CALF_News_December_2018_January_2019

31 CALF News • December 2018 | January 2019 • www.calfnews.net JOHNSON CONCRETE LIVESTOCK WATERERS THE BEST NAME IN CATTLE WATERERS www.JohnsonConcreteProducts.com Trusted by Livestock Owners Everywhere! JOHNSON CONCRETE LIVESTOCK WATERERS 109 East B Street Hastings, Neb. 68901 phone: (402) 463-1359 toll free: (800) 752-1670 Built with features to last, Johnson Waterers withstand punishing weather and prove to be dependable year after year. TOUGH, DEPENDABLE CONSTRUCTION  See us for all your water trough needs.  We are #1 in water trough parts and services. Designed for the most punishing environments, our livestock waterers stand the test of time and deliver performance unequaled in the ndustry. AreYour CowsAnd Calves Receiving Their Essential FattyAcids? Better Health, Better Calves, Better Beef. ©2018 NBO3 Technologies Low-cost, superior delivery of essential fatty acids makes greatOFeeds the better choice for animal health. For more information, visit nbo3.com or contact us at info@nbo3.com . 8877 Green Valley Drive • Manhattan, KS 66502 brought to you by C M Y CM MY CY CMY K NBO318_CS_039_CalfNews_QtrPg_091818_PR.pdf 1 9/18/18 9:4 7 AM Big retailers love moving beef Representatives of two major retailers – HEB and Costco – provided valuable insight on consumer habits and concerns when buying beef. In a panel moderated by Molly McAdams, a specialist herself in measuring consumer attitudes toward beef, HEB’s Mike Jarzombek, group vice president of meat and seafood, and Costco’s Bob Huskey, assistant general manager of meat, plants, poultry and pork, described how younger consumer clients are more concerned about beef production and safety before making a purchase. LEFT: Darci Vetter, former deputy trade representative, said that with the trade war with China, the U.S. has lost some trust among trading partners. RIGHT: Bob Huskey, Costco assistant general manager of meat, plants, poultry and pork, said conventional beef is the core of the giant member store’s beef business. Continued on page 32  “Food safety is paramount,” Jarzombek said, noting that consumers are concerned about Salmonella outbreaks seen recently, as well as antibiotic use in beef production.“Consum- ers are either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the use of antibiotics and growth promotants,” he said.“We have a lot more to do as an industry [to educate consumers on their usage.” Huskey said Millennials are very conscious of food safety, as well as animal welfare, adding that Costco sells its own brand of ground beef and maintains strict guidelines on its transparency. “Our [Costco] members send us comments on products,” Huskey said.“Traceability comes up, but I believe they trust us to do the right thing.” Costco has more than 766 locations worldwide and 94 million members. All beef in U.S. Costco stores is USDA Choice or Prime, he said, adding that Costco even markets Prime in the United Kingdom.“Quality is a huge factor. We want to make sure every steak our customers eat is a good one,” Huskey said, noting that Costco members are typically higher income shoppers. “Conventional beef is our core business and we sell thick cuts. Our members are wise with their money. And the same ones buying beef are the same ones buying diamond rings [and other big-ticket items].