National Beef Month.
- Saydee Longhurst
- May 5, 2021
- 2 min read
Waygu cows at Snake River Cattle in American Falls, Idaho.
Cattle is what keeps our family farm in operation. For the past 21 years we have been taking hay and straw to Snake River Cattle, a CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) that raises Waygu. While, we don’t handle the cattle day-to-day, their production directly affects our cash flow. it’s important to recognize the many facets that go into the agricultural industry. There are lots of different sectors that so many folks work in. Our family happens to raise alfalfa which feeds cows. Cows are important to us (obviously). One, because they eat our hay and two, we like a good steak.
Waygu filet cut of beef.
With so much information and opinions floating around on the internet it can be hard to narrow down the truth and facts. As agriculturalists, we enjoy what we do for a living and most of us want to share that. Never be afraid to ask the farmer or rancher. If they happen to be like my dad, it may take several questions before they really open up but when they do, they’re speaking truth.
I personally, don’t take for granted being apart of the 2% of the population involved in ag. it truly means everything to me. We take our job seriously and have a deep desire to care for the land and environment to insure we have a job in the future.
With all this being said here are five quicks facts about cattle and their importance:
1. The hide from one cow can make 144 baseballs, 20 footballs or 12 basketballs.
2. Beef is a nutritionally rich food and an excellent source of ten essential nutrients. a three-ounce serving of lean beef contributes more than 10% of the daily recommended value of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorous, choline, niacin, vitamin B6, iron and riboflavin. Beef is among the top food sources for protein, zinc and vitamin B12.
3. Over 98% of the beef animal is used when it is processed.
4. Cows and other ruminants account for just 4% of all greenhouse gases produced in the United States and beef cattle just 2% of direct emissions.
5. There 94.4 million head of cattle in the United States.
So, take it upon yourself to enjoy a burger, some ribs and lots of steaks this month because we all know the West was NOT won on salad!
Poem by Brant Ludwig of Henderson, Texas.
As always thank you for reading.
*tips ball cap from the tractor seat*
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