They have limited ability to improve asset efficiency, and have relatively high variation in the quality characteristics of their product. The Meat Producer - the industrial paradigm. The objective here is to produce efficient, least cost, lean meat. This type of production came as a result of the pricing mechanisms used by packers, which reward lean meat production. Because the focus is only on lean meat, this system fails to respond to distinctive market demand such as those coming from high value export markets.
Production is perceived as part of an interrelated system.
Preferences of end consumers are the focus of attention and there is increased commitment to the local community. In this system producers forgo some of the efficiencies gained from the industrial production to achieve the meat quality characteristics in demand. There is indication that the swine industry in the US cannot be considered a commodity industry anymore. Today, creating value means satisfying customer demand. Given the diverse set of end consumer preferences, there is an extremely important role for knowledge and information.