A recent article in the Sault Star (March 15th) profiled a group of beef farmers who have gotten together to promote “local consumption of locally-raised beef”. These Sault area producers are sharing their knowledge and expertise with each other, in hopes that consumers will recognize the value of their products. By offering conveniently packaged products from animals raised locally, they are hopeful that transportation costs will be significantly reduced and environmental impacts minimized.
Penokean Hills Farms is a perfect example of collaboration among farmers. With support from NORDIK, Algoma University’s research facility, participants have worked hard to plan and market their idea, and I’m proud to see producers from my hometown area using innovative strategies to move their venture forward.
Kudos to Dan Bellerose for writing an excellent article, creating consumer awareness for this initiative.
The only thing I might have added is that these Northern Ontario farmers are leading the way for counterparts in other areas of the country. By tightening up the process, working with a local packer and area retailers, they have implemented value chain management.
March 22, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Value chains…they’re everywhere!
Congratulations for taking the community pulse by keeping an eye on the hometown media, Joanne. Every Wednesday I surf to the weekly Wallaceburg Courier Press to check on the news, see who’s left standing and try to determine if there are any trends I can glean for my column. In agricultural communications, I think it’s essential to watch rural Ontario for developments.
Owen