Back to Reality

So close to Friday

It's always hard coming off a fun trip to a cattle show, getting caught up on work and on top of that dealing with the Denver crud. Yes, it's hit me and by the looks of my newsfeed I'm not alone. Most everyone that was in Denver is dealing with the annual January crud.
The weather has been MISERABLY COLD. So cold your checks turn cherry red and you just want to cry (I'm a baby). You also know it's cold when you get excited to see 30* in the 5-day forecast. Yes, I don't appreciate dealing with dry skin and having to bundle up but during the week the weather doesn't inconvenience me. I start my car 15 minutes before heading to work, sit in an office (which may be a bit chilly for me), start my car again to warm up before driving home to a warm house. If this is you then you're probably not aware of how the cold affects farmers and ranchers.
It was back to reality this week at the Starr Farm as well. I was talking to my mom one evening earlier this week; they had just gotten in the house from unthawing a waterer. Because of the below freezing temperatures it had froze up, so the cows couldn't get anything to drink. Just like people it's important they stay hydrated. It just so happens this one is the only water source for two of the pastures, located near the grand buffet. So mom and dad bundled up in their Carhartts and unthawed the "water fountain". 


A cow version of a drinking fountain.

So case in point, the next time you're complaining about how cold and miserable it is, is it really that big of an inconvenience? Think of all the people going out in the cold to feed wagons of hay or milk their cows, bed down huts with straw for warmth and get up in MULTIPLE times in the night to see if there are any cows calving that need help.  Have you thanked a farmer today? 


Facebook finds

How many times a day do you go through your newsfeed on your phone or computer? I'm addicted to being in the know, not only socially but also to be a more informed, knowledgeable person in agriculture. Today I found two things worth sharing...
How many of your were involved in 4-H? I was more active in the state and national Hereford association and FFA, but was involved in 4-H during my earlier days. This week is National FFA week, and I don't think you have to be involved to have appreciation for what they do for youth. What is nice about 4-H and FFA is that you don't have to have an ag background to be involved. It's a great organization for becoming a leader and making a difference in your community.

Ever look at your steak and wonder where on a steer it came from? Certified Angus Beef did a great demonstration today in Louisville. Using chalk they mapped out the primals or large sections of the steer. Within each primal is where cuts (tenderloin, roast, round steak, etc) of beef are located. If you're curious about which primal your steak came from, this map is a great resource.

 What was the funniest, happiest or most education thing you saw today on Facebook? Remember, social media is all about sharing!

N.Starr

Shawano Farm Market

Johnson Quality Meats
My sister and brother in-law, Lindsay & Brad, and their son Isaac raise beef cattle and during the warm months broiler chickens. Make sure you check out their website. You can read more about how the chickens are raised and even listen to them chirp in this post.
Fast forwarding a few weeks to the end product: meat for the consumer. Once the animal has gained the proper amount of weight it is ready to be harvested. This takes place at a state inspected facility. The beef is made into smaller, consumable cuts (see types of cuts here) for you to prepare in your kitchen. The chicken is sold whole but is shrink-wrapped and weighed at the butchering facility.
Now we know that Isaac loves beef and chicken; however he can’t eat it all himself, so they sell it at the Shawano Famer’s Market every Saturday in the summer and fall. They even let me help out one Saturday, here’s what I saw:

Over the years they’ve established quite the clientele. People come just to get a Johnson steak, package of beef or whole chicken.

This is packaged ground beef. All of the meat is stored in a large freezer chest kept on the back of their truck.
It's critical that meat remains frozen until it is ready to be thawed for cooking.

A farmer’s market is a great place to get your questions answered about where your food comes from. Who better to ask than the person, Lindsay in this case, who raised it.

When the tent is up they're ready for business!
As you can imagine, lots of socializing takes place.

The work ethic of farm kids is instilled at a young age. At only 1 year Isaac already wants to help out in the Johnson’s Quality Meat tent. He’s not putting on an act just because he’s in public, Isaac works just as hard behind the scenes at the farm by carrying feed pails (so what if they’re empty) and handfuls of hay to the cows. So those cows in return can someday feed you and your family.

Isaac thought the prices on the whiteboard needed to be adjusted.

If you’re ever in the Shawano area on a Saturday, stop in at the Farmer’s Market and pick up some Johnson beef or a chicken.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about Famer’s Markets or if you have a burning question on how farm animals are raised.

