>X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.00.2615.200
>Date:         Fri, 13 Oct 2000 17:12:33 -0400
>Reply-To: UVM Beef Discussion Group <[log in to unmask]>
>Sender: UVM Beef Discussion Group <[log in to unmask]>
>X-PH: [log in to unmask]
>From: Roderick Hewitt <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject:      Re: Fwd: Re: questions
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>I am new to the beef business but have been marketing Christmas trees and
>Vt. for some time. We have a large advantage in our State in that we have a
>large tourist market. This in my opinion is the underlying strength of the
>"niche market" and presents a great potential for the direct marketing of
>beef and other products. In my experience the folks that visit Vermont like
>to buy here, especially Vermont products. Being new to the beef end of
>things I lack ideas as to how best to capitalize on this potential but I'm
>sure some of the others on the list have good thoughts on this.
>Also, I agree with Monty. We have great grass here. That's one reason I'm
>changing from Christmas Trees to beef +. I've been killing and mowing the
>stuff for so long and would rather watch it being enjoyed by an appreciative
>animal.
>
>Rod Hewitt
>----- Original Message -----
>From: John Winder <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Friday, October 13, 2000 9:04 AM
>Subject: Fwd: Re: questions
>
>
> > Monty makes some very good points.  Both Monty and I have roots in the
>west
> > where one of the greatest difficulties has been the inability (or
> > unwillingness) of producers to work together.  My first impressions of the
> > beef industry in Vermont give me reason for optimism.   There seems to be
>a
> > desire to build something for the collective good.    Because farms are
> > relatively small, cooperation will be a necessity if the beef industry is
> > going to expand and develop.
> >
> > Independent niche markets (mostly on-farm sales to consumers) have sprung
> > up across the state for various agricultural products (including
> > beef).  These markets represent a significant advantage in profit over
> > traditional outlets.  I estimate that these markets return up to 25-30%
> > more per animal than traditional commodity sales.  My question to the
>group
> > is: Do we want to develop into an industry composed of small niche markets
> > or do we want to pursue the efficiencies associated with a collective
> > effort?  If so, what form should a collective effort take?  Also, can we
> > maintain the margins associated with niche markets in a collective effort?
> >
> > John Winder
> >
> > >Date:         Thu, 12 Oct 2000 21:30:08 -0400
> > >X-PH: [log in to unmask]
> > >From: Monty Adams <[log in to unmask]>
> > >Subject:      Re: questions
> > >To: [log in to unmask], John Winder <[log in to unmask]>
> > >
> > >On Tue, 10 Oct 2000 11:38:27 -0400, John Winder <[log in to unmask]>
>wrote:
> > >
> > > >Now that we have several people on the list, let me submit two basic
> > > >questions for you to consider.
> > > >
> > > >1) What is (are) the most limiting factor(s) to the success of the beef
> > > >industry in the state?  By "most limiting" I mean things that keep the
> > > >industry from reaching its collective goals.
> > > >
> > > >2)  What is (are) the most limiting factor(s) to you as an individual
> > > >producer?   What are the most critical factors that keep you as
>producers
> > > >from reaching your goals?
> > >
> > >John,
> > >It was a pleasure meeting you at the grass short course in September.
> > >       In response to your questions, I believe the greatest threat to
>the
> > >expansion of the beef industry in Vermont, is the same as in other
>states.
> > >We as an industry are individualists to the extreme. We have a hard time
> > >accepting a collective effort and continue to want to go it alone. We
>might
> > >socialize in the company of other beef people, but we don't want anyone
> > >interfering with our business. In this we create a dilemma, too proud to
> > >accept the advice or help of others, even if it costs us our business.
> > >      I think that we need to address this before any cooperative effort
> > >will be achieved.
> > >      I have worked closely with cooperatives in the past and they do
>work,
> > >from marketing associations to giants like Farmland Industries. At this
> > >point in time, our greatest asset is our collective strength in numbers.
>In-
> > >order to make our voice heard, we have to be firmly committed to the
> > >industry, with everone taking part.
> > >      I have been in Vermont for one year now and am amazed by the
>culture,
> > >the people and most of all, with the grass. With grazing like this there
> > >isn't any reason we can't build a leading beef industry.
> > >      Thanks for putting this together.
> > >Monty