News Update

June 6, 2016

Beef Shoppers: Quality,
Service Above Price

Price is important in nearly every buying decision. However, when it comes to groceries, a new study shows consumers place more value on quality and service than price alone.

The doctoral research by Ken Wicker through Capella University’s School of Business is titled, “A study of customer value and loyalty in the supermarket industry.”

Wicker, currently vice president for a southeastern U.S. supermarket chain, surveyed shoppers in Atlanta, Ga., with a demographic scaled to provide results applicable nationwide.

Using decision factors of price, quality, service, convenience, store atmosphere and store brands, the research revealed new insights on customer loyalty and perception of value.

A paradigm shift from traditional viewpoints was evident.

“Quality [overall] and high-quality perishables far outranked price,” Wicker reports. “That was the number one predictor of value and loyalty for supermarket customers.”

The findings on quality and loyalty go to the heart of strategic planning, especially in the food business.

“Loyal customers shop with you more often and spend more when they’re with you, whether it’s in the restaurant industry or the supermarket industry,” Wicker explains.

For more information, please view the full Angus Media news article online.

— Adapted from an article by Lyndee Stabel, Certified Angus Beef LLC.

USFRA Launches Search for Agriculture Ambassadors

When consumers hear about agriculture on the news or social media, it’s a constant challenge for farmers and ranchers to balance the conversation and address the misconceptions about antibiotics, the genetic modification of seeds, animal welfare and crop inputs. The agriculture industry has seen many strides as farmers and ranchers continually employ sustainable practices, use technology to enhance food production and protect the environment, and care deeply about meeting consumers’ demands and feeding a growing population.

There are many examples of farmers and ranchers all over the country doing exceptional things and a majority of consumers aren’t privy to this positive information. U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA), a unique organization that is a collaboration of more than 90 farmer- and rancher-led organizations and agricultural partners, wants to elevate these stories to the national stage.

This year, through the Faces of Farming & Ranching program search, USFRA is looking for its third class of standout farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do and strive to be sustainable and technology-driven.

For more information, please view the full USFRA news release online.

— Adapted from a release by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.

Alltech Acquires Ranch-Way Feeds in Colorado

Alltech, through Hubbard Feeds, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ridley USA Inc., has acquired Ranch-Way Feeds, a leading animal nutrition company that has done business in the western United States for more than 60 years.

Ranch-Way Feeds employs more than 50 people, producing more than 50,000 tons of feed annually. The company markets its animal nutrition products and programs through an extensive dealer network in the Rocky Mountain region. The acquisition includes The Feed Bin, Ranch-Way Feeds’ retail store in Santa Fe, N.M.

Ranch-Way Feeds’ sales, marketing and technical teams will merge with Hubbard’s operations to create a strong on-farm support network for dealers and Western region livestock producers. This support includes the delivery of superior animal nutrition backed by scientific research and tailored feeding programs supported by the expertise and experience of the technical and sales teams. Because of its long history and trusted name recognition, Hubbard Feeds plans to continue to market and sell the Ranch-Way brand at this time.

For more information, please view the full Alltech news release online.

— Adapted from a release by Susana Elliot, Alltech.

SD Stockgrowers Association Sponsors BeefSD Class

BeefSD is an intensive educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef production. Participation in the BeefSD program is an excellent opportunity for beginning producers to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the beef industry and develop the skills needed to be successful. The program is open to people with 10 years or less of management experience in beef production. If not currently involved in beef production, participants must possess a strong desire to be involved in beef production in the future.

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension will be accepting up to 30 operations into the program. Couples, siblings or other closely related family members are encouraged to apply as an operation with up to two people representing an operation.

For more information, please view the full S.D. Stockgrowers news release online.

— Adapted from a release by the South Dakota Stockgrowers.

TSCRA to Host Summer Meeting June 16-18 in Montgomery

The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) is hosting its annual TSCRA Summer Meeting June 16-18 at La Torretta Resort and Spa in Montgomery, Texas. The meeting will serve as an opportunity for cattle raisers to receive updates on recent TSCRA activities and discuss issues important to ranchers and landowners.

State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, Brenham, will be the keynote speaker at Friday’s luncheon where she will provide attendees with a preview of the upcoming Texas legislative session, which convenes January 2017.

TSCRA policy committees will also meet to conduct business and prepare for the legislative session. Committee members will use these meetings as an opportunity to review TSCRA’s policy and receive updates on a variety of topics including private property rights, property taxes, natural resources, cattle marketing, animal health, agricultural research and transportation.

The deadline to take advantage of preregistration prices is June 8. To register or find more information, please visit www.tscra.org/summermeeting.

For more information, visit the Angus Journal Virtual Library calendar of upcoming events.

— Adapted from a release by Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

— Compiled by Paige Nelson, field editor, Angus Journal.