Farmers seem to dislike things they don’t understand and accuse corporations for ripping them off. Lets take a positive look at how large corporations operate, why they are successful and also do more good than most farmers realize.
Large corporations have operational meetings and the reason is to get all the key personal and subcontractors involved so they understand the business. The bean counters and the CEO keep good control on cost and profit--- its good business to know not just think that your business is making or loosing money—on a daily—weekly or monthly bases.
Lets not just point fingers at each other but have meetings and try to understand all aspects of the food chain so we all stay in business. Most farmers don’t really have a clue what the cost and net profit is along the food chain past the farm gate--- and at the same token maybe Safeway should know the actual cost and profit to produce the raw product.
Farm organizations like CCA and ABP should amalgamated into one and stop wasting producer money--- they should organize meetings and seminars to get all people in the food chain to participate because working together is beneficial to all.
Just sending out post cards and wearing jackets with big letters on the back –I LOVE BEEF is not solving producer problems.
I think we need real experienced business people to run these organizations and get small producers organized to work together for a common cause --- sort of like becoming one big farm but still have independence--- small farmers should feed to finish the animals and have a gathering system to deliver to the processing plants. ( added value )
Waiting for the Government to solve the problems is not working and that is all these organizations are doing at present. Lets get the deadwood out of these organizations and start running the farming industry like a business not a welfare case.
Large corporations have a little more clout in exporting our processed goods than individuals or small companies. Large companies can pay better wages and benefits and can withstand more labour disruptions – you can buy equipment but not labour.
The large processing companies need a continuous supply of raw product at a competitive price and the only way that is possible is by signing committing contracts by the supplier and processor. The price has to be realistic and competitive for both parties to stay in business.
The problem I see with farmers is they are reluctant to sign a contract because they think someone is always trying to rip them off or maybe the price will go up, but who cares as long as you made a reasonable profit--- don’t sign contracts if they are not reasonable but at the same token don’t let greed over ride good commonsense—farming is a business so it up you to keep up with globalization.
The reason we don’t see the prices drop at the same rate at Safeway for beef as at the farm gate because they have long term supply and price commitments ( contracts ) from their suppliers--- its is also good for the supplier because Safeway has a commitment to buy their product --- end result they both make a profit and don’t have a dog fight over daily pricing.
Some large processing companies would not produce their own raw product if they could get farmers to commitment to supply the product for a long term.
The farmers are not organized and trying to out smart each other and the companies are taking advantage of this--- don’t blame the corporations for your own mismanagement.
Lets work with the processors and you will realize they will help you stay in business because they also need your product--- commitment contracts are a must with provisions to amend if the cost of production changes.
I think the cattle and grain farmers are always trying to rip each other off, if the grain prices are high it seems the cattle prices are low—its supply and demand rule, but me tink a little cooperation could rectify that problem.
There is no excuse not to know if there are any government subsidies programs and their applications.
There is a big difference in making a profit or making a living from farming.
Our demands and expenses are higher now than before so the farming practices have to change to accommodate our lifestyle --- the ratio-- farm size to lifestyle is very important -- so would also stand true—land base – equipment – debt load and working capital. You can’t use a $125,000.00 tractor to spread feed for 35 cows --- something wrong with that picture.
Cowman-- you probably thought I died because I wasn’t stirring the pot.
Large corporations have operational meetings and the reason is to get all the key personal and subcontractors involved so they understand the business. The bean counters and the CEO keep good control on cost and profit--- its good business to know not just think that your business is making or loosing money—on a daily—weekly or monthly bases.
Lets not just point fingers at each other but have meetings and try to understand all aspects of the food chain so we all stay in business. Most farmers don’t really have a clue what the cost and net profit is along the food chain past the farm gate--- and at the same token maybe Safeway should know the actual cost and profit to produce the raw product.
Farm organizations like CCA and ABP should amalgamated into one and stop wasting producer money--- they should organize meetings and seminars to get all people in the food chain to participate because working together is beneficial to all.
Just sending out post cards and wearing jackets with big letters on the back –I LOVE BEEF is not solving producer problems.
I think we need real experienced business people to run these organizations and get small producers organized to work together for a common cause --- sort of like becoming one big farm but still have independence--- small farmers should feed to finish the animals and have a gathering system to deliver to the processing plants. ( added value )
Waiting for the Government to solve the problems is not working and that is all these organizations are doing at present. Lets get the deadwood out of these organizations and start running the farming industry like a business not a welfare case.
Large corporations have a little more clout in exporting our processed goods than individuals or small companies. Large companies can pay better wages and benefits and can withstand more labour disruptions – you can buy equipment but not labour.
The large processing companies need a continuous supply of raw product at a competitive price and the only way that is possible is by signing committing contracts by the supplier and processor. The price has to be realistic and competitive for both parties to stay in business.
The problem I see with farmers is they are reluctant to sign a contract because they think someone is always trying to rip them off or maybe the price will go up, but who cares as long as you made a reasonable profit--- don’t sign contracts if they are not reasonable but at the same token don’t let greed over ride good commonsense—farming is a business so it up you to keep up with globalization.
The reason we don’t see the prices drop at the same rate at Safeway for beef as at the farm gate because they have long term supply and price commitments ( contracts ) from their suppliers--- its is also good for the supplier because Safeway has a commitment to buy their product --- end result they both make a profit and don’t have a dog fight over daily pricing.
Some large processing companies would not produce their own raw product if they could get farmers to commitment to supply the product for a long term.
The farmers are not organized and trying to out smart each other and the companies are taking advantage of this--- don’t blame the corporations for your own mismanagement.
Lets work with the processors and you will realize they will help you stay in business because they also need your product--- commitment contracts are a must with provisions to amend if the cost of production changes.
I think the cattle and grain farmers are always trying to rip each other off, if the grain prices are high it seems the cattle prices are low—its supply and demand rule, but me tink a little cooperation could rectify that problem.
There is no excuse not to know if there are any government subsidies programs and their applications.
There is a big difference in making a profit or making a living from farming.
Our demands and expenses are higher now than before so the farming practices have to change to accommodate our lifestyle --- the ratio-- farm size to lifestyle is very important -- so would also stand true—land base – equipment – debt load and working capital. You can’t use a $125,000.00 tractor to spread feed for 35 cows --- something wrong with that picture.
Cowman-- you probably thought I died because I wasn’t stirring the pot.
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