS with IN MIG NP pastures VVZ . SENT Project NN summary NN . SENT University NP of IN Missouri NP . SENT 14 CD p NN . SENT Nickel NN , , Raylene NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Can NN grass NN fed VVD beef NN compete VV . SENT Beef NN Today NN . SENT March NP . SENT 6 CD p NN . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT beeftoday NN . SENT com NN article NN . SENT cfm NP 3212 CD link NN no DT longer RBR active JJ Bartholomew NP , , H NP . SENT and CC F NP . SENT Martz NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT Finishing VVG cattle NNS on IN pasture NN . SENT The DT Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP . SENT July NP . SENT p NN . SENT 1 CD , , 5 CD 6 CD . SENT Salatin NP , , Joel NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT Salad NN Bar NN Beef NN . SENT Polyface NP , , Inc NP . SENT , , Swoope NP , , VA NP . SENT 368 CD p NN . SENT Nation NN , , Allan NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Allan's NP observations NNS . SENT The DT Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP . SENT May NP . SENT p NN . SENT 13 CD . SENT Go VV To TO Top JJ Enclosures NNS available JJ by IN request NN , , call VVP ATTRA NP Bauer NP , , Lisa NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Profile NN of IN a DT Kansas NP beef NN co NP op NN . SENT From IN ranch NN to TO retail JJ supermarket NN . SENT Small JJ Farm NP Today NN . SENT April NP . SENT p NN . SENT 63 CD 65 CD . SENT Levi NP , , A NP . SENT , , D NP . SENT Daley NP , , S NP . SENT Blank JJ , , and CC G NP . SENT Nader NP . SENT 1998 CD . SENT Natural JJ Beef NN . SENT Consumer NN Acceptability NN , , Market NP Development NP , , and CC Economics NP . SENT Agriculture NP Department NP , , California NP State NP University NP , , Chico NP . SENT p NN . SENT 1 CD 25 CD . SENT Reeves NP , , Lisa NP Cone NP . SENT No DT date NN . SENT Direct NP Marketing NP Farm NP Raised VVD Beef NN . SENT Manuscript NN . SENT 4 CD p NN . SENT Wulf NP , , Duane NP N NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT Did VVD the DT locker NN plant NN steal VV some DT of IN my PP$ meat NN . SENT The DT Shepherd NP . SENT January NP . SENT p NN . SENT 12 CD 13 CD . SENT Go VV To TO Top JJ Resources NP Conventional JJ Marketing NN . SENT Cowboy NP Marketing NP A NP Primer NP On IN Cattle NNS Marketing NP Practices NPS That DT Will MD Increase VV Your PP$ Bottom NP Line NP By IN Jay NP Nixon NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT 135 CD p NN . SENT Available JJ for IN 10 CD . SENT 95 CD plus IN 2 CD shipping NN TX NN residents NNS add VVP 0 CD . SENT 90 CD tax NN . SENT Make VV check NN payable JJ to TO . SENT Cowboy NP Marketing NP 302 CD E NN . SENT Buchel NP Karnes NP City NP , , TX NP 78118 CD 830 CD 780 CD 2455 CD Managing VVG for IN Today's NP Cattle NNS Market NP and CC Beyond NP http NN . SENT ag NN . SENT arizona NP . SENT edu NP arec NP wemc NP TodaysCattlePub NP . SENT html NN A DT collection NN of IN 36 CD Extension NP reports NNS relating VVG to TO all DT aspects NNS of IN today's JJ conventional JJ cattle NNS market NN , , put VVD together RB by IN the DT Western NP Extension NP Marketing NP Committee NP . SENT Topics NNS include VVP retained JJ ownership NN , , cooperatives NNS , , the DT cattle NNS market NN environment NN , , developing VVG a DT market NN plan NN , , comparing VVG your PP$ market NN opportunities NNS , , and CC many JJ others NNS . SENT Adobe NP Acrobat NN Reader NP is VBZ required VVN to TO view VV this DT document NN on IN line NN . SENT Print NN copies NNS 125 CD pages NNS in IN a DT binder NN are VBP available JJ for IN 20 CD each DT from IN . SENT Chris NP Bastian NP Box NP 3354 CD University NP Station NP University NP of IN Wyoming NP Laramie NP , , WY NP 82071 