FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2000
--Feature Story-
SC Beef Producers and Publix Supermarkets, Working to Assure Quality
(Columbia)--Kevin and Lydia Yon of Yon Family Farms located in Ridge Spring, SC began using ultra sound equipment, not unlike that used by medical doctors, in 1995 as part of their beef cattle operations. Kevin and Lydia are using ultra sound on their Bulls. “Since the focus of our operation is raising seed stock, through the use of ultra sound we can determine several things such as the size of the rib eye, the amount of marbling in the rib eye, as well as the amount of exterior fat surrounding the rib eye.” Armed with this information, as well as the results of DNA tests, the Yon’s goal is to breed lean, tender cattle. They can verify their findings by comparing the Bull’s data with that of the bull’s progeny. Kevin Yon said, “There’s been a real shift in thinking by those of us in the Beef Industry. Where, in the past, the thinking was ‘Beef is King’, the present trend is toward thinking ‘We’re growing meals’. As a result, we’re far more interested in producing a consistent, quality product. The way to achieve that goal is to pay very close attention to the genetics”.
Meanwhile, the Beef Board has established a National Quality Assurance program for producers. “Brand Mark” is the most recent step in the Beef Check-Off funded Brand-like initiative that was launched in 1997. The goal of the Beef Quality Assurance Program is to transform the Beef Industry from a commodity-based industry to one that puts consumer needs and desires first. Producers in several states have already been certified and the goal of the South Carolina Beef Board is to achieve certification soon. James Sease, President of the SC Beef Board said, “We’re currently working with the National Beef Board and our member producers here to ensure that SC Beef Producers take advantage of the Quality Assurance Certification Program. The changes taking place in the market make it more important than ever that our members keep pace with producers in other states.”
Another indication of the importance of developing and maintaining such Quality Assurance Programs is evident in the purchasing changes currently taking place among retailers. For example, Publix Super Markets, Inc. is now in the process of developing their own beef standards. “By developing our own standards for the beef we buy, we will be assuring our customers that the beef they buy from any Publix is a cut above that of the competition. Our customers will be able to take advantage of higher quality “choice” cuts. They will also be able to count upon a consistent level of quality”, says Skip Chandler, Retail Meat Coordinator for Publix Super Markets, Inc. Publix’ policy is to rely on three basic elements: First and foremost, the cattle. Publix will be buying cattle, not “box meat”. Through relationships with producers, Publix will buy the cattle that meet their standard. As a result of practices such as those used by the Yon’s, it will be much easier to ensure consistency. Publix’ focus will be on purchasing cattle ranging from 650 – 725 pounds that also prove to provide meat that meets the Publix standard. Another unique step that Publix has taken is to employ a specialist in Ranch Management as part of their overall beef Quality Assurance team. In addition, Publix has secured agreements from select packing plants to process the cattle in order to meet the Publix standard. These packing plants are subject to surprise inspections by Publix personnel, in order to ensure that both Publix’ quality and sanitary standards are being maintained. As a result, Publix customers will enjoy a much better selection of quality, tender beef.
The scientific advances that producers such as the Yons are taking advantage, the Quality Assurance Programs of both the SC and National Beef Boards, and the policies such as those now being adopted by Publix, all guarantee a more tender, tastier, beef eating experience for the consumer. An excellent example of beef producers and retailers working from “gate to plate” to ensure a quality product for all.
For more information about Yon Family Farms, contact Kevin or Lydia Yon at 803-685-5048. For more information about the Beef Quality Assurance Program, contact Jim Pooser, South Carolina Department of Agriculture at 803-734-2200 or James Sease, President, SC Beef Board at 803-267-3302 and, for more information regarding Publix’ Retail Meat Programs, contact Skip Chandler at 770-952-6601.