Raising The Steaks

Concerns about Beef Recall

By: Leticia

So there I was yesterday, sitting in my World Agriculture and Food Problems class yesterday, and the teacher brought up for discussion the recent news about the beef recall of 143 million pounds of beef stemming from the findings of Humane Society of the United States undercover video.  Well, after hearing a few of my class mates’ pledges to never eat beef again, I raised my hand to give them our side of the story.

 As a person who is deeply rooted in the agriculture industry, I assure you that our primary concern is the well being of our animals.  At a young age, my parents instilled in me a love and respect for the animals that we raise.  Ultimately, I know that we are producing a product for you, the consumer.  The process to deliver you high quality American beef requires several steps and people.  It is a team effort, and everyone should be and IS held accountable for the actions they take in the process. Although it is very sickening to see even one case of abuse and cruelty, I ask you, do you think that this was the only video made by the HSUS?  Probably not.   So how many videos of packing plants that are following the regulations do you think they made to catch this one incident? I urge you not to lose hope or faith in the American beef industry.  For hundreds of years we have worked to deliver you a high quality product that is backed by our guarantee of safety.  The actions of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company are very isolated.  When I look back at this previous week to see what happened, I can release a sigh of relief to know that the USDA has worked hard and proven itself once again as an organization that is dedicated to food safety.  They were efficient and diligent when they were called in to clean up a very dirty mess. 

So, when you go home tonight, be assured that the beef you serve your family is just as safe today as it ever has been.  The men and women who work to deliver you safe, wholesome products from pasture to plate work to serve you. 

Industry Leaders

By: Leticia

I couldn’t agree more with Michelle when she talks about the amazing experiences that we shared as a team in Reno.  With that, here is my perspective on the 2008 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show and what made it such an amazing experience. 

None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the leadership that exists within our own industry.  I wish I could talk about every person I met this past week who has made an impact on my life, but with all the outstanding individuals our industry has, this would turn into a book!  So, instead, I can tell the stories of a few individuals who have enforced the love of agriculture into me even more.

My week started out with a nine hour delay in the Phoenix airport.  At first, I must admit that I was a little bummed at the thought of spending an entire day in a crowded airport full of unhappy people.  However, as I took a seat, I introduced myself to a gentleman in the seat next to mine, and found out that he, too, was delayed, was headed to Reno, and happened to be a member of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.  Sid, as I found his name to be, was great company.  I don’t know how I could have made it those nine hours otherwise.  His knowledge about the beef industry is outstanding, and I found myself thinking, “I hope that one day I can be as wise as he is.”

Fast-forward a day.  When I was walking around the trade show with my team of Ambassadors, I bumped into Alisa Ogden, the first female President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers.  Her ambition and vision for NMCGA make her the role model and industry leader that she is, and I have no doubt that great things will come out of her over the next two years.

Among the week of highlights, my team and I got to meet Baxter Black.  Mr. Black is a genius.  He has captured the spirit and life of the American rancher in his poems and stories.  His experiences as a cowboy, veterinarian, and love for American agriculture have made him a true icon of the West.

Last of all, there are those who were busy at home and couldn’t make the convention.  For some, maybe it was bad weather, while others found themselves in the middle of calving season.  Whatever the reason, they were spending the week caring for their animals, doing what they do.  Their absence makes them no less of a leader, and it is this strength of mind that has kept, and will keep, the American rancher around for years to come.

From Presidents to USDA employees, the list could go on.  It is comforting to know that our industry is in good hands. 

This is your orientation…

By: Michelle

I just returned from the largest annual gathering of some of the greatest members of the cattle industry, ranging from cow-calf producers to large-scale retail corporations. From February 4th to the 9th, Reno, NV hosted approximately 5,000 delegates from all across the nation. The 2008 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show is where all parts of the cattle industry come together to mix and mingle, share new ideas, and most importantly, celebrate the very thing that we all work so hard to produce: BEEF!

This convention was the first time that the entire National Beef Ambassador Team got to be together. Since our year has just begun, this convention provided an opportunity for us to learn from our industry’s leaders in workshops and forums covering a wide variety of topics, including brand assurance and premise identification. We even got to work one-on-one with Daren Williams, director of the Checkoff funded Spokespersons Training Program, trying our hand at a mock media interview on camera. We also had the opportunity to talk with other delegates at the convention and learn about the role they play in our grand industry. By the end of the week, we were even taking part in media interviews and sharing the story of beef with the masses.

While this week was full of great learning experiences and networking opportunities, the most important thing that happened there is something much simpler. At the beginning of the week, there were 5 National Beef Ambassadors at the convention. When the week was done, it was the National Beef Ambassador Team that people saw. Whether we were together in a forum or just sitting around a table enjoying a meal, each moment within this entire experience brought us closer together. Each and every one of these gals are amazing and I feel blessed to be a part of this amazing team. Here’s to the beginning of an amazing year and the memories to be made!

Learning to Blog

By: Leticia

I’m looking forward to working on this blog and I am hoping that I can use it to be a voice for beef.