One committee moved forward with its long range plan, which addresses what the industry faces in regards to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

The Beef Industry Long Range Plan task force recently introduced a new five-year plan for 2021-2025. Kim Brackett, Beef Industry Long Range task force chair, says this plan is “a little different than the previous plan,” as it includes industry objectives.

“Those are the corner posts of this long range plan,” Brackett said. “To support each of those objectives, we created six core strategies. Those core strategies are beef exports, consumer trust, developing/implementing better business models, promoting beef, the business and political climate, and safeguarding and cultivating investment in our industry.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Cattlemen’s Beef Board will soon vote on the long range plan. Bill Rishel, member of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan task force, describes the plan as a road map for these organizations, or structures.

“It is their job and command to come up with the tactics to put those parts of this plan in play. Now, we know it’s a big order,” Rishel said. “There are a lot of initiatives, and it will be their prerogative to prioritize these initiatives.”

Each foundation is responsible for monitoring the success of each industry objective and core strategy. The Beef Industry Long Range Plan task force also laid out industry metrics, to assist them with such, shares Dr. Keith Belk, member of the Beef Industry Long Range Plan task force.

“One example: The task force suggested we should grow beef exports to 17-percent of beef production by 2025. We’re currently at 15-percent. That’s a pretty aggressive target to try and reach by 2025, but it’s an opportunity to grow the industry,” Dr. Belk said.

Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.