CD 307 CD 766 CD 4377 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT bastian NP uwyo NP . SENT edu NN Alliances NNS Cooperative JJ Marketing NP . SENT USDA NP Rural NP Development NP Cooperative JJ Services NP Stop NP 3250 NP Washington NP , , D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT 20250 CD 3250 CD Telephone NP . SENT 202 CD 720 CD 7558 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT coopinfo NP rurdev NP . SENT usda NP . SENT gov NP http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT rurdev NP . SENT usda NP . SENT gov NP rbs NNS coops VVZ cswhat NN . SENT htm NN The DT goal NN of IN the DT Cooperative JJ Services NP program NN of IN USDA's NP Rural NP Business NP Cooperative JJ Service NP RBS NP is VBZ to TO help VV rural JJ residents NNS form VVP new JJ cooperative JJ businesses NNS and CC improve VV the DT operations NNS of IN existing VVG cooperatives NNS . SENT To TO accomplish VV this DT , , Cooperative JJ Services NPS provides VVZ technical JJ assistance NN to TO cooperatives NNS and CC those DT thinking NN of IN forming VVG cooperatives NNS . SENT It PP also RB conducts VVZ cooperative JJ related JJ research NN and CC produces VVZ information NN products NNS to TO promote VV public JJ understanding NN of IN cooperatives NNS . SENT Alternative NP Marketing NP Programs NP Cattle NNS Fax NN . SENT 1998 CD . SENT 39 CD p NN . SENT This DT report NN focuses VVZ on IN the DT economics NNS of IN marketing NN through IN alliances NNS , , and CC explains VVZ the DT formulas NNS and CC grids NNS used VVN in IN determining VVG price NN premiums NNS and CC discounts NNS . SENT Includes VVZ a DT listing NN of IN a DT number NN of IN alliances NNS , , with IN contact NN info NN and CC specifications NNS some DT of IN which WDT may MD be VB outdated VVN by IN now RB . SENT Ask VV Cattle NNS Fax NN about IN updates NNS of IN this DT publication NN . SENT Available JJ for IN 20 CD from IN . SENT Cattle NNS Fax NN PO NN Box NP 3947 CD Englewood NP , , CO NP 80155 CD 303 CD 694 JJ 0323 CD 800 CD 825 CD 7525 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT cfax NN cattle NNS fax NN . SENT org NP http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT cattle NNS fax NN . SENT com NN Niche NN and CC Direct NP Marketing NP . SENT Alternative NP Meat NP Marketing NP This DT free JJ ATTRA NP publication NN is VBZ a DT comprehensive JJ introduction NN to TO producer NN marketing NN of IN meat NN products NNS . SENT Pitfalls NNS , , producing VVG and CC packaging VVG for IN quality NN and CC consistency NN , , direct JJ marketing NN options NNS , , value NN added VVD products NNS , , food NN safety NN and CC labeling VVG , , niche NN markets NNS , , resources NNS . SENT Direct NP Marketing NP This DT free JJ ATTRA NP publication NN covers VVZ the DT importance NN of IN marketing NN , , market NN research NN , , niche NN marketing NN , , value NN added VVD marketing NN , , pricing NN , , promotion NN , , and CC more JJR , , and CC includes VVZ a DT list NN of IN further JJR resources NNS . SENT Contact NP ATTRA NP for IN a DT free JJ printed JJ copy NN . SENT Natural JJ Beef NN . SENT Consumer NN Acceptability NN , , Market NP Development NP , , and CC Economics NP by IN Annette NP Levi NP , , Dave NP Daley NP , , Steve NP Blank NP , , and CC Glenn NP Nader NP UC NP SAREP NP 1996 CD 97 CD Research NP and CC Education NP Report NP . SENT Available JJ on IN line NN at IN . