Where your food comes from?
This seems to be the question on the minds of more and more people these days. With record numbers of US farmers going out of business, and empty grocery store shelves. It should be on everyone’s mind.
A little over a year ago I started the Circle Bar Beef Instagram, and Facebook page. I did this because I was fed up! Fed up with misleading labels on beef, claiming foreign beef is a “Product of the USA.” and USDA’s unwillingness to stand up for US producers. I was sick to death of environmental groups accusing food animal producers of killing the environment, and fake meat companies bosting their burgers are better than the real thing. I had to do something. I know, starting a Facebook page isn’t anything earth shattering. But, I thought if I could just show a small glimpse of what we do here day to day, maybe people could learn a little about where their food comes from, and how much those of us growing it really care.
The interesting thing I learned after doing this, is just how many producers out there are doing the same thing on social media. There are thousand of accounts doing exactly what I am trying to do. Educate people about agriculture, and where food comes from. Consumers can learn so much from watching these farmers and ranchers its amazing. From beef to dairy to crops, poultry, and more, there is someone on Instagram that grows it, and is willing to share it with you. I believe that folks in the ag community have finally decided to start telling their own stories, and social media is a great place to do that.
The other interesting thing I’ve learned is that everyone does it a little different. Depending on what you are raising, your geographical location, and what it takes to be profitable, everyone’s situation is different. The good news about this is that it makes the consumer the winner. They win because they have CHOICE! Consumers can choose from organic to grass or grain finished. From all natural, to hormone free, or they can choose non of it. Depending on what is important to them there is someone that grows it.
The one thing I think we all need to remember, whether you are a producer or a consumer. Never judge anyone for their choices. Many people are just trying to put food on the table, so never judge them for not spending the extra money on organic. Don’t look down your nose at your neighbor for grain finishing or using hormones on his calves. He’s just trying to make a living, and that works for his operation. Remember it takes all of us to feed the masses, and to give them choice.
It’s still not easy to find out where your beef comes from. USDA does not require country of origin labeling on beef, and they allow packers to label beef “Product of the USA” as long as it is processed here. Which leaves the consumer assuming it must be US beef, when in reality it could be from any of the many countries we import from. I do think more people are starting to realize this, and have started asking where their beef comes from. So next time you are at the meat counter ask! You will probably get a blank stare, but keep asking, you deserve to know.
If you can’t get an answer, do a little research. Go to www.farmshake.com they have a great directory of farmers that sell direct. See who is in your area. You can also go to www.wherefoodcomesfrom.com This is a division of IMI Global an ag verification program for age and source. If you just want to learn more about how food is grown do a simple Instagram search and follow a farmer or rancher. You can always follow us @circlebarbeef and message any questions you have. I’ll do my best to answer.
Food doesn’t start on your grocery store shelf, that’s where it ends. Find out how it gets there, who is growing it, and where it came from. US producers depend on consumers now more than ever to ask these questions, and to buy US grown food. Its what keeps them in business. The last thing we should ever do is depend on foreign countries for food. US producers care deeply about feeding this country, and work hard to make sure their product is the safest, and best in the world.
Say thank you, by knowing where your food comes from and buying their product.