Connecting with the consumer

It's the only way that we are going to be able to stay in business. 


Now if you are producer (farmer or rancher) you know the value of the products we raise. Whether is is being able to get 38% of your daily iron requirements from beef or just knowing that the products that we are consuming have been raised in environments where the land and animals are our number one priority. But, as we all know not everyone has the luxury to step foot on a farm, instead the rely on the media for their information, and more times than not receive one-sided arguments. So like any go business would, we need to do a better job of telling our story.

Today, I came across one farmer that is really trying to connect with consumers. Gilmer Dairy Farm, Alabama, has created an Edopt-a-Cow program. Now I don't know if he is the only one doing this, but I thought it was pretty unique and innovative. Through the Edopt-a-Cow program consumers get to adopt a cow on the Gilmer Dairy Farm. They receive a picture of their cow and a Certificate of Edoption. The adopter then receives information on there cow, like pedigree, pounds of milk produced, when they are going to calve, etc. What an awesome way for families, classrooms or even individuals to learn more about the dairy industry and feel a stronger connection to the farm. They also have a great blog that I like to check out.


Certified Angus Beef is also working harder to create a connection with consumers. Last week at our board meetings they rolled out the new consumer component of their website. Consumers can sort by state and learn more about an Angus producers in their area. Bios, photos and even some video is available. The consumer can actually see who is producing the product that they are putting on their tables each night or purchasing at a restaurant. (The Angus producers section has an awesome design!)

If we want to stay in business these are the things are going to need to be thinking about. If you are a consumer, we want to meet you and share the facts about our livelihoods with you.

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P.S. Don't forgot about this weeks thank-you give away! Click here for details.