When I was a child, I went to the summer camp offered by our local animal shelter. I loved it. Most of it, anyway. We got to play with kittens, romp with puppies, and be taken for walks by the over-eager shelter dogs. But the teaching styles were a bit unconventional, back then. The education director thought she could teach us to be kind to animals by scaring the wits out of us. We were shown videos of laboratory testing on animals and milk-fed calves confined to cages so small they could not turn around.
And then, there was the visit to the livestock auction. Yes, you read that right. They took a posse of wide-eyed impressionable children to a livestock auction (with Humane Society bumper stickers on the cars we drove in.) I suppose now’s as good a time as any to mention that when it was time to leave, we discovered that someone had slashed all of our tires. So we wandered around, killing time, waiting for the cars to be fixed…and noticed the pile of deceased animals hiding in the back. It was heaped taller than us. And it left quite an impression.
I made a decision that day to avoid meat from animals that were treated this way. And for over 25 years, I haven’t eaten a single bite of beef. Only recently did I start eating pork again – after finding a local farm that treated their pigs with dignity and respect.
But recently, there was a perfect storm. I sat in the fourth row of the Civic Center Auditorium as Michael Pollan talked about keeping our ecosystems in balance. I was awed as he showed us how people have thrown off the health of our planet by taking animals off the farm and putting them into factories (feed lots). And I had an ah-ha moment when he said that what is considered fertilizer on the farm is turned into pollution when it’s produced in a feed lot factory. (It doesn’t take much imagination to consider that each cow produces nearly 120 pounds of poop a day x 5000 cows closely confined together = horrid quantities of waste, groundwater pollution, and methane production.)
All of this pollution and inhumane crowding could be avoided if farms brought back the animals and practiced crop rotation. He walked us through the simple system that Joel Salatin does at Polyface Farm in Virginia.
- Cows graze in a large grassy field (and poop)
- The cows are moved to a new area, leaving this one to rest for about a week.
- In come the chickens (in their mobile coop). They eat the fly larvae in the cow poop, spreading it around as fertilizer, while adding their own…(No chemical fertilizers are needed!)
- The annoying flies that always accompany a cattle farm? Gone. The chickens have eaten all of the maggots and no pesticides are needed. Plus the field is uber-fertile for the new grass or other crops.
It goes without saying that grass fed cows are healthier. Their bodies are designed to eat grass (remember the bison on the plains in the USA before we barged in and took over?). Cows aren’t made to process corn, the inexpensive feed that grows on much of our country’s agricultural land. And because it makes them sick, feed lots add antibiotics to their feed, so they can grow big enough to slaughter and feed our hungry nation. Guess who those antibiotics are passed on to? Not very appetizing.
Back to the perfect storm I was telling you about. The day after I heard Michael Pollan speak, I was contacted by Rod, the main man behind Rocky Mountain Cuts. They produce grass fed, organic beef in Wyoming. We spoke for nearly an hour about how unsustainable our current food system is, and how important it is for people to eat less meat and to focus on what is good for our planet.
He offered to send me some beef and I had to confess that I hadn’t eaten beef in a quarter of a century. I told him that if I were to ever eat beef, his would be the type I would try: organic, grass fed and sustainably grown. But I told him that I’d have to invite my parents over for dinner so they would help me prepare it. I didn’t want to mess up the meal…
And so it was… We celebrated good, sustainable food, as a whole family.
My parents helping with dinner so I didn't ruin it!
My first beef bite in 25 years
A toast to Rod - for being a sustainable food producer! Thank you for the delicious meal.
So? Did you like it?
Oh my gosh, I forgot to say what we made and if I liked it! We made a steak and some burgers. Yes, it was very tasty. My mom (who doesn’t like burgers) even loved it!
OMG, Michelle, talk about scared straight,er I mean, scarred straight out of meat eating. While shocking it’s so true.
I seldom eat meat period just because I’m not a fan of it, but when I do I try to eat organic.
But I have to admit I’m a bad consumer and I’m not very mindful of the source. Eek-that said, my mindful helmet is on!
Thanks for the great the post and reminding us all to be more considerate to everyone and everything, because it in the long run it really is all about sustainability.
Seriously a scarring experience as a kid. But it certainly made me think about where my food was coming from! xo
Yay you!!! We are big proponents of organic meat around here! Glad you liked it.