Giving Back

Two weeks ago was Wisconsin's 83rd FFA Convention and I got to take a trip back down memory lane to a sea of blue jackets. Hard to think that six years ago I was up on that same very stage winning the Job Interview Contest and Agriculture Education Proficiency. All the extra time after school filling out applications and mock-interviewing really paid off, I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't had such great mentors pushing me to reach my goals.

I've exchanged the blue corduroy jacket for a business suit. This year I had the privilege to be one of the judges for my favorite contest of all times... Job Interview. It sure did bring back memories of preparing for the contest, predicting what the judges were going to ask and making sure I knew the in's and out's of the job I was "applying" for.

For only being in high school, the contestants had outstanding resumes, were very knowledgeable about the agriculture industry and their career choice. I could have talked to some of them for hours about what they want to be when the "grow up" and their college plans. I got excited just listening to their ambitious plans and recalling what a exciting age this is in a person's life.

"Unlock the Legacy" was the theme for this year's convention.
When is your state convention? 

I firmly believe in supporting the future of our industry. In fact, it's even part of my 101 in 1001 goal list.

How do you volunteer your time for youth?

N.Starr

False: Bugs live in our Meat

Article from Self Magazine.

U.S. Farmers and Rancher's Alliance posted a Self Magazine Article on their Facebook page. Read the full article here. The authors says that antibiotics and vaccines used in animal agriculture is being linked to consumer illness. This is false and the article has no scientific research to back their statement.

• The consumer became ill after eating uncooked chicken. Make sure to following cooking instructions and ALWAYS use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of  165*F.
• Farmers and Ranchers work with their veterinarian to keep their animals safe while also contributing to a safe, wholesome food supply. We can not only about the health of our animals, but also the quality of the food we're supplying for your families. Vaccines are use boost the animal's immunity, it does not affect meat or milk. Cows are practically like our kids, when they're sick we feel it is humane to treat them to make them better. The antibiotics used have a withdrawal time. This means the number of days is takes for the antibiotic to get through the animal's systems. Once the withdrawal time has expired it is safe for consumption whether it be meat or milk. We take record keeping very seriously so these steps are followed correctly.

Join me telling the true story about animal agriculture and how committed farmers and ranchers are to providing a safe, whole food supply by using the hashtag #superbugs on Twitter.

N.Starr

Starr Report #2: The corn is in

Planting 2012 is complete.

Last weekend concluded planting 2012 at the Starr Farm. My dad was out in the tractor a majority of the weekend and evening during the previous week to get the corn in and growing. You probably think we are a little behind, and well yes, maybe, sort of. But you have to remember my family lives in a northern where the temperatures are still getting down pretty low during the nights. Farmers have to adapt to the climate they are planting in. If everyone planted and harvested at the same time we all wouldn't have the same success. Excited to see it grow this summer. Depending on how our fall is, harvest will come sometime in November. Cross your fingers for a good summer 2012 of growing!

The corn is being planted. My dad makes rounds and rounds until the entire field is planted.

Farmer Joe needed to eat, so I set out to the field in my trusty Grand Prix and delivered Subway sandwich, chips and a cookie for dessert. Bonus points for being the favorite:)

We live in a small rural town, Subway is the only fast food joint. We live to far away for Domino's to deliver to the corn field. Maybe it's something they should consider? Remember to thank Domino's for supporting animal agriculture.

N.Starr

Get the Door! It's Dominos.

More than pizza delivery.

A great new look to a pizza box.
Collector item?!

Without Dominos during college I would have starved. The beef barn, classes and my social life kept me pretty busy, cooking a meal was a pretty low priority. At the time it was much easier to cram for those exams with friends when pizza and beer were involved.
And now I don't feel so guilty, I'm proud to have supported Dominos because they are supporting my family and every animal agriculture operation. Rejecting HSUS and turning to the experts in animal care and behavior was a smart move on their part. I'm glad to see them trust industry professionals and hope other companies follow suite.
When hearing the news, agriculturalists stopped dead in their tracks and headed to pick up a pizza to support a company that supports them. Last weekend was the official AG PIZZA PARTY to show our appreciation. But let the party continue, support a business that wants to work alongside us.
Printable thank you notes from a farmer or rancher are provided, make sure you print it out and give it to your local Dominos. But you don't have to be a farmer, any advocate can show their appreciation to this fine pizza establishment. You can also show your appreciation by giving them a little shout out on Facebook and/or Twitter.

