07/22/08 Dairy beef industry cooperation

The beef checkoff teamed up with the National Dairy Council for a symposium that dealt with joint issues and crisis management efforts between the two industries. Speakers from dairy, cow/calf and feedlot operations commented on animal handling techniques, transportation requirements and strategic marketing decision tools that can lead to improved product quality and consumer satisfaction. Dairy producers Lucinda Williams is vice chairman of the Cattlemen's Beef Board. WILLIAMS "We need to keep agriculture front and center in the minds of producers and consumers alike and we need to work toward increasing producer profitability and isn't that at the end of the day our ultimate goal." Ann Marie Krautheim of the National Dairy Council told the symposium that many of today's consumers make decisions on food purchases based on what's absent, such as sugar, calories, fat or saturated fat. KRAUTHEIM "The nutrient rich foods approach is different and it's intended to really shift that mindset back away from a punitive approach which really develops a good food-bad food mentality to an enjoyable approach and a positive approach that helps people to enjoy their foods." Leaders concluded the joint session by reiterating that now is a great time for producers to explore ways in which the two industries can work more closely together in the future. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott