The Rural Voice, 2002-02, Page 25needs, then the producer is told by
the processor to meet new standards.
In value-added meats the producer
might be told what genetics to use.
what health program to use, what
nutrition program to use, what
management and what numbers.
Traditional producers view this as
a challenge their their independence
but for the Church family's
participation in the Future Beef, it
represented "a dividend" of $30.58
per head on calves weaned in the fall
of 2000 and sold in 2001. "Now I say
thank you very much because that all
went directly to the bottom line."
There were additional costs
because they had to change the
genetics of their herd and buy
semen from bulls that had a marbling
gene. There was also the costs of
identity preservation. There were
some additional ration costs because
the cattle were fed extra vitamin E
and Vitamin D for the last 60 days
they were on feed. (Safeway's
research showed that the extra
Vitamin E produced redder beef
which was more attractive to
customers who were willing to pay
more.)
"Every time they infringe on our
management, we say `you pay for
it' "
While some farmers complain
about this interference, Church
reminded his audience to look at the
success of the poultry industry which
has "whipped the ass off' farmers in
the red meat industry. "They've done
it through genetics. They've done it
through management. They've done
it through nutrition. They've done it
through product development."
Aside from his farming and
medical work, Church has been
involved in several think -thank
projects to develop new products
As an example of adding value by
meeting market demand, Church told
of the work done with other
cattlemen in Australia when the
family was still involved in that
country. Working with a group of
people in Japan they tried to identify
a market that could put more
Australian beef into Japan. The
information they received was that
they needed to have a fresh -meat
product or forget about it because
they'd just be competing with the
"big boys" likg Cargill.
HYDRA -SPREAD HMANURE SPREAD RS
285 BU. - 368 BU. - 421 BU. - 465 BU. - 550 BU.
Eliminate some of life's
problems (like chains, worn
gears, shafts &
bearings) with
HYDRA -SPREAD
The Canadian alternative in
spreaders.
N. E. HAGEDORN & SONS LIMITED — Pa sley, Ont.
website www.manurespreader.com 1-800-707-7271
DeMuth
Agri -Products
Belt
Conveyor
Single Chain
Conveyor
Belt Feeder
DeLava
SUPPLY LTD.
Mildmay (#308 Bruce Cty. Rd. 16)
Bus: 519-367-5595 Fax: 519-367-5331
FEBRUARY 2002 21