style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">The Marin County Agriculture
Department launched its Grass-Fed Livestock Certification Program this past
April 22 with a presentation to local producers regarding the outlook of the
beef industry, niche marketing opportunities, and the health benefits of
grass-fed livestock. "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> style="mso-spacerun: yes"> The presentation was
put together by Stephanie Larson of the "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />
Extension
advisor, and Dr. Steven Blank, extension economist for U.C. Davis, addressed the
marketing trends, opportunities and options in niche meat markets. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Their conclusions can be summarized by
saying that the grass-fed livestock market is small but rapidly growing, and
this is the best time to enter this market. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Dr. Blank mentioned that the
establishment of standards for a grass-fed livestock program could further
increase profitability. Dr. Cindy
Daley, CSU Chico, addressed the health attributes of eating grass-fed meat. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Dr. Daley spoke of research which has
shown grass-fed meat to contain a more desirable ratio of Omega 6: Omega 3 fatty
acids, higher levels of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid, an anti-oxidant and
anti-carcinogenic), lower saturated fats, and higher concentrations of Vitamins
A and E. Stacy Carlsen, Marin
County Agricultural Commissioner, and Anita Sauber of the Marin County
Agricultural Commissioner's office discussed the purpose of the program and
participation requirements.
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> style="mso-spacerun: yes"> This local program is
open to livestock producers in Marin and
producers with new market opportunities.
Local producers Joe Pozzi and Mike Gale shared their experiences in the
niche meat market and how they have developed their customer base. style="mso-spacerun: yes">
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Livestock producers
interested in the Grass-Fed Livestock Certification Program can contact the
Marin County Department of Agriculture at 415-499-6700. style="mso-spacerun: yes"> - By Juan Hidalgo, Marin
Agricultural Commissioner's office.