Frosty Ranchers

It's chilly out there. 

And yet I am sitting in the airport waiting for my flight. You see this will be the third flight I have tried to get on in three days. There was a major blizzard that hit the Midwest this week and it has pretty much paralyzed all transportation. Now yes it has been a big pain in the butt, I have shoveled more snow in the past few days than I care for, I'm missing out on all the fun at the convention I am supposed to be at, and it is really cold outside. However, I have made a conscious effort this week not to complain -- that's because my family and the Boy have been out in this weather taking care of our cattle.

On the left hand side you can see a wind break and a shed. The shed is just for the calves to go in. Surrounding the bed pack (straw) are trees to also offer protection from the wind.

Although, the roads have been shut down and businesses are closed business goes on as usual on farms and ranches. Extra feed has to be put out for the animals, bedding (straw usually) for them to lay in, and waterers de-iced.

I am very grateful for the people who are raising my food and all of their hard work. I guess that is why I sometimes get a little passionate about people like Michael Pollan (Food Inc.), Oprah and on the extreme end HSUS. They criticize our production methods and think they have better ideas of how our food should be raised. However, many of them haven't ever stepped on a farm, or at least not in a snow storm.

I will however give those people credit for raising consumer awareness. I think more people are asking about where their food comes from, and that is a good thing. If you ever have a question for me please be sure to ask.

And If you ever run into a farmer or rancher. Say thank-you, I don't think they hear it much. Stay warm out there.

I Heart Beef Month

Love me some steak

This month is I Heart Beef month, and I hope you are ready for some mouth-watering, healthy and nutritious beef meals. I mean when nearly twice as many Americans selected beef versus chicken (that would be me) when asked which satisfies you as much as chocolate does, beef seems like a good choice for you, your family and friends.

But wait I thought red meat wasn't good for you?

Oh but it is, especially the 29 lean cuts of beef available. These 29 lean cuts of beef contain a total fat content that falls between a skinless chicken breast and and a skinless chicken thigh, when comparing cooked 3-ounce servings. Some of my favorite cuts include Top Sirloin Steak, Top Round Roast, 95% Lean Hamburger and Brisket. An easy way to remember which cuts are lean is by looking for round or loin in the name.

You have 13 days left...

The count down to Valentines Day is on, and it's time to think about how you'll spend it with your special someone (whether that is your date or all the girlfriends hanging out). Instead of spending money on chocolates that will go right to our hips or money on eating out at an expensive restaurant why not stay in and serve up a steak!

Check our the Leah Beyer's blog Beyer Beware for her hunk of meat Mondays. She has sent me her favorite recipe BBQ Brisket and Pork Roast (got support the other guys too) and it looks delicious.

And if you are a beef lover consider adding the I Heart Beef picture to your blog, facebook page, Twitter account etc.