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