Evaluation of GEM Experimental Crosses for Starch Amylose

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Katie Dallam.
Dr. Michael Seipel, Faculty Mentor.

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After several years of low commodity prices, good yields and reduced export markets, America's farmers are looking for new ways to harness a larger share of the food dollar. Some are attempting to do this by eliminating the middleman and taking products directly to the consumer. This project explores the experiences of five Missouri Katahdin lamb producers and of the marketer hired to coordinate their direct marketing activities. The group is creating a marketing brochure about their product, organizing various events (cooking demonstrations and product tastings), and evaluating different marketing techniques. This presentation reports on this ongoing marketing effort and uses the group's experience to highlight the challenges, advantages and rewards of direct marketing.