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT sarep NN . SENT ucdavis NNS . SENT edu NN grants NNS reports VVZ nader NP For IN a DT print NN copy NN of IN this DT report NN , , contact NN . SENT Glenn NP Nader NP University NP of IN California NP Cooperative JJ Extension NP 142 CD A NP Garden NP Highway NP Yuba NP City NP , , CA MD 95991 CD 530 CD 822 CD 7515 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT ganader NN ucdavis NNS . SENT edu NN Salad NN Bar NN Beef NN By IN Joel NP Salatin NP . SENT 1995 CD . SENT 368 CD p NN . SENT Available JJ for IN 35 CD plus CC s PP h NN from IN . SENT Fertile JJ Ground NP Books NPS P NN . SENT O NN . SENT Box NP 2008 NP Davis NP , , CA MD 95617 CD 2008 CD 800 JJ 540 CD 0170 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT books NNS agribooks NNS . SENT com NN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT agribooks NNS . SENT com NN The DT Legal NP Guide NP for IN Direct NP Farm NP Marketing NP By IN Neil NP D NP . SENT Hamilton NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT 235 CD p NN . SENT An DT up RB to TO date NN , , well RB written VVN primer JJR on IN all PDT the DT legal JJ considerations NNS related VVN to TO direct JJ marketing NN of IN agricultural JJ products NNS . SENT Underwritten VVN by IN a DT USDA NP SARE NP grant NN . SENT Includes VVZ a DT chapter NN on IN marketing NN of IN meat NN . SENT Available JJ for IN 20 CD from IN . SENT Drake NP University NP Agricultural NP Law NP Center NP 2507 CD University NP Avenue NP Des NP Moines NP , , IA NP 50311 CD 4505 CD 515 JJ 271 CD 2065 CD Emerging JJ Markets NNS for IN Family NP Farms NNS . SENT Opportunities NNS to TO Prosper NP Through IN Social NP and CC Environmental NP Responsibility NN Center NP for IN Rural NP Affairs NPS . SENT 1997 CD . SENT 45 CD p NN . SENT This DT report NN presents VVZ strategies NNS for IN farmers NNS to TO market VV high JJ value NN products NNS . SENT It PP contains VVZ results NNS from IN a DT national JJ survey NN describing VVG what WP it PP takes VVZ to TO be VB successful JJ , , barriers NNS to TO overcome VV , , products NNS with IN the DT greatest JJS potential NN , , and CC how WRB to TO develop VV markets NNS . SENT Available JJ for IN 7 CD from IN . SENT Center NN for IN Rural NP Affairs NPS 101 NP S NP . SENT Tallman NP Street NP PO NN Box NP 406 CD Walthill NP , , NE RB 68067 CD 402 CD 846 CD 5428 CD . SENT Fax NN . SENT 402 CD 846 CD 5420 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT info NN cfra NN . SENT org NP http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT cfra NN . SENT org NP USDA NP Farmer NP Direct NP Marketing NP Website NP . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT ams NP . SENT usda NN . SENT gov NN directmarketing VVG A DT national JJ directory NN of IN farmers NNS markets NNS , , list NN of IN upcoming JJ conferences NNS , , a DT direct JJ market NN newsletter NN and CC resources NNS by IN state NN . SENT Starting VVG in IN 1999 CD , , the DT USDA's NP Agricultural NP Marketing NP Service NP AMS NP has VHZ announced VVN a DT plan NN to TO help VV small JJ farmers NNS sell VVP their PP$ agricultural JJ products NNS directly RB to TO consumers NNS . SENT Within IN the DT next JJ three CD years NNS , , the DT AMS NP will MD create VV new JJ direct JJ marketing NN networks NNS and CC a DT one CD stop NN information NN clearinghouse NN , , as RB well RB as IN developing VVG training NN and CC information NN programs NNS for IN farmers NNS market NN managers NNS , , and CC small JJ farmers NNS . SENT The DT Farmer NP Direct NP Marketing NP Action NP Plan NP is VBZ available JJ from IN Errol NP Bragg NP at IN 202 CD 720 CD 8317 CD , , or CC on IN line NN at IN . