The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Where's That Beef Come From

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

February 10, 2010

You would think, with all the high-speed Internet, cell phones and 24 hour TV that everyone would know how important the agriculture industry is to the world, but apparently there are still a large number of folks who don't.

Two comedians who came to the Tri-County Cattlemen's dinner banquet said that the feast of grilled steak, potatoes, corn and beans, lettuce salad, rolls and fresh baked cakes was one of the best meals they have had in a long time. Beef is wonderful and in a farming community like this, we take our farm-fresh meals for granted.

Comedian Marty Pollio, who opened for Tom Mabe, asked how many vegetarians there were in the room and he received no response. "Oh, they are probably too weak to raise their hands," he laughed. He loved the steak.

A recent book I picked up on the advice of my daughter-in-law Erica, "Eat This-Not That", tells of healthier things to order when you go to chain restaurants or the grocery store. It said the beef industry was getting a bad rap and many beef cuts are so lean now that they actually have as little fat as chicken or turkey. The House Sirloin, for example, was recommended over the pasta Alfredo dish at Applebees and hamburgers were selected over the chicken strips at Hardees and the Big Fish at Burger King.

National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Steve Foglesong of Astoria, told cattlemen to tell their stories and help educate America about what they do. He said only 2% of Americans are in agriculture and people just don't know. Not everyone knows where their beef comes from or how many the American farmer feeds. There are 750,000 beef operations in the U.S. but the average cow herd is only 50. The Beef Industry is doing their part as they try to educate Congress with their 101 courses. What do you say we do all we can to preserve our Ag communities, too. If we do, we and the rest of the world will keep eating better.