Research Findings to Improve Cattle Industry Profit Opportunities,Increase Demand for Beef Outlined

DENVER (February 12, 2004) – Details of beef checkoff-funded research studies recently conducted  have been released in a comprehensive annual report.  The 43-page Defining Change for the Future outlines key findings in on-going research on food safety, product enhancement, nutrition and other areas that will help to enhance profit opportunities for cattle producers by strengthening the cattle and beef industry.

The research could play an important role by providing information for the new nutrition guidelines later this year, according to Paul Genho, Ph.D., current chair of Joint Research & Knowledge Management Committee.  It will also provide a foundation for many checkoff-funded information and promotion programs that address beef demand and issues of concern to consumers.

“One only needs to look at the critical issues facing the industry to realize that the importance of research for the beef industry has never been greater,” says Genho. “The issues surrounding the development of the new food guide pyramid, dietary guidelines, BSE, eliminating pathogens from the beef chain, increasing product consistency as well as adding value to the chuck and round can only be addressed with industry knowledge that is based on sound science.”

Consumer confidence in the beef supply is a top priority for beef producers, Genho said.  Beef safety research priorities were focused on ways to eliminate BSE and E. coli O157:H7 from the beef supply.  Cattle producers are also focusing on ways to create quality case-ready products for today’s fast-paced consumers.  Research efforts are focused on keeping beef top of mind in safety, convenience and nutrition.

Nutrition research demonstrated the health benefits of beef lipids and examined beef’s role in diet and cancer prevention.  Checkoff-funded studies outlined in Defining Change for the Future document that beef can play a major beneficial role in weight-loss diets.

“Research efforts alone don’t guarantee success, but it does give us the basic tools that can help guide our day-to-day work, as well as direct the beef industry’s marketing programs,” says Genho.

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