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT ams NP . SENT usda NP . SENT gov NP directmarketing NN frmplan NN . SENT htm NP Organic NP Beef NN . SENT Organic JJ Certification NN . SENT This DT free JJ ATTRA NP publication NN covers VVZ legal JJ requirements NNS , , new JJ federal JJ standards NNS , , types NNS of IN programs NNS , , and CC a DT comprehensive JJ listing NN of IN state NN , , national JJ , , and CC international JJ certifying VVG organizations NNS . SENT Contact NP ATTRA NP for IN a DT free JJ copy NN . SENT National NP Organic NP Program NP , , USDA NP Ted NP Rogers NP 202 CD 205 CD 7804 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT ams NP . SENT usda NP . SENT gov NP nop NP The NP National NP Organic NP Directory NN Community NP Alliance NP with IN Family NP Farmers NPS An DT annually RB updated VVN , , 400 CD page NN yellow JJ pages NNS of IN the DT organic JJ industry NN . SENT Includes VVZ over IN 1 CD , , 000 CD listings NNS of IN farmers NNS , , wholesalers NNS , , farm NN suppliers NNS , , support NN businesses NNS , , certification NN groups NNS and CC resource NN groups NNS . SENT Organic JJ commodities NNS bought VVN and CC sold VVN are NN extensively RB indexed VVN , , and CC explanations NNS of IN state NN and CC federal JJ organic JJ laws NNS are VBP provided VVN . SENT Costs NNS 47 CD . SENT 95 CD plus IN 3 CD shipping NN . SENT California NP residents NNS add VVP 3 CD . SENT 48 CD sales NNS tax NN . SENT CAFF NN P NN . SENT O NN . SENT Box NP 363 NP Davis NP , , CA MD 95617 CD 800 CD 852 CD 3832 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT caff NN . SENT org NP Upper NP Midwest NP Organic NP Livestock NP Producers NPS Directory NN Cooperative JJ Development NP Services NPS . SENT 1999 CD . SENT 76 CD p NN . SENT Intended VVN for IN livestock NN producers NNS in IN Iowa NP , , Minnesota NP , , North NP and CC South NP Dakota NP , , and CC Wisconsin NP . SENT The DT Directory NN contains VVZ contact NN names NNS , , addresses NNS and CC phone NN numbers NNS for IN meat NN processing NN facilities NNS , , certification NN agencies NNS , , producer NN cooperatives NNS , , publications NNS , , etc FW . SENT Order NN for IN 5 CD shipping NN and CC handling NN included VVN from IN Cooperative JJ Development NP Services NPS . SENT Call NN for IN their PP$ complete JJ publication NN list NN . SENT Cooperative JJ Development NP Services NP 30 CD West NP Mifflin NP Street NP , , Suite NP 401 CD Madison NP , , WI NP 53703 CD 608 CD 258 CD 4396 CD . SENT Fax NN . SENT 608 CD 258 CD 4394 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT darcylk NN inxpress NN . SENT net JJ Pasture NN Finished VVD Beef NN Grass NP Farming NN . SENT The DT following VVG ATTRA NP publications NNS are VBP available JJ free RB of IN charge NN . SENT Sustainable JJ Beef NN Production NN . SENT Grazing NN and CC feeding NN options NNS , , low JJ stress NN handling NN , , alternative JJ parasite NN control NN . SENT Beef NN Farm NN Sustainability NN Checksheet NN . SENT Assessment NN tool NN to TO help VV plan NN a DT whole JJ farm NN in IN which WDT beef NN production NN is VBZ a DT major JJ enterprise NN . SENT Management NN of IN animals NNS , , forage NN , , soil NN , , watershed NN , , marketing NN , , economics NNS and CC goal NN setting NN are VBP addressed VVN in IN the DT 200 CD questions NNS . SENT Rotational JJ Grazing NN . SENT How WRB to TO manage VV pastures NNS and CC grazing NN animals NNS to TO more RBR profitably RB utilize VV the DT farm's NNS resources NNS . SENT Sustainable JJ Pasture NN Management NP PDF NP version NN . SENT Managing VVG fertility NN and CC pests NNS , , grazing NN systems NNS , , conserved VVN forages NNS , , maintaining VVG productivity NN , , additional JJ resources NNS . SENT Nutrient JJ Cycling NP in IN Pastures NNS . SENT Examines VVZ elements NNS of IN pasture NN ecology NN , , including VVG soil NN organisms NNS , , plants NNS , , and CC animals NNS . SENT Discusses VVZ their PP$ interactions NNS and CC ways NNS to TO enhance VV nutrient JJ cycling NN with IN minimal JJ losses NNS to TO air NN or CC ground NN and CC surface NN waters NNS . SENT Meeting VVG the DT Nutritional NP