Farm meat marketing in cattle suckler breeding : Economic results and impacts on breeding system management

Summary

In response to the bovine crises of 1996 and 2000, and also to the poorly structuredorganic beef market chain, direct marketing of beef to consumers by the farmer hasdeveloped. We studied the impact of this marketing system on economic performanceand farming practices. The results show that direct marketing can generate addedvalue, despite the extra costs. Farmers have made the necessary changes to theirpractices, and have adapted their herd management. Through strengthening the linkbetween the farm and the outside world, direct marketing offers an alternative to theexpansion of farms, making it possible to support a greater workforce with the samestructure.