The ‘chickenization’ of beef

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As was discussed in the food control thread, I've witnessed firsthand vertical integration in my area with hogs. It's a sad thing to watch rural communities dry up. The local factory employs more people than ever, but our county's population continues to slip away with the loss of farms.

We always hear about the need for a better, more consistent product to serve consumers. Well, the pork you buy in the store is consistent, consistently flavorless that is. The pork that I've fed and butchered is always better than store bought. The flavor of hamburger from our home raised beef equals that of most store bought steak. I can't recall ever having store bought meat that was better than home raised. I'm sure most of you will agree. Who's bringing the better product to the table?
 
That Article was posted on the Facebook Timeline of one of Kentucky's top Simmental and Angus breeders.

There is growing evidence and concern that this market cycle is being influenced by profound changes in the US cattle industry.

Those who want global free markets have to be willing to ride the waves but are they prepared for "a ship wreck"? Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.
 
Beef has seen the perfect storm. I would like to hear a counter argument. I don't know of one.

I do believe there are counter strategies, niche marketing being the most obvious. What are others?
 
There's no easy solution folks. The people that are supposed to be looking out for us are stabbing us in the back. NCBA, and all the local beef boards and chapters are promoting beef for sure. But they're controlled and financed by the larger producers and they have the political pull within the beef industry. It really pizzes me off to pay dues to some organizations that ultimately want to put me out of business. But if you sit by and do nothing, your a nothing in my book, so I pay my dues.
 
Clodhopper":2vq4z7q3 said:
As was discussed in the food control thread, I've witnessed firsthand vertical integration in my area with hogs. It's a sad thing to watch rural communities dry up. The local factory employs more people than ever, but our county's population continues to slip away with the loss of farms.

We always hear about the need for a better, more consistent product to serve consumers. Well, the pork you buy in the store is consistent, consistently flavorless that is. The pork that I've fed and butchered is always better than store bought. The flavor of hamburger from our home raised beef equals that of most store bought steak. I can't recall ever having store bought meat that was better than home raised. I'm sure most of you will agree. Who's bringing the better product to the table?
That's probably all true but how many people can you feed and at what price?? That is the market... now you have to find a way to operate within that market, make a profit, and stay in business.
 
True Grit Farms":3t81l658 said:
There's no easy solution folks. The people that are supposed to be looking out for us are stabbing us in the back. NCBA, and all the local beef boards and chapters are promoting beef for sure. But they're controlled and financed by the larger producers and they have the political pull within the beef industry. It really pizzes me off to pay dues to some organizations that ultimately want to put me out of business. But if you sit by and do nothing, your a nothing in my book, so I pay my dues.
Who the he!! is suppose to be looking out for you?? Nobody pushed you into the cattle business
 
TexasBred":2fowmpnj said:
True Grit Farms":2fowmpnj said:
There's no easy solution folks. The people that are supposed to be looking out for us are stabbing us in the back. NCBA, and all the local beef boards and chapters are promoting beef for sure. But they're controlled and financed by the larger producers and they have the political pull within the beef industry. It really pizzes me off to pay dues to some organizations that ultimately want to put me out of business. But if you sit by and do nothing, your a nothing in my book, so I pay my dues.
Who the he!! is suppose to be looking out for you?? Nobody pushed you into the cattle business

I would think the three different beef associations that we pay dues to, and support with our time and travel. You must not belong or attend any cattlemens meetings TB. Because I do and my wife is big into promoting the beef industry, and every association preaches the same thing " our job is to work for you " I very much dislike politics but I do what I can to help and promote beef and seafood. If I had the education and time that you have, I feel I could make a big difference.
 
What are we suppose to do to address this? A- go about business as usual B- Go to Washington and protest C- sell out now to cut our losses D- keep a few cows around for a hobby to feed ourselves? Seriously
 
Cultured meat will be the jump to the next phase, rather than stepping stones of eliminating producers or controlling them.

People will want the fact its just a faceless grown protein and not a 'cute' live cow. Only thing that may save us from that is the publics resistance to gmo, of which growing meat in a lab is the most extreme case.
 
