Interesting article where a reporter follows the meat (beef) he is buying from the farm all the way through to packaging.
Archive for March, 2009
Conflicting reports on the recession and organic sales
March 25, 2009Organic Valley donates over $2 million in 2008
March 25, 2009Much went to charity, but they also funded some research and related projects:
$45,000 to the University of Minnesota – Southwest Research & Outreach Center, for two studies: “No-Till Organic Research” and “High Tunnel Season Extension of Vegetable Crops.”
$38,016 to the University of Vermont Extension, to study the feasibility and season extension of cereal grains as a source of organic feed.
$25,000 to Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, to expand their “Help Wanted: Organic Farmers” program as a way to recruit and support new and transitioning organic farmers.
$25,000 to Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (now merged with National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture and known as National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition), for advocacy and oversight of the implementation of organic farming programs in the 2008 Farm Bill.
More news on the Humboldt Creamery in Northern California
March 24, 2009Humboldt Creamery is expected to make public later this week a plan to reorganize the company in order to ensure future operation.
Imbalances in the company’s books are said to be material and significant, according to interim CEO Len Mayer, to such an extant that the creamery’s prospects will be threatened without help from the banks.
With nearly 60 percent of Humboldt’s dairies selling to Humboldt Creamery, industry experts weighed in on the 80-year-old cooperative’s vital role in the community, and the impact a creamery collapse would have on the county.
Sustainable-food campaign reaches a critical mass of influence in the United States
March 24, 2009Interesting article on the changing face or organic production.
Manufacturers improved their organic and natural products, long confined to musty natural food stores, so they could compete with conventional food on packaging and taste. Whole Foods Market also lured mainstream customers by redefining what a grocery store should look like, creating lush displays of produce and fish that have influenced traditional grocers.
Recession hits consumer meat purchases
March 24, 2009Some excerpts:
The fourth edition of the Power of Meat, a joint study by the American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute, finds that the recession is being felt throughout the grocery store, and especially in the meat department. Economic woes are affecting where people shop for meat as well as the kind of cut, brand and quantity purchased.
When surveyed, 18% of shoppers stated that they have purchased organic and/or natural meats in the past three months, down just one percentage point from last year.
Natural and organic chicken by far is the most frequently purchased item, followed by beef and ground meat. The positive long-term health effects and nutritional value are the top two reasons cited by shoppers for purchasing organic meat and poultry, which is likely why the organic market is relatively stable despite the economic pressure.
University of Arkansas sponsors small poultry farms workshop
March 23, 2009“Organic products demand a premium price, so the consumer must be convinced of extra value,” Crandall said. Organic poultry is considered to be a “gateway” food to other organic products. Crandall cited statistics showing that the organic foods market in the United States grew by 132 percent from 2002 to 2007. The rate is expected to go down in coming years but should still maintain about a 7 percent annual rate of increase through 2012, he said.
Purdue web site helps farmers transition to organic livestock
March 23, 2009We are famous!! Please visit the site. We have a good video featuring the Royers of Royer Farm Fresh Beef, Lamb and Pork (along with a lot of educational materials for both producers and consumers!!).
Spain is the #1 organic producer in the EU
March 23, 2009Narrowly beat Italy.
Larger egg producer transitions to organic
March 23, 2009Interesting article about Arkansas Egg Co., a larger egg producer with a history of environmental problems, and their transition to organic egg production.
Seminars planned on meats, grazing
March 23, 2009Seminars on niche marketing if you are in the area (Stanislaus County, California).
Ranchers and Ecologists Working Together
March 13, 2009Grazing cattle go for the high grasses. “Livestock performs the service of weed control,” Reiner said
More Nebraska farmers transition to organic farming
March 13, 2009Good article on the state of organic farming in Nebraska. Some insight on what it has taken some folks to make the transition.
Stat of the day:
The ag census also reported that 70 percent or $12.9 million of organic sales were in crops, while 29 percent of organic sales were in livestock and poultry.
Where’s The (Grass-Fed) Beef? Find Out At March 25 Meet-The-Farmer Dinner
March 13, 2009A Wisconsin restaurant offers of three-course meal with the farmers who produced the meat on hand to talk about how the animals were raised.
Washington (state) approves “Washington Grass-fed Beef” label
March 11, 2009The Washington State Senate approved a bill that would allow producers/processors to label their products as “Washington Grass-fed Beef” if the cow is raised and processed in Washington and under the USDA Grass-fed Standards.
