Dalton, Jackson to Lead NBC in New Year
As we shared in January, the New Year brought some changes to the Nevada Beef Council (NBC) board, with Gary Ward of Gardnerville departing the organization after several years of service, and Keri Pommerening of Smith Valley becoming the newest board member. The NBC is also kicking off 2021 with new board leadership, with Jay Dalton of Wells taking the helm as chair, and John Jackson of Tuscarora serving as vice chair.
Both Dalton and Jackson have served on the Nevada Beef Council for a number of years, and have each served in various leadership positions. In looking ahead on the new year, Dalton says he is looking forward to continuing the work done in the wake of a challenging year.
“After this last year we’ve had, it’s even more vital that we keep beef top of mind for consumers. I am looking forward to serving as chairman of the NBC, and working with the outstanding staff to continue the important work we’re doing,” notes Dalton.
The newest member and secretary/treasurer of the NBC board is Keri Pommerening, a 5th generation Nevadan who grew up working cattle with her father and has long had a passion for the beef industry. She and her husband now own a family cattle operation with their two children and their families. “Watching our grandchildren grow up in the ranching business brings me great joy,” notes Pommerening. “I want people to know that the majority of cattle in the US are raised on family ranches. It isn’t just a business, it’s a lifestyle, one we hope to continue for many generations.”
“The Nevada Beef Council gives me the opportunity to continue to educate others on the beef industry. I am eager to work with the rest of the council to promote beef for future generations,” she adds.
Reminder: Board Seats Available
The NBC is currently accepting applications for three board seats. One represents the dairy sector, and the other two represent the cow-calf sector in both the Western and Eastern regions of Nevada. Beef producers representing these sectors who are interested in serving as a council member must submit an application by March 31, not the previously published deadline of April 30. Current board members whose terms are expiring are also qualified to apply.
The council meets three times annually – twice in person, and once via conference call. Council members provide feedback, guidance and input on the activities and programs of the NBC. Applications are available at www.nevadabeef.org, or call 877-554-BEEF (2333) to request one to be mailed or e-mailed to you.
Recent Report Assesses Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Behaviors
The number of consumers who say they intend to eat beef at least weekly increased from 67 percent to 72 percent compared to 2019, and consumer positive perceptions of beef reached 70 percent for the first time, according to a report released late last year that examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumer attitudes, behaviors and perceptions.
The report, released by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, outlines what consumer behaviors have changed, what behaviors may be permanent and how the beef industry has and continues to respond. With support from the 44 state beef councils and the Beef Checkoff program, current market and consumer research provides insight into the past year and helps inform programming and response in order to keep beef as the top protein choice for consumers.
“NCBA’s checkoff-funded market research program allows us to evaluate and understand the consumer landscape, especially as its dynamics continue to shift,” NCBA Senior Director of Market Research Shawn Darcy said. “As a result, this helps all checkoff programs be more efficient, whether through promotion, education or information distribution.”
Despite not knowing how this pandemic will continue to shape the consumer landscape, the “State of the Consumer” report provides valuable information to help the beef industry better understand the quickly changing environment. Key take-aways include:
- Online ordering for both groceries and meal ordering is likely here to stay. It is expected online ordering and delivery will grow at a more rapid pace than originally projected due to COVID-19.
- Consumers are cooking more meals at home now than prior to COVID-19. This means they are searching for information to help them cook meals at home. Though expected to continue for the short term, a long-term shift is difficult to assess.
- Consumers are spending more time at home and online than prior to COVID-19. Along with that comes the rise of more TV and moving-streaming platforms and the decline of movie theater viewing which could signal a long-term shift in consumers using more media “inside of the home” compared to “out-of-home.”
- Currently, consumers are focused on spending their money on essential needs, such as groceries, household supplies, personal care and cleaning products. This will likely adjust back; it is just a matter of when.
- Positive consumer perceptions of beef and beef production increased during the pandemic and will likely remain higher for the next several months. Consumers may return to expressing concerns about food production when focus evolves from current concerns.
- Beef demand has remained strong to-date. Consumers increased weekly beef eatings and were willing to pay more for the product.
The full “State of the Consumer” Report, with detailed statistics and graphs can be found at BeefResearch.org.
By Nevada Beef Council Staff
Click image below for the latest Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. recipe: Beef Steak and Black Bean Soft Tacos.