True Grit Farms":1tmii5fh said:
TexasBred":1tmii5fh said:
True Grit Farms":1tmii5fh said:
There's no easy solution folks. The people that are supposed to be looking out for us are stabbing us in the back. NCBA, and all the local beef boards and chapters are promoting beef for sure. But they're controlled and financed by the larger producers and they have the political pull within the beef industry. It really pizzes me off to pay dues to some organizations that ultimately want to put me out of business. But if you sit by and do nothing, your a nothing in my book, so I pay my dues.
Who the he!! is suppose to be looking out for you?? Nobody pushed you into the cattle business

I would think the three different beef associations that we pay dues to, and support with our time and travel. You must not belong or attend any cattlemens meetings TB. Because I do and my wife is big into promoting the beef industry, and every association preaches the same thing " our job is to work for you " I very much dislike politics but I do what I can to help and promote beef and seafood. If I had the education and time that you have, I feel I could make a big difference.
TGF I use the so called "time" that I have available to do volunteer work at a nearby VA Hospital. Maybe you should try it.
 
Somehow we need to get the government to enforce the Packers and Stockyards act. The NCBA certainly isn't going to do this. So how do we get it done? Writing to our elected officials? It seems that every environmental group in the country is able to sue the federal government for not enforcing the ESA or clean water. Why can't cattlemen sue to get them to enforce laws which are on the books on the packers?
 
Dave":zkfteztd said:
Somehow we need to get the government to enforce the Packers and Stockyards act. The NCBA certainly isn't going to do this. So how do we get it done? Writing to our elected officials? It seems that every environmental group in the country is able to sue the federal government for not enforcing the ESA or clean water. Why can't cattlemen sue to get them to enforce laws which are on the books on the packers?

because you are less than 1 percent of the population and no politician gives a crap about less than 1 per cent of anything....
We can get you all the beef you need from south america now....JBS will see to that.
beef is just a commodity now...like pork or chicken ...for mainstream america...

those who can afford it are still enjoying the quality of their choice either thru farm direct purchases or through premium eateries....

I have no desire to support NCBA or RCALF...or the BEEF BOARD as none of them are doing any good and most have gotten into the washington lobby bed with all the other crooks. Follow the money and you will run into a liar trying to divert the money to his supporter of the day....
 
pdfangus":357ebg5v said:
Dave":357ebg5v said:
Somehow we need to get the government to enforce the Packers and Stockyards act. The NCBA certainly isn't going to do this. So how do we get it done? Writing to our elected officials? It seems that every environmental group in the country is able to sue the federal government for not enforcing the ESA or clean water. Why can't cattlemen sue to get them to enforce laws which are on the books on the packers?

because you are less than 1 percent of the population and no politician gives a crap about less than 1 per cent of anything....
We can get you all the beef you need from south america now....JBS will see to that.
beef is just a commodity now...like pork or chicken ...for mainstream america...

those who can afford it are still enjoying the quality of their choice either thru farm direct purchases or through premium eateries....

I have no desire to support NCBA or RCALF...or the BEEF BOARD as none of them are doing any good and most have gotten into the washington lobby bed with all the other crooks. Follow the money and you will run into a liar trying to divert the money to his supporter of the day....

I agree we are less than 1 percent. I also agree that NCBA and RCALF are not going to take on USDA and JBS. But there are some environmental groups that are way less than 1 percent of the population who sue the federal government for not doing their job. And they win or at least make the government stand up and pay attention. The government even pays their lawyer bills. Heck, the government changes how they do business just at the threat of being sued. Why can't we?
 
If/when the time comes where it's not profitable or possible to raise cattle on your property (your choice of possibilities)

How long can you pay the taxes out of pocket ?

What about after losing your ag exemption ?

How long can we the USA continue to import more and more and produce less ?

Maybe there is more than meets the eye
 
HDRider":26g1ll18 said:
Beef has seen the perfect storm. I would like to hear a counter argument. I don't know of one.

I do believe there are counter strategies, niche marketing being the most obvious. What are others?

Deregulation. Food sold within state borders should not be federally regulated.

Open up local markets to be regulated at the state level... let local producets sell meat in local markets overseen by local law and inspection.

The big boys would be in tears. And America would have a safer food supply.

