consumers

DairyCast 0441 Show Notes:

• How much time do you spend learning about something you don't think you'll need?  Same with food safety according to Tony Flood of the International Food Information Council.  He says creativity is key.

Bob Young, American Farm Bureau's chief economist, is seeing food costs going up through their consumer surveys.

Our surveys' would suggest those food prices are up, and up significantly.

However, there are enough of uncertainties in the market places that suggest that food prices will only be a factor but not the driver.

Other activity in agriculture suggests that the sector as a whole is doing well. There still are issues with corn and bean prices remaining high, with impacts to cattle prices. But over all 2012 looks pretty good.

DairyCast 0439 Show Notes:

• Food prices are higher and the consumer (Black Friday sales notwithstanding) are hunkering down.  What does it mean for U.S. agriculture and agricultural policy?  Let's ask American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist Bob Young.

DairyCast 0438 Show Notes:

• Dr. Marty Strauss, a consultant with Kahn Strauss and Associates was a speaker and panelist at the recent Food Systems Summit where discussion focused on creatively communicating what today's agriculture provides; food safety, low cost, convenience, etc.  I asked Dr Strauss how to better bridge that gap when today's consumer doesn't really understand what they're getting and why. 

Charlie Arnot, The Center for Food Integrity, provides an overview of the Food System Summit program October 25-26, 2011 in Chicago. Dr. Jason Clay, Senior Vice President, Market Transformations with the World Wildlife Fund, will present a keynote address during the Summit; Jim Moseley, Co-Chair, AGree Transforming Food & Ag Policy, will be the featured speaker; and Joe Quinn, Senior Director, Issue Management and Strategic Outreach for Walmart Corporate Affairs, will provide the closing keynote address.

DairyCast 0414 Show Notes:

• Charlie Arnot of the Center for Food Integrity shares his perspective on the consumer environment and agriculture's need to address their concerns with the general session of the annual conference for the National Institute of Animal Agriculture.
• Full video presentation from the conference.

DairyCast 0413 Show Notes:

• Consumer education efforts are central to your ability to continue business for the long haul.  Why we do what we do when we do it,  Aaron Putze, Director External Relations, Iowa Soybean Association, joins the conversation with these selected comments from his presentation at the recent Animal Ag Alliance Stakeholders Summit.

DairyCast 0398 Show Notes:

• Dr. Dee Griffin presents a recent Beef Quality Assurance webinar highlighting the focus of the program on consumer needs. 
• Link to full webinar
• PDF of presentation.