Cheers to beef supporter, Rachael Ray

Amanda Nolz March 19th, 2009

It’s easy to get down about the headlines that plague our daily lives: another celebrity becomes a vegan, anti-agriculture legislation is introduced, the media unfairly portrays ranchers in a bad light, the economy continues to plummit, more producers are exiting the industry and food prices continue to rise, without adding extra dollars in ranchers’ pockets. It’s hard to stay optimistic in challenging times, but I firmly believe it’s good to always try to think on the bright side. In response to the activities of agriculture’s enemies like Carrie Underwood and Oprah, I have found a celebrity that is worthy of praise. And, she may just be another great spokesperson for the beef industry.

Talk show host and chef, Rachael Ray, is a great spokesperson for beef! I sometimes catch her show in the afternoons while I’m in between classes, and I was glad I caught it yesterday. Her recipe of the day featured beef. As Rachael prepared her Hanger Steak with Margarita Marinade, she explained how beef is an excellent source of protein in the diet. She also discussed the value of a hanger steak in getting more bang for your buck in tough economic times by purchasing a less expensive cut of meat. Not only does she boast the affordability, versatility and nutritional value of beef products, but she also showcases her recipes beautifully for the millions of viewers that tune in.

I think that our industry needs to recognize and thank celebrities like Rachael Ray for voluntarily supporting our industry with such passion and enthusiasm. PETA rallies around their celebrities, awarding them with the title of “Sexiest Vegetarian of the Year,” and I think it’s time we do the same. No, that doesn’t mean following PETA’s footsteps, but I think it would be great if we could highlight these amazing spokespersons in our own unique way. So, what do you think? Who wants to stand up and showcase these superstars in our industry? In a time where it seems all odds are stacked against us, it’s crucial for a public statement to be made. It’s time to remind consumers how great beef in a healthy diet really is. Who is with me?

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16 Comments to “Cheers to beef supporter, Rachael Ray”

Joe Meyer Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 8:11 am

Amanda,

I think you have hit on something here. Are any of these food shows sponsored by farm organizations? Maybe it is time.

A great way to convey the value of meat protein in our diets.

My Grandaughter is in her Senior year at Miami Universtity, Ohio, to become a registered dietician. She and I have had discussions on the uniqueness of nutrients derived from meat. Just yesterday I sent her articles and comments, some mine regarding the New York Times assault on antibiotics in pork.

I have given a couple talks to her classmates on farm related issues of genetically modified crops and other topics that seems to get press to view farming in a negative way. The students expressed their appreciation for these other views.

One thing to keep in mind, have your facts straight and give them some history of why we are where we are. Hyperbole and opinions without stating facts and history are shallow and you young people can see through that in short time.

Keep up the good work. Your name was mentioned at our United Soybean Board meetings in Charleston, South Carolina a couple weeks ago.

Joe Meyer
Blaine Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 8:39 am

Amanda,

This is a very good point and you are absolutely correct that we must celebrate those in the public eye who are not afraid to promote our industry.

As a fan of Bill O’Reilly and the Fox News Network (don’t boo me, just tolerate me:)), I was dismayed to see him name Carrie Underwood as a “Patriot” in his “Pinheads & Patriots” segment on his nightly show last week. Reportedly she had donated revenue from some song or concert to the Humane Society, therefore making her a “Patriot” in they eyes of O’Reilly. Again, I am a fan of his and enjoy the show and therefore will tolerate this slight oversight, but it seems that in the “no spin zone” that one of his staff research people could have followed the money a little closer to see where these dollars really go. The Humane Society hides behinds its “puppy and kitten” placement centers and definately does good work in this area…hell, I’ve got an HS dog that is truly the best dog on the planet!…but what remains is the activist and extremist attitudes to the animal agriculture industry and this is something that as you have mentioned before, we must all stay closely on top of. Plus, and I certainly can’t attest, but O’Reilly looks like the type of guy who would enjoy a juicy piece of US produced beef.

So KUDOS to Rachael Ray (please don’t tell my wife I said that or she’ll make me watch) and all those in the public eye who can speak up for beef. I’m sure that it will only be a matter of time before the Animal Rights Activists launch a full out war on the Food Network’s stable of chefs for using meat & protein in their daily shows. Rachael Ray is great, but I suggest that we enlist Chef Ramsey. He could then tell them all, as he does so elequently and frequently, to “piss off.”

