As the Georgia National Fair continues, the Georgia Beef Board is making a strong impact by promoting beef and engaging with consumers on the ground. We caught up with Wyatt Doolittle for a mid-fair update on how things are going.
“We have a lot of enthusiasm from consumers. We’re getting a lot of great questions, a lot of interest about current cattle prices and where we’re going to be at on boxed beef prices, but overall consumer perception of beef is very positive and they’re very excited and the recipe books and interest in cooking more beef has been off the charts.”
The board’s presence at the fair includes recipe handouts, educational displays, and one-on-one conversations with fairgoers. And it’s not just casual chats—many of these discussions are in-depth and informed.
“I’ve had very high-level conversations of very well-informed consumers that are talking through the intricacies of the boarder being shut down, low cattle inventory numbers. They get it, they’re paying attention and there’s been a lot of empathy there within consumers with producers of understanding the situation that we’re in.”
This year’s fair comes at a time when cattle prices are high and beef supply is being closely watched by producers and consumers alike. While this benefits many in the industry, there’s also a shared concern about affordability and access.
“Yes, we’re enjoying these high cattle prices, but we also still want every American to be able to enjoy the product that we’re producing.”
The Georgia Beef Board’s mission at the fair is clear: educate, engage, and build positive relationships between producers and the public. Based on Doolittle’s report, they’re succeeding on all fronts.
As October continues, the Georgia Beef Board remains committed to beef promotion, encouraging fair attendees to take home recipes, ask questions, and continue supporting the Georgia beef industry year-round.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.