N.Starr

Passing on the Liebster Award Love

Last week Cows, Corn and Country Girls nominated my little blog for the Liebster Award. After reading into it, I learned that it's a little pass-on-the-love-award to upcoming blogs. For someone with a smaller little blog like mine that doesn't even have a cool name for it (on my to-do list, taking suggestions), I was doing back flips and summer salts! What's neat about social media is that it's connected me with people in agriculture, like CCC, we share alot of the same interests and we love sharing our agriculture story (and aren't shy about sneaking in a girly fashion post here & there). I read CCC's blog regularly and feel like we've been friends for a long time, but what's funny is we've only met once! Yes, crazy I know. CCC and I met at the LPC Regional Workshop just a couple weeks ago. I look forward to catching up with her more next time, I have a feeling we could have lots of fun!
Anyways, back to the Liebster Award, this sorta reminds me of the friendship chain letters we did in gradeschool. So please check out the blogs listed below and join their site. And if I recommended your blog, you are to recommend 5 of your favorite blogs in a new post (comment on that person's blog so they're aware) and link back to mine in your post. Please keep this going (If you don't and are supertious it may bring back luck to your blog, ha just kidding)!

• From Paris with Love- Miss Holli and I met through showing cattle. She was the Hereford Intern one of the years I was serving on the NJHA Board. She never sits still for very long. Read about the exciting travels involved with her family's cattle sale management business and her Simmental cattle.
• On the Banks of Squaw Creek- Did you know there's more in Iowa than corn, cattle and pigs? Yes, add this blog to your list if interested in learning about turkeys that Katie & her family raise in state-of-the-art barns in central Iowa. Besides raising turkeys and her two children, Katie is also a Common Ground volunteer. I've been fortunate to listen to her speak about Common Ground.  
• Buzzard's Beat- A K-State Wildcat who loves barrel racing & agriculture. Brandi & I both were interns at the NCBA Convention in San Antonio. Even though we don't see each other often, I still enjoy catching up with her through Twitter, Facebook, blogs and the Rockin' Rural Women chats. Buzzard's Beat does a great job of advocating and telling the truth about American agriculture.
• Pinke Post- A social media friend I hope to meet in person someday! Since joining Pinke Post I've learned what life is like on the North Dakota prairie and how a farm wife/mother survives living hours from a major city. Through her blog and daily instagram photos, Pinke Post does an excellent job of bringing the rural lifestyle to those who've never experienced it.
• Chronicles of a Lipstick Cowgirl- A country girl who isn't afraid to put on her makeup before heading out the door (my idol!). A busy girl who continues to strive to reach her goals. Melissa just graduated with her Masters, is dedicated to giving back to her community and is a member of Team Beef. She loves to run, maybe we'll meet half way between WI and KS for a 5 or 10K. Looking for a make-over? She your gal for all your Mary Kay needs.

The last part of the Liebster Award is for me to share 5 random facts with my readers.

1. I've been driving the same car since I was 16. The trusty red Grand Prix is still going strong:)
2. For as much as I love Packers and as close as I live to Lambeau Field, I only been to one game in my entire life.
3. I'm allergic to shell fish. But it doesn't bother me too much because I LOVE BEEF!
4. I have a dent in my head. Don't know why, parents took me to lots of doctors. We've come to the conclusion it's from when my mom broke her elbow doing chores while prego with me. She had to rest the cast somewhere.
5. Went to college for 4 years, party at cattle shows and yet I still can't take a whole shot of liquor. I don't know what's wrong with me, perhaps I should go back to school to learn how.

Add these new blogs to your list and continue to pass on the love.
N.Starr    

What does 3 1/2 days mean to you?

Yesterday my mom shared this you tube video with me. After watching it I could help but be thankful that my parents raised my sisters and I the way they did. We grew up on a farm where we all had chores and each of us were responsible for the jobs we were given. Over the years it taught us the true meaning of hard work, dedication and provided us with a clear image of what life in the real world would be. It certainly wasn't all glitz and glamour by any means, but the life lesson learned by growing up on a farm are invaluable. The work ethic that was distilled in us at an early age, contributed to the success of our education and careers in agriculture that we are pursuing.   
While my family's cattle operation is small, I am proud that we are one of the many helping to provide food for consumers.

