Fat...let's just talk about it.

Most of us are used to seeing fat on our protein selections. But, it's usually, and I mean most ALWAYS, white fat caps that are on our beef or bison cuts purchased from chain and local grocery stores or restaurants.

When we first went 'against the grain' and selected grass-fed meats it was almost impossible to find it anywhere. Even working with local beef producers - yes, we do still eat beef (and love it) - that had their standard protocols and practices in place was a challenge -- we were told "You won't have any flavor without fat" or "You won't have the yield without graining."

We would find it on occasion, but it was not easy! And while I believed what the labels said when I did find "grass-fed bison" meat in the grocery stores, I was naive.

During the Obama administration, labeling practices changed. Between passage of the Dark Act and rules changes within the USDA. Packers would not be required to inform consumers if a protein was imported, instead, if the protein was imported and then repackaged in the States, a "Product of US" could legally be displayed. And, before then, the former Under Secretary of President George H.W. Bush's USDA decided that consumers didn't need to know if "pink slime" was used as a filler in our grind and finely textured meat products.

Former USDA Under Secretary Jo Ann Smith made PINK SLIME edible.

These are two examples of how misinformed consumers are, and unless they're seeking this information for a specific reason, likely are not aware of what is going on in our "food system" -- so I want to delve into that a little. Because, with each passing day I learn more nefarious actions that are approved or encouraged in the meat industry. And, frankly, it's a discouraging reality to know that what we're "being fed" as healthy and good for us is not the reality.

It's a lot of fat to cut through and likely needs to be broken into a series of posts.

So, here's what we'll cover in the coming days -

1. Mass production beef - how is it killing us? - This article will cover the disappearing communities nationwide as beef ranchers continue to disappear; why they're disappearing; and, what it means to you as a consumer. We'll also look at how this impacts "bison" ranching and if there are comparisons.

2. Truth in Labeling - Definitions; Loopholes; and, how you as a consumer can make healthier and better-informed choices for you and your family.

3. Follow the money - we'll circle back to mass production in this article, tying into the profitability and at what cost to consumers and producers we're allowing the meat industry cartels to take advantage through their abusive marketing power.

I'd like to start 2024's blogs with a purpose that benefits our supporters. You! Our customers and friends who have trusted us to bring you the cleanest proteins we can possibly raise.

I believe starting with the basics of what is happening in the beef industry will help me marry the parallels I see happening in the "bison" industry today, and why that concerns me - and hopefully you also - and, with this foundational series, chew the fat and just talk about focusing on your health, our herd's health, and what we're doing to improve every day.

Hope you'll join me as we cut the fat and just talk about it.