Beef: Beyond Steaks and Shakes
By: Leticia
When I was in FFA, one of our favorite sayings was, “Agriculture is more than just cows, sows, and plows.” We would use this a lot to explain to people about all the different aspects of the agricultural industry. Thinking about that today, I guess the same basic principal could be applied to the cattle industry. When most people think about the products that cattle provide they usually only think about the meat and dairy products. While I appreciate a juicy, tender steak, and couldn’t imagine not pouring milk over my cereal, it’s also very important to appreciate the other products that cattle provide us with.
Let’s take a look at all the things that are made possible by beef by products.
Just think about this: You get up in the morning and get ready to conquer your day. Did you, in your morning process, brush your teeth, use some mouth wash, use soap, or put some make-up on? Chances are, you probably did. And if you did, more than likely you have already consumed at least one beef product and you didn’t even touch a steak!
Ok, so now lets move on to the activities for the rest of the day. You go to pick your daughter up from school. Maybe on your way back home, an ambulance zooms by. You drive by a construction zone where the workers are already working on setting up the walls of the new building. As soon as your daughter gets into the car, she pops a piece of gum into her mouth.
So, I bet by now you have this figured out. In one way or another, the products that helped make this afternoon possible were products that were produced using beef by products.
We use everything from the muscle for meat, to the fats and proteins for everyday articles to deliver a product to you, the consumer. Because we are able to create all these by products from beef, we are able to use 99% of every animal. This means that almost nothing goes to waste. We have become so efficient in processing cattle into more than just meat that almost 10% of every dollar that the rancher receives for their cattle actually could be contributed to their by products. Just remember, Beef: It’s not just for dinner!
Good blog… we seem to forget that beef cattle are more than just meat. They contribute to so many products that make our everyday lives easier.
You have a great point. Many people (including some of us in agriculture) don’t realize the great contributions that cattle make to our lives everyday, even beyond the dinner table. I know thinking about this gives me a whole new appreciation for the animals we raise. They are the best recyclers!
Right on! Keep up the great job promoting Beef and the by-products.
Our industry is honored to have you and the other ambassadors helping to look out for our interests. Sometimes we get too busy to thank you.
Great Title! Thank you getting the word out to those to whom it’s only a meat thing. We appreciate you!
Interesting stuff, Leticia. Of course most consumers don’t even know where their steak comes from (other than the grocery store), let alone all those other products. Thanks for spreading the word on the many valuable contributions the beef industry makes to our society!
Nice post - but as vegan - would have to differ greatly - we all don’t use the products you mention. I don’t chew non-vegan gum - use products made from animals, film is passe’, I eat vegan jello and my house is brick….. The asphalt - if I had a way to use another road I would. I’m told the man, many byproducts get scattered to the ends of the earth because there simply is so much to dispose of otherwise.
Once, there was so much human flesh and hair that lamp-shades, ashtrays, fabrics and papers were made from them. It’s called holocaust.