News Update
Jan. 3, 2011

Taiwanese Beef Importers Participate in Two-Day Seminar

New marketing trends, value-added U.S. beef cuts and programs designed to build buyer loyalty were the themes of a recent two-day seminar for more than 90 Taiwanese importers and distributors.

The program featured independent experts, including the dean of Taiwan’s National Ilan University’s College of Bioresource, who talked about U.S. beef production, while several Taiwanese marketing experts delivered programs about marketing innovation and creative ways to position U.S. beef through expanded use of value-added products. The program was supported by the Beef Checkoff Program and USDA’s Market Access Program.

The seminar received an endorsement from the president of Taiwan’s largest American beef importer, Shuh-Sen Co., which purchases an estimated 30% of U.S. beef exported to Taiwan. Ming-Chao Chou spoke very positively about the program and indicated that he wished to send additional staff members to attend similar programs in the future.

Through the first 10 months of 2010, exports of U.S. beef to Taiwan had already shattered the previous full-year record. They are up 42% percent in volume and 51% in value vs. 2009, reaching 69.5 million pounds (lb.) valued at $172.4 million.

— Release by the Beef Checkoff Program.

Down-Home Beef Tests

The checkoff recently tested five new beef products in homes representing more than 65 families. Results from in-home tests are extremely valuable for new product developers because they produce more realistic outcomes on product satisfaction and usage than research conducted in an artificial test environment. That includes: how easy or difficult the product is to prepare; whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow; how people might use the product — for a meal or a snack; how families feel about the product; whether they intend to purchase it again; other uses for the product; and usefulness of the packaging.

The new products tested in late October were from five different companies and ranged from snacks to entrées. Results from the checkoff-funded tests will serve as a catalyst for these companies to invest in refining, improving and launching their new beef products with the greatest possible success. For more about new beef products, visit the Beef Inovations Group (BIG) website.

— Release by the Beef Checkoff Program.

Major Changes Predicted for Restaurant Industry in 2011

As the nation begins to emerge from recession, changes are on the way for the restaurant industry in 2011, according to Technomic, a leading foodservice research and consulting firm.

As federal menu labeling requirements take effect, Technomic says to look for more items and detailed descriptions on “healthy” menus — including gluten-free fare as well as more “under x calories” items.

Also expect to see more high-end restaurants and more ultra-niche eateries with narrowly focused menus and high-concept ambiance. Meanwhile, the middle class is expected to gravitate to reasonably priced but high-experience-value, thrill-a-minute concepts with memorable menus and consumers will continue to demand price deals everywhere they eat.

Technomic predicts limited-time offers (including seasonal fare) will trend up and “eating a little better” will translate into menu modifications such as slightly-lower-sodium, slightly-more-glamorous sea salt.

Regarding menu items, Technomic says the Korean taco signals the rise of Korean barbecue and Korean food in general. Demand for comfort food is expected, Technomic says.

For more information, go to www.technomic.com/.

— Release by the American Meat Institute.

Missouri Trichomoniasis Report Released

A just released report for Missouri (from March through November 2010) shows about 2,000 Missouri bulls have been tested for trichomoniasis.

Trich is a reproductive disease in cattle caused by a protozoan parasite that results in early pregnancy loss. It is passed from bull to female during breeding and infected bulls show no symptoms.

“For years it has been viewed as a disease in Western states and those of us in the Midwest were not too worried about it. However, in the last 5 to 10 years, the disease has surfaced on more Missouri farms,” said Eldon Cole, a livestock specialist with University of Missouri (MU) Extension.

The recent lab results revealed 90 bulls (4.5%) were positive for trich. Of the 90 animals testing positive, the “hot” spot for them on the map is Barry, Lawrence and Newton counties. Greene, Christian, Stone, McDonald, Barton and Polk counties all have at least one positive showing up. The rest of the positives come from 12 different counties scattered all over the state that so far only have had 1 or 2 positives per county.

Earlier this year Missouri put a requirement on non-virgin bulls from other states, requiring they be tested and found negative for trich before entering Missouri.

“This must be done within 30 days prior to coming in the state. Since we’re finding more positives, don’t be surprised if tighter restrictions are put in place for intra-state movement of bulls,” said Cole.

Tell-tale signs of trich include cows that recycle due to early embryonic deaths; a high percentage of open cows or short-bred cows; a delayed and strung-out calving season.

Trich is a sexually transmitted disease that shows no outwardly visible signs. The bull is the carrier, especially older bulls, so know where your bull has been.

“Other threats are rental bulls and bulls who like to jump fences and visit the neighbors. This can work both ways with your bull and the neighbor’s bull,” said Cole. “Buying open or short-bred cows can pose a risk also.”

For more information, contact any of the MU Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri: Eldon Cole in Mt. Vernon, 417-466-3102 or Dona Goede in Cedar County, 417-276-3313.

— Release by MU Extension.

‘I Am Angus’ Series Continues Tonight

Don’t forget to watch the I Am Angus television program tonight at 7 p.m. CST on RFD-TV (DirecTV channel 345 or Dish Network channel 231). Read more.

— Compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.