Beef consumption is projected to continue to increase in 2008 as it did in 2007 due to higher domestic production. Prices dropped slightly in 2007 due to the availability of U.S. beef from May to October and this contributed to an increase in consumption of beef from all origins.
So, even though they bitch about US beef, it helped their market out. It would be nice to get more activity in the beef export markets. Anything to stimulate a little demand. With high feed prices everybody in the cattle industry is hurting and it's only going to get worse. One of the solutions is to increase demand. The other of course is to reduce supply which would put some cattle producers out of business. I like the demand increase better.
A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder. Thomas Carlyle
It seems the Mr. Mendell & other top executives spent all their time in the office with new computers & software, new stainless steel paneling and state of the art clean up carts. NONE, ZERO of the executives including Mr. Mendell the owner had any experience outside with the actual cattle. The plant Veterinarian Gabriel Gurango who worked at Hallmark for 20 years NEVER inspected or went out to look at the pens because of his other and varied duties. Dr. Gurango is 68 supervised 4 inspectors at the plant but they saw him or spoke with him.... ??he was their boss??
This article places the blame firmly on Hallmark, cattle producers can do everything right and when the cattle get sold the Hallmarks of the world screw things up.
As a small business owner I speak to my people daily, no matter what. Instructions are given to everyone no matter how well trained or experienced they are. My quote use over and over is "It's my name on the door,not yours, do it my way."
Mike Desmond
Milford OH