MPPTA Technical Support

Pet Trends are Promising for Smaller Processors

The humanization of pets has exploded over the past few decades as Fido moved off the front porch and into the bedroom (or on the bed), and Fluffy traded chasing mice in the barn for curling up on the couch.

This trend has translated into how pet parents view the food and treats they feed their companion animals. Some consumers want their companions to follow the same diet as they feed the rest of their family. However, pet nutritionists warn that dogs and cats still have unique digestive systems that require different nutrition than humans.

After Getting Buffaloed, Bison Business Learned Marketing Lessons

Meat and poultry processors seeking lessons in diversification need look no further than the U.S. bison business.

Twenty-five years ago, the bison business looked like a giant pyramid scheme. Prices for live animals escalated dramatically in the 1990’s as ranchers competed to build their herds with the limited number of animals available. By 1999, prices for breeding stock had reached unsustainable heights, with the grand champion breeding bull selling for $101,000 at the National Bison Association’s annual Gold Trophy sale.