Worldwide InstaMeet Day

Capture your day

Today is Worldwide InstaMeet Day. Are any of you on Instagram? If so what comment below how I can find you, follow me at starrnicole. This is one of my favorite (I don't have many) apps on my iPod touch. It's a great way to capture and share with others the crazy exciting things I encounter throughout my day. When I'm not traveling I use it to share my random thoughts, funnies or something I feel is just worth sharing with my Instagram friends. It's also easy to upload to Facebook or Twitter.
In honor of this special day and the ever so popular Wordless Wednesday I thought I'd share today's Instagram pictures.

My Hereford coffee cup is one of my many signature items in the office.
I quoted the picture by saying, "Coffee and #Hereford #Cattle... two things that get me going in the morning."

Snapshots of your footsteps is a great way to express who you are. In this case, my need for coffee and love for Hereford cattle.   
It was a great day for my decoupage pumpkins; out of the blue I had two co-workers come up to me and place an order. Erin bought a red & white paisley for her Grandma and Zach eyed up the black & white paisley for his girlfriend. These will make excellent Halloween gift! So... to show my enthusiasm and thrill I shared this post via twitter (ps- my handle is: @nstarrgirl).

Expecting in return, I got this response from  my new twitter friend, Jane Graves (@ImnNvp2B)

Would love to meet you someday Jane! Who know maybe we can at least bounce ideas off each other!I look forward to connecting and getting to know in the future.

So long story short by sharing my daily thoughts and adventures via Instagram I ended my day with a new friend through Social Media. How has social media helped you reach out to people? 

N.Starr

Real Farmers, Real Food

Miss American speaks out

Every day is Food Day to America's farmers and ranchers, says Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan. The high-profile agriculture advocate is joining the Animal Agriculture Alliance to announce the launch of http://www.realfarmersrealfood.com with a call to action for Americans to celebrate the hard work of our nation's food producers.  In the past I haven't paid too much attention to the Miss American competition, however I've been inspired by Teresa's her strong agriculture roots and passion for educating the public on where food comes from.
I think it's great to have strong public figures promoting agriculture and sharing the truth about this important industry. As an advocate for the industry, I am excited to continue following the Real Farmers Real Food website.

#DayinAg

How did you spend your #dayinag? I spent my day at Bader Rutter in Account Management for the Pfizer Animal Health account. I am passionate about producers raising healthy cattle, such as practicing vaccination programs and treating sick animals. This is how farmers and ranchers continue to provide consumers with safe, wholesome and nutritious food.
The clip below demostrates producers' committment to agriculture. Farming is more then just a job, it's a lifestyle. These dedicated families have a true appreciation for livestock and the land.

Click here to view video

Al Gore loosing credibility

He's  wrong about industrial agriculture.

Last week there was an article in Drover's magazine, Al Gore's big gaffe. As a political leader he feels he has lots of power to change the way consumers think, however when leaders start stating incorrect information they're credibility decreases. I encourage you to read this information article: Commentary: Al Gore's big gaffe.

The main points from Al:

• He advocates that organic farmer is a more productive, safer method that puts carbon back into the soil. "Safer & better food."
• Synthetic fertilizer is bad method of farming.  He said, “the reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is a Faustian bargain, kind of like steroids.”

Now this is what Mr. Gore need to read and take into consideration before preaching to the world:

• While organic farming is an option it is not an efficient way to feed the world. Synthetic fertilizer increases food production and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
• Organic farming requires more labor and is more expensive to produce. Therefore increasing the cost at the retail level. In a time when approximately 50 million American don't have enough to eat due to the fact they can't afford it is that really the direction we want to be heading?
• Vaclav Smil, one of today’s most influential energy and environmental scientists, says that without synthetic fertilizer we would need an additional 1 billion more livestock to produce enough fertilizer crops, that would also equate to 2 billion more acres of forage to feed the livestock.

It's important to the utilize technology available, strive to improve our methods so as farmers we can continue to provide enough food at an affordable cost for our growing population.

N.Starr

Friday Flare: Keepsakes by Katlin



Click to enlarge.

