[HereInTheHeartland]

I would say we have never come close to capturing the potential of the livestock industry. Much of the value added is done out of state.
The Wells Blue Bunny model is a good example. Dairy was always there; but with Wells expanding their market; they built basically a whole new industry around Lemars.

Niche type meats are not real big right now; but in my opinion there is a big potential for Iowa to do some interesting things ion that area also.

We also didn't use to be a big player in poultry (eggs and meat). Again that has changed and we now are.

[Free Vulcan]

If we get rid of all the other subsidies and other govt props and livestock farming does well, I’m all for it. Let the market dictate.

On a side note, you talk about niche meat. Our family buys their beef from a local farmer, quarters, halves, wholes depending on how much we think we need and how long to the next cow. With processing it’s $2.25/lb. for everything, all cuts of meat. It’s hard to buy good hamburger for that.

The farmer uses no hormones and very little antibiotics. The meat is top grade. Why more farmers don’t do this I don’t know.