Opportunity: Cornell By-the-Cut Meat Pricing and Sales Research Project
Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
Cornell University has received a USDA grant to research direct-to-consumer sales of locally-raised meat sold by-the-cut to help meat producers improve profitability. The project team invites farms to apply to participate and receive one-on-one assistance with analyzing sales data and pricing. Participation includes collecting sales data with Point-of-Sale (POS) and online sales software, like Square, and using Cornell's new online Meat Price Calculator.
We are currently accepting applications to participate from NY farms that sell meat by-the-cut at farmers markets, farm stores, and online. Participation requires using POS software to record all transactions in real time. In turn, our team analyzes the data, providing participants with monthly and seasonal reports and specific advice aimed at increasing farm revenue. In addition, the project includes a
new Meat Price Calculator tool to assist with price changes. Project participants receive one-on-one consultation and technical assistance with marketing and pricing.
There will be a presentation about the project on Thursday, April 22 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Matt LeRoux, Extension Associate, will introduce the project and present the results of a similar project conducted with vegetable farmers in 2018. Prospective participants are encouraged to attend. Register for the webinar here: https://cornell.zoom.us/meetin...
Farms interested in participating fill out an application form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/...
More details about the research
The hypothesis is that a large volume of data (transactions) will reveal trends in consumer behavior that inform marketing techniques and pricing strategies to increase daily gross sales. The project examines the data on market-specific and farm-specific levels as well as aggregated. Daily gross sales can be increased by 3 primary means: increasing customers, increasing customer spending, and increasing prices. The data will inform the best methods for each farm and market.
Thank you,
Matt LeRoux
Extension Associate
Charles H Dyson School of Economics & Management
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Cornell University
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Livestock Production Field Day
August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,
Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.
Poultry Processing Workshop, Naples, NY
September 17, 2026 : Poultry Processing Workshop - Naples, NY
Naples, NY
This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops across the state, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm's independence. This hands-on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.
Large Animal Awareness Training For First Responders
September 19, 2026
Dunkirk, NY
Join the Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Services and NYS Veterinarian, Dr. Kate Card-Allen, for a specialized training on how to safely and effectively respond to large animal incidents. Learn techniques for managing large animals during traffic accidents, rollovers, entrapments and other transportation emergencies.
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