If you’re a frequent reader you may not be surprised that“Keepsake’s by Katlin” is this week’s Friday Flare. I did allude to this in quite a few of the details I shared in my San Francisco trip recap.
Throughout my four day trip to San Francisco/Sonoma Valley area my sister, mom and I hung out with a great Hereford friend, Katlin Mulvaney. The first thing I noticed on our trip down to Fisherman’s Wharf via Cable Car was the shiny new camera with the fancy lens, zoom etc she pulled out of her bag. This camera was decked out and I knew anyone who owned a camera with so many features must mean business.
Throughout the weekend Katlin was generous enough to take pictures of other people (including me). She quickly got the title of Event Photographer as she captured the beautiful vineyards, Hereford cattle and damp, foggy (yet amazing) Somona Valley scenery. 
Katlin was gracious enough to upload her pictures to her Facebook page so attendees could relive their memories and be somewhat sad they were back to the ‘real world’ of jobs and attending to livestock & crop responsibilities. I commend her on posting these pictures. She did a great job of immediately publicizing the success of this fundraising event, The Harvest, to Hereford enthusiasts who were not able to attend. After encouragement and prodding from me and several of her friends she started a Facebook page named “Keepsakes byKatlin”as an online portfolio of her photos.

The vision behind “Keepsakes by Katlin” is she believes every photo should be a treasured keepsake, capturing that special moment in time. With example photos like these there’s no doubt her photos capture a moment in time that will be treasured forever.

So if you’re in the market for a photographer for special events, graduation or engagement photos, “Keepsakes by Katlin” will be sure to help preserve these special moments.
Let me know if you’re ever interested and I will put you in contact with this energized lady who always has her camera at hand.

N.Starr

A Crystal Cattle/Farmer's Trophy Wife giveaway

Exciting Tuesday!

Crystal Cattle and The Farmer's Trophy Wife sure do know how to bring excitement to just a ordinary Tuesday morning! Most morning before heading to the office I take my "20 minutes" that being drinking my first cup of morning brew and checking out a few of my friend's blogs. Two of those being Crystal Cattle and The Farmer's Trophy Wife. I love hearing about Crystal agriculture adventures to Iowa and Cathryn's fashion accessories for every season. Thanks girls for allowing my mind to wonder a bit before heading in for a little Pfizer Animal Health fun at Bader Rutter!
Well today these two fine ladies announced a giveaway! I know lots are entering and  I never have the greatest luck but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. These two ladies are teaming up with Canvas Stock and giving away a 20x30 canvas prints! The lucky winner will pick from one of Crystal's images. To learn more about the giveaway and to see the selected images head on over The Farmer's Trophy Wife and ENTER! The contest ends on Friday at Midnight, so what are you waiting for! I am really hoping to win this because I fit into the first portion of this category quoted by Cathryn: "That way all you darlings that are in the city, but have true country hearts, can bring a little farm/western into your home! And those of us who are lucky enough to live in the country have a little piece to bring inside and enjoy!"
I also encourage you to become followers of their blog. As a new bloggie I have learned a lot from them and they continue to be an inspiration. These two classy ladies have successfully branded themselves in to true advocates for agriculture .

Govenor's Blue Ribbon Auction

Last night the Wisconsin State Fair colesium was booming with excitement for the Govenor's Blue Ribbon Auction. Youth that exhibited a champion animal (steer, hog, lamb) had the opportunity to sell in the auction. This is a prestigious opportunity for these kids to be in the spotlight and recognized for the hard work they've done with their market animal all year long. From my experience in showing cattle I can say it takes countless hours to prepare a heifer or steer for the ring. Months and months ahead of time we are out in the barn rinsing, blowing, clipping and even have "pretend shows". Walking our heifers around the barnyard, practicing with the show halter and show stick. By putting in this amount time & effort ahead of time allows the animal is 100% comfortable on show day and there's no nervous jitters (from animal or showman)! Also to ensure the big day goes as smoothly as possible.
At the Govenor's Blue Ribbon Auction each breed champion along with a supreme sell. Businesses know that agriculture kids are strong, determined inviduals that have put their heart & soul into his/her project. These young kids have high hopes of becoming future leaders in the livestock industry. Wisconsin is fortunate to have businesses that understand how important it is to invest in the future generation of agriculture. And we all know that without agriculture we would be hungry & naked, and we don't want that do we?
So reporting from last night at the 43rd Annual Govenor's Blue Ribbon auction the grand champion overall steer sold for $27,500; purchased by Coca-Cola. Reserve Overall sold for $14,00 to Kenosha Beef International and Birchwood Foods. These young individuals plan will put their earning into the bank to save for their college education. These kids are full of deterimation & drive and looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future agriculture career.