Blessings-
Amanda
Hi Michelle,
Can totally relate, as you know, since I recently began eating chicken after about 25 years or so of eschewing meat: http://lettuceeatkale.com/2010/a-culinary-confession/
As you point out in your post, I think the conversation around eating animal protein has shifted for some in recent years as access to humanely and healthily raised livestock increases.
As for whether you enjoyed eating beef: I figured the photo said it all.
I didn’t eat too much – I was worried that my body would rebel. But it was tasty. I still don’t think that raising beef is the best use of our nation’s limited resources – especially when there are gazillions of acres devoted to growing corn to feed to cows on feed lots. But Grass-fed/organic is a different beast, so to speak – and one that is much more sustainable.
And what a lot of people don’t know is the majority of that corn is (GM) genetically modified. Its quite shocking how many everyday products are on the grocery store shelves that are now made with GM foods.
I am with you. We switched to buying organic, grass-fed beef sold by a local farmer this year and the quality is AMAZING. And even better, my conscience is clear.
Mich! I am curious to know what you know about the meat that is selected by Whole Foods. I am lucky if I have time to feed myself at all, so I blindly trust in their opinions on “local”, “organic”, and “grass fed”… am I being humane and healthy or just paying an extra $5/lb for the great posters they hang over their butcher counter to make me think I am?
Hello sweet Jessie!!!!! (former student – eek!)
I do think that Whole Foods is accurate with their labeling – they need to be, with all of their visibility. I think that Grass Fed is key, because that means that the animals are actually outside ON grass. Organic is important because they aren’t jacked up with chemicals and drugs. Local is great, when you can get it – but the first two are bigger priorities for me when it comes to meat.
xoxoxox
Good question about Wholefoods meats. As a producer out here in the Rocky Mountains we are approached by Wholefoods cattle buyers about selling to them,but we don’t. Reason being we do not like the idea of our cattle being on trucks for 10 or more hours on there way to a USDA processing facility. The cattle that they do source from other producers are shipped by truck more than 550 miles to be processed. So I know for a fact that they are not following there own rules.
Jessie Wholefoods uses the USDA definition of Grassfed when labeling it meats. USDA defines corn (the plant) as a grass. By this definition corn silage fed in a feedlot can be labeled grassfed. We are certified organic and because of that we are required by the pasture rule to be true to the idea of pasture fed beef. We are what we say we are without any word definition games. htt://www.rockymtncuts.com
Rod – I am going to email you further about this. It really upsets me that people can get around the system by using jargon and tricking others. I think we should do another post entirely on labels and what they really mean. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I think it is SO important.
Great post Michelle, now I can BBQ for you (only the best though) Rod, that explains why I don’t like the taste of Whole Foods “grass fed” beef. Unless it is from a local producer here I will not buy it! Thanks for straightening me out.
Like Sarah, I can also relate. I began eating meat about two years ago after being a vegetarian for 20 years. Of all the meats, I must say I love grass-fed beef the best!
Thanks for the photo’s of you taking your first bite of beef in 25 years, that really did bring tears to my eye’s, thanks. Lots of good question after your post and as a producer of great organic food I would be very please if anyone feel they need more information to certainly write me an email or call my contact information is on our website http://www.rockymtncuts.com thanks Michelle I’m very honored to be the first and I hope the only meats you will ever consume. We will talk soon!
How nice that your beef was the first that Michelle tasted! Michelle, good for you for pushing your limits.
Michelle, one of the reasons I want to see my blog readership grow is that I’m trying to get the message out about our food (and give some good recipes at the same time!). And now that I’ve discovered your blog, I want the same for you! You’re doing important work. We have to know how our food got to our tables. Were the farmworkers exposed to pesticides and herbicides while harvesting our produce? Were the animals raised and processed humanely? Looking forward to exploring your blog further.
LOL…I love that photo of you
Great story and yes meat can be great if it is treated the proper way as an animal and not a science experiment.
You make it sound like you were scarred because of the “unconventional” teachings of adults who showed you inappopriate material. I have started to think that they were spot on. Hiding this from kids makes it easier to ignore when they grow up. It SHOULD disturb them on a deep level and they should know the truth about what they’re eating. What do you think, am I crazy?
