Grass-Fed Beef: How is it Marketed by US Producers?

Abstract

Increased interest by consumers and producers in grass-fed beef has led to recent expansions in this segment of the beef industry. A mailed survey was used to determine the “what, where and how” of grass-fed, beef marketing in the United States. The most important factors in farmers’ decisions on when to harvest and sell cattle are animal weight and consumer demand. Most farmers use multiple venues for advertising and marketing their beef. Direct sale to consumer is the most commonly used marketing channel. Farm experience, diversification, farm size, production system, and production region impact marketing channel choice.