Low and inconsistent beef quality has been blamed by some for the losses of beef's share of total meat consumption. Tighter vertical coordination through use of alternative marketing arrangements and more precise price signaling through use of different cattle valuation methods may help improve...

This work measures the impact of captive supplies, or cattle procured through alternative marketing agreements (AMAs), on meatpacker costs, gross margins, and profits. Confidential profit and loss data were examined from all the individual packing plants within the four largest packing firms for...

This article addresses the cross training of employees in large agribusiness firms that hire employees having varying degrees and backgrounds. The successful use of an experiential fed cattle market simulator in cross training is described. Evaluations of workshop participants evidence the...

Business researchers have long argued that a gap exists between the management assistance needs of small businesses and the information and services being provided. Management of small businesses in the food and kindred products industry in Wyoming were surveyed to identify impediments of...

The objective of this article is to report the results of a logistic regression analysis designed to identify factors which are important in influencing purchase and reorder decisions of a branded, low fat, fresh beef product. Health related factors and visual differences significantly influence...

A laboratory test was conducted in the San Francisco Bay area during July 1987 to study the impact of a price premium (25%) on sales of branded, low fat, and natural beef. The effect of a 25% price premium was a 38% reduction in trial purchases. While price resistance was significant, there is a...

Specific information is lacking on the nature of problems and barriers that cause difficulty or prevent small food and kindred products processors from expanding. The objective of this article is to provide an analysis of the specific problems and barriers encountered by small food and kindred...

The potential of marketing a branded, low fat, fresh beef product was studied. Consumers were receptive to the test product and were willing to compromise on taste for a product that was perceived to be healthier. Opportunities appear to exist for a range of beef products targeted at selective...

Ordered probit models were used to identify factors which influenced consumer rankings of vacuum skin packaged steaks and roasts. Variables included selected demographic characteristics and concerns regarding retail beef packaging. Information pertaining to the color of the beef in, and the...

The objective of this study was to identify perceived characteristics of beef which impact quality perception. Results indicate that concerns with beef related to cholesterol and calorie content, artificial ingredients, convenience characteristics, how it is displayed in the store, and expense...