I love your question! You are right – at first, their unconventional teaching did scare me off. But then I went on to study biology and ecology in college and that education firmed my belief that eating beef is a horrible way to treat our ecosystems. It makes no use from a land use perspective – we have acres and acres of agricultural land being used for corn that is inedible for people. Instead they feed it to cattle (who can’t eat it either!) and make high fructose corn syrup because it’s cheap for big food companies. Why not grow food for people instead? But pasture raised beef that is organic is a more sustainable system – and uses the land in an appropriate way…So, if I know where the food comes from, at least I can be rational and educated about my decision to eat it or not.
Thanks for raising that awesome point!
Wow, Michelle. I can only imagine how horrifying that experience was as a child and can see why it kept you clear of meat for a long time.
Those steaks on the grill and your family eating together makes me so happy!
So, the question is… will you start eating meat again or was this a one time thing?
Off to check out Rod’s farm! Thanks for sharing. I always love your passion!
Kristen – that is an excellent question. To be honest, I am not sure I will start eating beef again after that experience. I think that I”ll be open to it now, but only if it was raised in a way that works with my conscience (and eco-minded philosophy). Rod is such a great guy with a passion for the earth – it was compelling enough to get me to take a bite after 1/4 century!
Michelle
I just came across your blog via a retweet by goodlifeats. Several months ago I gave up beef after watching an Oprah segment called “Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?” Michael Pollan was on that show and I immediately bought his book (of which I still need to read). My point is that it really made me think as did your post. I haven’t had a bite of beef for at least 2 months and I don’t miss it that much. If I ever do go back, I’d like to do it the way you did. I plan to read more of your blog and to check out Rod’s online store. Thank you for sharing!! So inspiring. If there is anything I can do (one measly person) to help make the world more aware, I’d love to know!
Also, to Rod’s point, if the USDA can say label a “corn-fed meat” as “grass-fed,” how do we really know if what we are getting is truly grass-fed, organic or whatever? So disturbing! And I am now following you on Twitter
Thanks Sherry! I loved your comment…
I think we all need to be sure that people really understand where their food is coming from. I am working on a follow up post that defines some of the terms we see on signs at the store when we buy meat – they will probably surprise most people!
I eat very little beef (very little meat in general, actually) for similar reasons… Thank goodness for local, organic, grass-fed beef!
Lovely post, very informative. I’ve never really been a meat lover. In fact I could live without red meat or pork and be totally undisturbed
Maybe the occasional machaca taco if it’s spicy enough 
Only in the last couple of years have I really and truely become informed on the topic of Organic and free range livestock. The unimaginable and dispicable treatment of these animals is to much to sit and think about. Which is why I think most people choose to do just that. Not think about it. Pretend it’s not an issue. I’ve cut waaaaaaay back on our familys already minimal meat consumption. We have 4 kids so eating only organic, free range and sustainable fish, eggs, milk and meats mean we only do so like once a month at most.
I found your blog through your comment on I am Baker’s post on your flourless chocolate cake.
Great post! I must admit that I am a carnivore, but I watch what I eat. I generally only eat beef once maybe twice a week. And when I do it’s almost always from my neighbors (I live in the city).
My neighbors have a 40 acre farm about 30 minutes away that all they have on that 40 acres are a few head of cattle. They don’t live on it, they live in in the city. Their cattle are free-range, pasture- fed with no antibiotics. They don’t spray their grass either. It’s as close to organic as you can get without certification. Their beef is AMAZING! When they have the meet ground into ground beef no added fat is added. It’s is almost as lean as the ground bison I buy!! She sells me her ground beef for $3.00 a pound!!
They recently gave me a pot roast. I cooked it for 3.5 hours and was amazed at how tender it was. It literally fell off the bone (and I was worried about having to cut it off the bone). I was in heaven!
I believe that if we as consumers insist on buying what’s right for the planet – organic, free-range livestock we would all be so much healthier!
Stef at TooMuchToDoSoLittleTime.com
Good for you!! I’m so happy you and Rod connected. He seems so progressive and honest — a rare treasure.
I haven’t had beef in 25 years either. Not sure I am as brave as you. I, too, recently started eating pork. That is as far as I can go, mine was a taste issue.
After seeing “Food, Inc.” I just can’t eat meat unless it is grass fed and organic! It is delicious and so much better than the conventional stuff! I also won’t eat conventional chicken…after seeing how they have their farmers raise their poultry, it was a no-brainer to only buy free range/organic chicken!
I am glad you liked your beef!
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