Slaughter Free Leather Not Selling As Expected

[StevenSiegel]

Hi,

This is really amazing

I put the time into developing this product with the idea of assisting this industry.

Let me address some questions:

1) These hides exist. They can either be converted to leather or go in the dump.

2) Abuse of animals to create "slaughter-free" hides is economically absurd as a hide does not even bring 5% of the value of the carcass. A live head of cattle sent to a slaughter house will always bring more money than an animal that has died in the field. The value is in the meat.

3) An international organization and a set or standards was established over a year ago for "eco" friendly leather. This was spearheaded by Timberland. It is only a short period of time before ALL major buyers of leather will be requred to meet these standards. Google on Timberland for their blog and google on the BLC For more information. In terms of pricining, GOOGLE on things like "organic" leather, "eco" leather, etc, search a little further and you will find your existing markets and pricing examples.

4) I live "across the street" from a 35,000 acre privately owned cattle ranch, small, by most Western US, Candian or Australian standards, Cattle die from lightning strikes, broken necks, other accidents, etc. Maybe Bruce can elaborate on this better than can I.

I was always taught to be curious and to look at new ideas. I thought that is how people learn; by having an open mind and asking relevant questions. It just might be me, but I feel that the important questions are: Who//why can a maker sell a finished product made from this leather at a better profit margin. Is this leather suitable for the corresponding maker?

Anyway, our end of year special can be viewed at :

https://www.siegelofca.com/fridayspecial/112910/121410c.htm

[UKRay]

I'm completely cool with lightning strikes, broken necks etc. Sudden unexpected death happens to animals - and people - all the time. If that is what you are suggesting, Steve, then I believe you should get massive industry support because you have brought something new and innovative to our table. In fact, I'll go further than that. This leather sounds like a gift from a marketing perspective and I'm confident it has a place in our industry.

Forget about the vegans and veggies, I know a lot of ordinary middle class folk who would like to support this idea and, having spoken to several dozen of them over the past 12 hours, firmly believe this product has huge potential. The premium price tag simply makes it exclusive and there is always somebody who will pay over the odds to get something with a good story behind it.

I understand all the gripes about animals dying of old age and illness and yes, animals deserve better than that - but listen to the man guys - he isn't talking about poor ole' critters left to die in a field. IMHO he is offering you another marketplace and if you are too blind or stubborn to recognise an opportunity then you deserve to miss out on the potential benefits.

At the end of the day, nobody is asking you if you think it is a good idea. The deed is already done. The 'Happy Cow' leather exists. Use it or lose it!

Thanks, Steve (who sadly isn't paying me for this! LOL). Like I said, I wish it was available in the UK as, after some rapid research, I believe I have a significant marketplace for this kind of leather.

Ray

[UKRay]

The interesting thing would be if the additional value from a hide gleaned in this way were transferred back to the person who reared the cow. Instead of a complete loss the beast could actually be worth more than a 'standard' cow...

[StevenSiegel]

Hi Ray,

Send me your address and I'll send you a hide for free to the UK and we'll pay the freight.

The hides that are available to me can be tanned into virtually any leather which you can imagine, but they are all vegetable tanned (the tannage/fat liquors/finishing) can be modified for most any use (in the future)

The leather in stock are 7/8 & 8/9 "strap sides".... let us know if you will be using the leather for flat goods or strap goods, so we can pick accordingly.

Regards,

Steve

PS For those of you who subscribe to our email special, we frequently give away leather for free. We only ask for the person's honest opinion on the leather and perhaps a picture or two of the finished products. We offer MANY leathers which other suppliers do not offer, so this makes it easier for the public to "understand" the uses of these leathers.

[Art]

Knut,

Healthy dairy cows are generally slaughtered and used in processed meat products when their dairy production declines. By processed products I mean things like soups, stews, canned meats, sausages, meatballs, etc., etc. The primal and sub primal cuts from any bovine over about 1.5 - 2 years is generally ungraded and cuts too black for fresh commercial (food store) presentation. Like you say, it is often tough, so they process it. However, beef that dies from "natural" causes is generally taken to a rendering plant which is the only imaginable outcome other than burial, if the skins can be harvested, processing into usable leather is probably the best possible outcome. I would imagine more of the hides are chrome processed into "distressed" product than may be advertised.

Art

Lasse, I can assure you that all healthy milking cows in Sweden are slaughtered for meat production when their career as milk producers is over . You´ll know when you chew a chunk of "leathery" beef !

/ knut

[catskin]

Hi Ray,

Send me your address and I'll send you a hide for free to the UK and we'll pay the freight.

The hides that are available to me can be tanned into virtually any leather which you can imagine, but they are all vegetable tanned (the tannage/fat liquors/finishing) can be modified for most any use (in the future)

The leather in stock are 7/8 & 8/9 "strap sides".... let us know if you will be using the leather for flat goods or strap goods, so we can pick accordingly.

Regards,

Steve

PS For those of you who subscribe to our email special, we frequently give away leather for free. We only ask for the person's honest opinion on the leather and perhaps a picture or two of the finished products. We offer MANY leathers which other suppliers do not offer, so this makes it easier for the public to "understand" the uses of these leathers.

Do I qualifiy for a chunk of free leather to test in my work? I am not too fussy since it would be mostly cut in strips and sewed up for light harness. It would not have to be slaughter free, anything suitable for pleasure driving pony harness would do. Flaws and brands would be okay.

Edited December 20, 2010 by catskin

[hivemind]

Pity these aren't 12oz+, I can see a market for this stuff in the re-enactor and ren-fair types, many of whom are pretty crunchy-granola types.

[JHayek]

I usually just lurk about here and ocassionally post but I thought that I would throw in here. I am a former pro sadle maker but am now a full time ranch hand because I make more money as a cowboy than a craftsman. Not complaining, just saying how it is. I can absolutly say that makers do not get paid enough for their work. I can also say that many times cattle die for reasons that are completly beyond the control of the rancher and has NOTHING to do with mistreatment or neglect. In fact, the suggestion is offensive to those like me that are spending 12 hours a day on average watching over these animals(in inclement weather, around the clock) as they do everything they can to die on you. I can also say that this product would be very appealing to the overpaid, underworked people that many of us wind up building custom belts ect. for. The problem is that many of us find the concept of vegan as offensive as the vegans do meat. I say buy the leather and sell it for more and make em pay! they wont change their mind and you wont change yours but at least you will have some extra coin out of the bunny huggers. I would buy some myself but as I said I am a FORMER maker and this sale hits the same time of year that I am about ready to start calving again. I just wanted to encourage Mr. segal in his efforts to further the leather industry. that would be about all, I guess Im just venting now.

merry christmas!!

[azrider]

I don't usually post on the big topics like this one. But a few things came to mind.

1) I don't like hippies/ vegans/ granolas.

2) I live near a town with a lot of "environmentally conscious" people who will spend money on anything you sell to them with an eco-label.

3) This is a new product. At the price it is now being offered, I am willing to try this out, and market it as eco-friendly.

4) The idea behind this was to allow leatherworkers to make that pair of boots, and sell it for $500 instead of $100, with a minimal increase in material cost.

I appreciate the product being developed, and hate to see Steve Siegle catching any flack for it.

[terrymac]

Steve,

Just have a question concerning the physical properties of the hide. If somebody doesn't find that bovine pretty soon after they have met their demise, they can blow up like a beach ball. I'm just curious if this affects the physical properties of the hide. It would seem logical that a good portion of the hide would have the characteristics of the belly. In my opinion if somebody is willing to pay for this kind of product, then while not sell it. We don't have to believe in their cause, just provide what they want.

Thanks,

Terry