Advice on Highland Cow set-up

solsikkefarms · #21 01/15/14, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haypoint

That's what I'm talking about! I don't know if any of what you wrote was true or not, doesn't matter. This is the speech that sells cattle, odd breed or not. Salesmanship is vital if you want to prevent the losses that you should expect selling in normal markets. You must be able to promote your products and instill a belief in your customers the belief that they are getting something special. Congrats!

Haypoint you're right that what it has become but I'm just not a salesman. Good tasting food sells itself. When I started raising pigs i raised 3 different breeds, took all the meat the first two years and donated it equally to churches, potential customers, and the local food bank. I took the feedback and determined which breed I should focus on. I have plenty of customers now wanting my pork. If they like how my Highlands taste I expect the same. If not I will run less cattle and more of something else, but I don't think there will be a problem selling it.

On that note though I cant believe what people sell their products for, just for slapping on some trendy labels. I charge 20% over cost to cover losses, I would feel like I'm ripping people off if i charged what I see other people listing their food for.

solsikkefarms · #22 01/15/14, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosqrls

What I have learned about most ranchers is that they are going to sell what is going to make them the most money in the shortest time with the least cash outlay period. They don't care if it is good or not.

Ain't that the truth. I think that's where small farmers come in, they can produce quality food and focus on the quality. That's why you're seeing a movement for local farms, heritage breeds and such. Isn't that the point of a small farm, homestead, or hobby farm? Quality over profit. The commercial farms and big farms are the ones getting the assistance from the government and they are the ones farming for profit. Let them mass produce for the big stores we all know there's a market there, I want to produce the best quality food I can because there are allot of people wanting to put less chemicals and more taste on their tables. (getting off my soap box now)