N.Starr

Who wants a #Hereford cake??

ME ME ME!!!

Last night my sister Danielle came over and exchanged her Kohls fashion plate attire for her baking apron. As a celebration to completed the Kohls summer internship she and her pals are having a cake and wine party tonight in fact. Not many of the other Kohls interns are and original, authentic cow/farmgirl like Danielle. So this has been an eye opener for both parties. Danielle has been able share her cattle lifestyle and education them about all the care that does into raising livestock and the dedication it takes to grow crops to make sure we have enough hay and corn to last a whole year. In return the big city girls are learning more then just fashion and ecommerce. They are learning how their food reaches the dinner table and the crazy, hectic lifestyle we lead but wouldn't trade for the world.
The cake Danielle made represents her 100%. I couldn't think of a more appropriate cake for this event. It represents Danielle, and this will for sure be the first time any of those girls have had a Hereford cake at a cake & wine party!
Never forget where you came from and to be proud of who you really are!



Have a great evening!
N.Starr

High Rollin' Burgers

All Jazzed Up

Yesterday I talked dairy so today we're going back to my roots and talkin' BEEF, it's what's for dinner. Burgers on the grill are my ultimate favorite summer time meal, combine that with homegrown vegetables and you have yourself a tasty, wholesome and nutritious meal. Another summer favorite of mine is to eat outside on the patio. So relaxing..... especially when you add a few glasses of wine to table! I'm from the north so we have to take advantage of every day of this warm weather before November comes and we are living in the frozen tundra!
Anyways here's a little recipe to add a little Flare (oops, Flare is for tomorrow), I mean JAZZ to your burger.
Herb-Filled Burgers

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup mixed herbs (such as basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary), washed, dried, and finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat grill to high. Lightly oil the grill rack
2. Divide ground beef into four even portions; divide each portion in half again and pat out into large flat patties. You'll have 8 patties total.
3. In bowl, mix fresh herbs with cream cheese. Divide the herb-cheese mixture among the four patties, spreading it almost to the edge of each patty. Top each patty with the second patty and seal the edges by pinching them closed.
4. Gently place patties on hot grill. grill about 4 minutes, then carefully turn and grill another 3 to 4 minutes. Serve alone or on burger buns. 

Before removing from the grill use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. The USDA recommends that ground beef be cooked to at least medium, which is an internal temperature of 165 degrees. 
Lean ground beef contributes to your healthy diet. Lean ground beef is one of the 29 lean cuts of beef with a total fat content that falls between a skinless chicken breast and skinless chicken thigh. A three ounce serving of lean ground beef contributes to a higher percentage of your daily requirement for zinc, iron, protein and vitamin B12. Check out www.beef.org to learn more.
Happy Grilling and enjoy the rest of summer!                                                                                                                          

Proud to be a SPARTAN!

MSU beef cattle provide food for campus cafeterias

This is short and to the point. Enjoy learning how MSU beef cattle provide food for campus cafeterias.

We Take Better Care of our Cows than Ourselves

And we aren't kidding!

This is a common saying that could be heard on any beef operation. The fact is it's true! My family's cows are the first to get fed in morning and first to get fed at night; whether it's -30 and blowing snow or 95 and humid. It assures us knowing that our animals have plenty of food & water and have enough bedding in the cold winter months. Daily we go through all of the cows and calves to make sure everyone is healthy. Similar to human health care, cattle health management programs include preventative measures such as vaccines and treatments for sick animals. In the summer months we check for things like pink eye and foot rot and treat properly so they can go back to either raising a calf (if they're a cow) or growing big and strong (if they're a calf).
As a producer we work hard to create meaningful improvements in beef production and promote the proper treatment of our animals. Producers attend seminars, workshops and certification courses in order to implement the latest production techniques in raising and caring for their cattle. One such program is called Beef Quality Assurance (BQA), which focuses on educating and training cattlemen on beef safety and quality issues. This course teaches producers the most advanced, compassionate measures for animal handling. Other topics covered include record keep and herd health programs. Nearly every state has a BQA program supported by the Beef Checkoff. The BQA links participants withe livestock production specialist, veterinarians, nutritionists and marketers.
Now that you have an understanding of the industry's commitment to raising beef in the highest standards of animal welfare you can confidently select beef as your protein choice when shopping at your local super market.