Completed Project Report


Connecting and Strengthening Livestock Supply Chain Nodes: Managing Risk and Assessing New Market Opportunities for Small to Mid-Sized Livestock Production and Processing in Colorado

  • Award Amount: $50,000
  • Regional Center: Western Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2018 Education Projects

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Project Overview

Livestock supply chains leveraging growing consumer demand for differentiated meat products present producers with new direct marketing and value-added options to manage risk and enhance economic viability. This project assessed opportunities and constraints facing 45 Colorado meat processors and revealed that processors would take on new custom processing business commitments with livestock producers, depending on price, inspection type, seasonality and number of head. 37 Colorado livestock producers surveyed showed that access to reliable markets with consistent order volumes would facilitate expanded operations, followed by proven demand and premium prices. Assessing education on raising marketable meat products culminated in an online Meat School for 39 meat producers and 10 ag professionals in 11 modules. Participants reported increases in knowledge and understanding, especially in strategic marketing and pricing. Their most actionable knowledge came from classes on working with processors and delivering animals safely to them. This project resulted in dialogue with meat processors and competencies for market success among Colorado livestock producers. We further engaged participants through a subsequent webinar on pricing, attended by 35 producers and processors. These connections will culminate in a Western Meat Summit exploring production, legal and financial management strategies that increase business profitability while minimizing risk.

Number of Participants: 84

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

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EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

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REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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