Needs NNS of IN Ruminants NNS on IN Pasture NN . SENT Impact NN of IN grazing NN management NN on IN nutrition NN , , supplemental JJ feeding NN on IN high JJ quality NN pasture NN , , feed VVP profiling VVG , , feed NN budgeting NN , , matching VVG livestock NN and CC forage NN resources NNS for IN efficient JJ pasture NN use NN . SENT Matching VVG Livestock NN and CC Forage VV Resources NPS in IN Controlled VVN Grazing NN . SENT Grazing NN objectives NNS , , maintaining VVG botanical JJ balance NN , , encouraging VVG rapid JJ growth NN , , compromising VVG between IN yield NN and CC quality NN , , minimizing VVG mowing VVG , , producer NN goals NNS . SENT Introduction NN to TO Paddock NP Design NP and CC Fencing NN Water NP Systems NPS for IN Controlled VVN Grazing NN . SENT Basics NNS of IN paddock NN design NN , , considerations NNS in IN fencing NN and CC water NN technology NN , , enclosures NNS . SENT Assessing VVG the DT Pasture NN Soil NN Resource NP . SENT How WRB to TO take VV a DT soil NN sample NN and CC an DT easy JJ way NN to TO assess VV soil NN biological JJ activity NN and CC water NN infiltration NN . SENT Assessment NN sheet NN included VVD . SENT American JJ Farmland NN Trust NP http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT grassfarmer JJR . SENT com NN American JJ Farmland NN Trust's NP information NN site NN on IN grass NN based VVN farming NN systems NNS . SENT Grassfarmer JJR . SENT com NN brings VVZ online JJ visitors NNS information NN on IN a DT variety NN of IN topics NNS related VVN to TO grazing NN and CC grass NN farming NN . SENT Be VB sure JJ to TO check VV out RP the DT many JJ links NNS to TO further JJR grazing NN information NN on IN line NN . SENT Why WRB Grassfed NP Is VBZ Best JJS by IN Jo NP Robinson NP . SENT 1999 CD . SENT 107 CD p NN . SENT Available JJ from IN the DT following VVG address NN for IN 7 CD . SENT 50 CD a DT copy NN , , plus CC 2 CD . SENT 50 CD s PP h NN WA NP residents NNS add VVP 8 CD . SENT 4 CD sales NNS tax NN . SENT Discounts NNS for IN orders NNS of IN two CD or CC more JJR copies NNS . SENT Make VV checks NNS payable JJ to TO Columbia NP Media NP . SENT Columbia NP Media NP 2401 CD N NP . SENT Cedar NP Tacoma NP , , WA NP 98406 CD 206 CD 463 CD 4156 CD The DT Stockman NP Grass NP Farmer NP P NN . SENT O NN . SENT Box NP 2300 NP Ridgeland NP , , MS NN 39158 CD 2300 CD 601 JJ 853 CD 1861 CD Published VVN monthly JJ . SENT 28 CD 1 CD year NN . SENT 50 CD 2 CD years NNS . SENT The DT following VVG books NNS by IN SGF NP editor NN Allan NP Nation NP are VBP available JJ from IN the DT magazine NN . SENT Call VV the DT number NN above IN for IN prices NNS and CC ordering VVG information NN . SENT Pasture NN Profits NNS with IN Stocker NP Cattle NNS . SENT 1992 CD . SENT 192 CD p NN . SENT Paddock NN Shift NN . SENT Changing VVG views NNS on IN grassland NN farming NN . SENT 1997 CD . SENT 184 CD p NN . SENT Grass NN Farmers NNS . SENT 1993 CD . SENT 192 CD p NN . SENT Processing VVG and CC Labeling VVG . SENT USDA NP FSIS NP OPPDE NP Animal NN production NN Food NP Safety NP Staff NP 1400 CD Independence NP Ave NP , , SW NP Washington NP , , D NP . SENT C SYM . SENT 20250 CD 3700 CD 202 JJ 690 CD 2683 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT usda NN . SENT gov NP agency NN fsis NN HACCP NP Implementation NN . SENT http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT fsis NN . SENT usda NN . SENT gov NP OA NP haccp NN imphaccp NN . SENT htm NP HACCP NP hotline NP . SENT 800 CD 233 CD 3935 CD e SYM mail NN hotline NP . SENT Haccp NP . SENT Hotline NP usda NP . SENT gov NP Alternative NP Beef NN Producers NNS Marketers NNS . SENT Some DT producers NNS and CC marketers NNS of IN natural JJ and CC grass NN fed NN beef NN products NNS who WP are VBP willing