If salmonella infects 500lbs of hamburger at cargille, the potential number of people and regions impacted is numerous. How long does it take to run this back to tainted meat?

Jo bob's meat market has a problem, local medical and epidemiologists will know pretty quick. The number of people exposed will be limited and localized assisting in prevention of further food born illness cases.

It's ignorant to not operate in this fashion.
 
A component of the US cattle industry that needs a broad based market to prosper is the cattle show enterprise.  A lot of money is spent on cattle showmanship.   It attracts those who don't produce beef but who want their children involved in a safe vocation that builds good work ethics and home grown values.

If you follow the PB cattle sales, you know that a lion's share of the heifers with show traits and show potential are the ones selling for 4 and 8 K.  That market has lots of tiers.  It includes markets for show equipment, trailers, semen sales, show feeds,  supplies, etc.  The show business is just as vital as the commercial feeder sales.  It promotes cattle.   It contributes to the economics of the beef industry.

Reverting to local beef markets ignores the components of the cattle industry that make up its diversity and generates cash flow.  If the cattle industry degrades into "niche" markets selling local beef, I think the cattle show industry will suffer. To continue to support a diverse broad based cattle industry in the US, global markets are essential.

Also, what is not being factored into the  local unregulated market comments is the producer who runs 300 plus cows.  Bigger producers need more than local markets.  They prosper best when the US is exporting beef.  To maintain the kind of beef industry we have today, we need to advocate for everyone in the industry not just small producers.

I am not an advocate for demoting the US cattle industry into local "Ma and pa" operations.  The industry is too big.  It supports everything from Sullivan Supply and makers of cattle clippers to John Deere farm machinery.  We need global markets and we need a President and Congress that advocate for the beef industry.  We need trade agreements and other incentives to promote our industry.  If that involves regulations, let it be.  I don't see this as a conservative versus liberal issue.  I see it as an issue of SURVIVAL for  the US cattle industry.
 
I guess I'm just lost on how increasing avenues for all producers to market their product somehow means that the US will no longer export beef?

Somehow i guess i thought supply and demand might determine the flow of product, and that additional avenues to market with increased cash flow to the producer might actually be what saves the small and large producer.

I should have known that the show ring is what will save American beef producers. I mean, they do spend lots of money on clippers and shampoo. And sometimes the calves can even walk without acting crippled.

Thank you for your thoughts.
 
Margonme":2z609ca6 said:
A component of the US cattle industry that needs a broad based market to prosper is the cattle show enterprise.  A lot of money is spent on cattle showmanship.   It attracts those who don't produce beef but who want their children involved in a safe vocation that builds good work ethics and home grown values.

If you follow the PB cattle sales, you know that a lion's share of the heifers with show traits and show potential are the ones selling for 4 and 8 K.  That market has lots of tiers.  It includes markets for show equipment, trailers, semen sales, show feeds,  supplies, etc.  The show business is just as vital as the commercial feeder sales.  It promotes cattle.   It contributes to the economics of the beef industry.

Reverting to local beef markets ignores the components of the cattle industry that make up its diversity and generates cash flow.  If the cattle industry degrades into "niche" markets selling local beef, I think the cattle show industry will suffer. To continue to support a diverse broad based cattle industry in the US, global markets are essential.

Also, what is not being factored into the  local unregulated market comments is the producer who runs 300 plus cows.  Bigger producers need more than local markets.  They prosper best when the US is exporting beef.  To maintain the kind of beef industry we have today, we need to advocate for everyone in the industry not just small producers.

I am not an advocate for demoting the US cattle industry into local "Ma and pa" operations.  The industry is too big.  It supports everything from Sullivan Supply and makers of cattle clippers to John Deere farm machinery.  We need global markets and we need a President and Congress that advocate for the beef industry.  We need trade agreements and other incentives to promote our industry.  If that involves regulations, let it be.  I don't see this as a conservative versus liberal issue.  I see it as an issue of SURVIVAL for  the US cattle industry.
I think you are missing my point. Regulations (I know this is your feathered bed) have ravaged Ma & Pa.

No one is saying end the big game, but you can bet your bottom dollar "they" are working to kill the little guy.

The show business?? Are you kidding me?
 

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