Industry should work together for successful future

By Holly Martin

All segments of the beef industry need to focus on working together, according a panel of speakers at the second general session this morning.

The panel included Paul Bennett, a seedstock producer from Virginia; Homer Buell, rancher from Nebraska; David DeLaney, vice president and general manager of livestock and ranching operations; James Herring, president of Fiona Industries; Wesley Batista, CEO North America of JBS Swift; and Molly McAdams, vice president, H-E-B Grocery Company.

McAdams told the group that the industry needs to focus on the consumer. And cattlemen should understand there is a difference between customers and consumers. "You are customers of each other," she said. But ultimately, the person purchasing the beef in the grocery store is the consumer and should be the focus of the industry. All segments of the industry must work together in order to make that happen. "Collaboration is the key to success," she said.

Bennett agreed. "We must reflect a clear understanding of the total scope of the industry, not just our own segment," he said. Bennett also talked about the importance of embracing emerging technology in the future.

Batista told producers the dependancy on beef demand dictates the need to concentrate on it. Improving market access is also important and by working with producers, feeders and retailers, the job can be accomplished. In fact, Batista said JBS is putting together a cow-calf council that will meet regularly to help identify ways that the two segments can work together.

Herring echoed much of the sentiment about working together. He also stressed the need to protect our country against attacks on entrepreneurship. "We need to protect the spirit of entrepreneurship at all costs."

The panel and discussion following are important, according to Tom Field, NCBA executive director of producer education. "Today we are seeking to understand and define the future of the beef industry. The discussion will help us focus on the concerns you have."