JJ to TO share NN information NN . SENT CROPP NP Cooperative JJ Organic NP Valley NP 507 CD W NP . SENT Main NP St NP . SENT La NP Farge NP , , WI NP 54639 CD 888 CD 444 CD 6455 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT organicvalley NN . SENT com NN Polyface NP , , Inc NP . SENT Joel NP Salatin NP Rt NP . SENT 1 CD Box NP 281 CD Swoope NP , , VA NP 24479 CD 540 CD 885 CD 3590 CD Laura's NP Lean NP Beef NN 2285 CD Executive NP Drive NP Suite NP 200 NP Lexington NP , , KY NP 40505 CD 1 CD 800 JJ 487 CD 5326 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT llb NN laurasleanbeef NN . SENT com NN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT laurasleanbeef NN . SENT com NN Coleman NP Natural NP Products NPS , , Inc NP . SENT 5140 CD Race NP Court NP Unit NP 4 CD Denver NP , , CO NP 80216 CD 1 CD 800 JJ 442 CD 8666 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT colemannatural NN . SENT com NN Alaska NP Natural NP Beef NN Bering NP Pacific NP Ranch NP 888 CD 384 CD 5366 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT alaskanatural JJ . SENT com NN Van NP Wie NP Natural NP Foods NP 6798 CD Route NP 9 CD Hudson NP , , NY NP 12534 CD 518 CD 828 CD 0533 CD http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT vanwienaturalmeats NNS . SENT com NN Ervin's NP Natural NP Beef NN 128 CD E NN . SENT 19 CD th NN Street NP Safford NP , , AZ NP 85546 CD 520 CD 428 CD 0033 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT info NN ervins NNS . SENT com NN http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT ervins NNS . SENT com NN Lasater NP Grasslands NNS Beef NN Matheson NP , , CO NP 80830 CD 719 CD 541 CD 2855 CD e SYM mail NN . SENT lasater NP rmi NP . SENT net JJ http NN . SENT www JJ . SENT lasatergrasslandsbeef NN . SENT com NN Homestead NN Healthy JJ Foods NP Rt NP . SENT 2 CD Box NP 184 CD A NP Fredericksburg NP , , TX NP 78624 CD 830 CD 997 CD 2508 CD Debbie NP Hawkins NP Saguaro NN Juniper NP Natural NP Beef NN P NN . SENT O NN . SENT Box NP 1884 NP Benson NP , , AZ NP 85602 CD 520 CD 212 CD 4769 CD Tom NP Martha NP Mewbourne NP Thorntree NP Farm NP Route NP 2 CD Box NP 776 CD A NP Nickelsville NP , , VA NP 24271 CD 540 CD 479 CD 3057 CD Rob NP Alanna NP Reed NP Overlook VVP Farm NP 233 CD Spruce NP Rd NP . SENT Karns NP City NP , , PA NN 16041 CD 724 CD 756 CD 0540 CD Mike NP , , Jennifer NP Johanna NP Rupprecht NP Earth NP Be VB Glad NP Farm NP RR NP 2 CD Box NP 81 CD Lewiston NP , , MN NP 55952 CD 507 CD 523 CD 2564 CD David NP Schafer NP Alice NP Dobbs NP Schafer NP Farm NP 56 CD SW NP 52 CD nd NN Ave NP . SENT Trenton NP , , MO NN 64683 CD 660 CD 359 CD 6545 CD Dennis NP Brenda NP Wohlgemuth NP Box NP 2 CD , , Site NN 6 CD , , RR NP 1 CD Crooked NP Creek NP , , Alta NP . SENT Canada NP T NN 0 CD H NN 0 CD Y NN 0 CD Kent NP Lisa NP Shipe NP Rt NP . SENT 1 CD Box NP 423 CD Mathias NP , , WV NP 26812 CD 304 CD 897 CD 5136 CD Go VV To TO Top JJ By IN Richard NP Earles NP and CC Anne NP Fanatico NP NCAT NP Agriculture NP Specialists NNS May NP 2000 CD Consultants NNS . SENT Lance NP Gegner NP and CC Ron NP Morrow NP ATTRA NP is VBZ the DT national JJ sustainable JJ agriculture NN information NN service NN operated VVN by IN the DT National NP Center NP for IN Appropriate JJ Technology NN under IN a DT grant NN from IN the DT Rural NP Business NP Cooperative JJ Service NP , , U NP . SENT S NP . SENT Department NP of IN Agriculture NP . SENT These DT organizations NNS do VVP not RB recommend VV or CC endorse VV products NNS , , companies NNS , , or CC individuals NNS . SENT NCAT NP has VHZ offices NNS in IN Fayetteville NP , , Arkansas NP P NN . SENT O NN . SENT Box NP 3657 CD , , Fayetteville NP , , AR NP 72702 CD , , Butte NP , , Montana NP , , and CC Davis NP , , California NP . SENT Webmaster NP