Chewing The Cud

I apologize for the long absence as I have been busy promoting agriculture LIVE! Stay tuned for future blog entries on my many adventures!

I saw this article on Dakota War College. It proves how the Humane Society of the United States isn't an organization that saves cats and dogs, it's main mission is to abolish animal agriculture in America. Check it out.

The beef industry has found a way to reach to a new realm of customers. Niche markets such as natural, organic, and leaner ground beef have reached health-conscious and environmental-friendly consumers. These are value-added products that encourage people, who might not eat meat without these alternatives-to incorporate beef into their diets.

A growing problem seems to be that these niche markets are not only promoting their attributes, but also throwing stones at the conventional way of producing beef, claiming natural and organic are truly healthier for the consumer.

Let me remind everyone that we have been eating grain-fed, farm-raised beef for hundreds of years. Conventional beef remains a safe, affordable and healthy option for the American consumer. Furthermore, Choice, grain-fed beef tastes great! While many consumers are more aware of making smart health choices, maintaining a quality tasting product is still the goal of America’s cattlemen.

The moral of the story: whether you are a traditionalist and prefer conventional beef products or find yourself pulled towards trendy new niche markets- beef is safe, healthy, and delicious. Enjoy!

I was looking through an old scrapbook this weekend, and I discovered a blast from the past: a newspaper article announcing me as the winner of the South Dakota Junior Beef Ambassador Contest with my speech entitled, "Wandering and Wondering About Beef." It was the summer of 1998 and I was ten years old.

If my memory recollects correctly the speech talked about "wandering" into the meat aisle at the grocery store and scratching your head "wondering" exactly what cut of beef I should select for my family meal.

Any consumer can relate to a bewildered sense of confusion about which cut to choose and for what occassion. With grilling season just around the corner, I suggest taking a handy beef guide with you the next time you shop for the perfect cut of beef. I guarantee it will make shopping easier and give you the confidence you need to be king of the kitchen! Good luck beef enthusiasts!

SDSU held its first annual Relay For Life Cancer Awareness Walk April 20th, and Block and Bridle members in the beef interest group were there to catch the action.

I was joined by several of my peers to grill up burgers and beef brats for the participants in the relay. We served up over 400 burgers and 250 beef brats to the students taking part in this amazing event. The atmosphere was intense and exciting as everyone "walked for a cure."
It only seemed appropriate to give them some ZIP for their walk and to remind everyone that beef is a nutritious addition to a healthy lifestyle.

The beef was purchased from the SDSU Meat Lab with South Dakota Beef Bucks and Beef CheckOff Dollars. The meal was also sponsored by the South Dakota Cattlemen's Auxilliary. The SDSU Relay for Life generated over $20,000 to go towards cancer research. Thanks to everyone who participated.