WSARE 2000 Farmer/Rancher Grants-FW00-074

TITLE: Colorado Quality Lamb: Enhancing the Economic Viability of Local Producers through Direct Marketing to Food Service Establishments

The Colorado Quality Lamb Project is a marketing alliance between producer David Myers and the Colorado Restaurant Association

David Myers, a part-time Colorado rancher who breeds lambs, has initiated a project to increase the marketability of Colorado lamb, which has traditionally lacked a local market. The Colorado Quality Lamb Project is the establishment of an alliance between Myers and the Colorado Restaurant Association-Pikes Peak Chapter. He believes that the Colorado Quality Lamb Project will provide farmers and ranchers with a working model for structuring a local partnership with food suppliers.

With the aid of a Western SARE Farmer/Rancher grant, Myers will start marketing his lamb. Myers has already met with several chefs who have expressed interest in purchasing his lamb and believes that many other chefs are also interested in locally produced Colorado lamb. He plans to further the project through publicity by developing and displaying advertising materials at county fairs and other public places. Myers also plans to develop a feeding program to meet the needs of restaurants. He hopes to be able to supply lamb year-round by December 31, 2001.