FALL 2022

WHY NCDA&CS MARKET NEWS IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

Have you ever wondered WHY NCDA&CS keeps track of shipments or had the question “What would happen if the industry stopped participating?” As shippers drop out, the data suffers as the information becomes less representative than if 100 percent participation was available. As the report loses integrity, more participation is lost, and eventually the report is determined to be “no longer repre sentative” and is ultimately canceled. Once that happens, it is extremely unlikely that the report will be reinstated and the farmers and packers will be less prepared for price negotiations with buyers, because buyers will have more information than the your sales force. This information is collected on regular intervals and is easy to preparee. On

Monday, Market News collects shipment data from the previous Thursday-Sunday and on Thursday, shipments from Monday- Wednesday. They also request the price range for each grade and package or bulk price for processing. Bottom line, Market News wants to help the farmers of North Carlolina by providing this valuable information, but for it to be valuable, participation is key. The greater the percentage of participation, the more accurate and valuable the report becomes. We know times have changed and time is money. Phone calls can be inefficient if the staff is not ready when the reporter calls. We are working collectively from both NCSPC as well as NCDA&CS to streamline this process. Let us know what would be

beneficial for you! Contact:

coco@ncsweetpotatoes.com or jeremiah.lanning@ncagr.gov with any thoughts or suggestions as we work towards a better and more efficient process. Participation requires a commitment on the part of management to ensure thier staff understands the expectation to provide the information to Market News accurately and within the needed timeframe required to meet the publication deadline. Remember, consistent participation is KEY and the report is only as accurate as the data provided. Help us ensure we do NOT lose this program!