Please continue your outstanding work and best wishes in your marathon!
Amanda Nolz Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 9:19 am

Joe,

That’s great that you are welcome to work with the dietetician students to explain to them the different aspects of food production. As you’re already aware, these are the people that will be recommending diet changes to our consumers in the near future. I agree that it’s important to include science and reason WITH emotion and personal stories. To be able to combine both makes you unstoppable.
That’s interesting that my name came up at your soybean meeting. Well, I’m in need of a Southern vacation, so if you ever need a speaker at your next event, give me a holler at beefnews@hotmail.com. Thanks for your comments! I really appreciate your insights!
Amanda Nolz Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 9:29 am

Blaine,
I agree that it’s frustrating to watch our favorite media sources mess up, and I think it proves that we need to spread the message about the true HSUS to others. Now, you said you have an HS dog. I just want to make sure that it is clear that local humane shelters are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. HSUS is a lobbying giant, and they don’t own a single animal shelter. Instead they focus on animal liberation and the abolishment of animal agriculture. So enjoy your dog, but know that it had nothing to do with HSUS.

Also, I’m glad you like Rachael Ray (I won’t mention it to your wife! haha). Chef Ramsey would also be a great person to consider! Great idea! Thanks for your thoughts! It means a lot to me! Take care!
Bill Dunlap Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 9:49 am

I DO think Rachel Ray is very sexy. Of course I like Stckard Channing, too. I am an old guy. I have raise cattle most of my life, and have been intensively grazing and selling direct to consumers about 10 years. This is the best thing I ever did. I get maximum production from minimum acres, lower environment impact, better feed and fertilizer efficency and great production. Selling direct to consumers really boosts the bottom line. Going MIG really helped production, but selling direct give me the dollars to keep going. I deliver to the door and many of my customers introduce me to their friends as “their farmer”. That personal connection is what does it.

What I really like about RR is her ability to simplify meal production. I think a lot of folks do not know how to use the various cuts and what a difference that makes. I have a lot of folks who do not want roasts, because they never cooked one. I have educated many to the joys of a chuck roast, cooked to fork tender with potatoes, onions and carrots.

Bill
Dustin Cox Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 10:12 am

Go Rachel Ray! I always knew I liked her. I appreciate those in the food network that promote a well rounded healthy diet. And a good plug for beef is awesome!
Daren Williams Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 10:42 am

Amanda — I love this idea! I nominate Jessica Simpson for Sexiest Meat Eater. As you probably know she has taken a lot of flack from the tabloids for looking like a real woman (as opposed to an emaciated Hollywood actress). During this time, she was photographed wearing a T-shirt reading, “Real Girls Eat Meat.” Although Jessica once thought Buffalo wings came from bison, she is an example of a good-looking, meat-eating celebrity.

BTW, I saw Carrie Underwood on American Idol last night and she just looked unhealthy. She’s thin, sure, but has no muscle tone. Her skin color is pasty white. Seeing her brought one thought to mind: Undernourished. In fact, I think that’s how I’ll refer to her from this point forward: Carrie Undernourished.

Keep up the good work!

Daren
Daren Williams Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 10:44 am

Amanda — I love this idea! I nominate Jessica Simpson for Sexiest Meat Eater. As you probably know she has taken a lot of flack from the tabloids for looking like a real woman (as opposed to an emaciated Hollywood actress). During this time, she was photographed wearing a T-shirt reading, “Real Girls Eat Meat.” Although Jessica once thought Buffalo wings came from bison, she is an example of a good-looking, meat-eating celebrity.

BTW, I saw Carrie Underwood on American Idol last night and she just looked unhealthy. She’s thin, sure, but has no muscle tone. Her skin color is pasty white. Seeing her brought one thought to mind: Undernourished. In fact, I think that’s how I’ll refer to her from this point forward: Carrie Undernourished.

Keep up the good work!

Daren
Julie Groce Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 11:28 am

Rachel also recommends supporting charities, like heifer.org, that provides agricultural training and livestock to families in need all over the world.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/every-day-style/favorite-things/holiday-gift/heifer-honor-cards/article.html
Charlie Powell Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 11:46 am

I am the senior public information officer for Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I also teach a media relations, crisis and risk management course in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication here. While embracing celebrity spokespeople, even those who are voluntary proponents, has some value, it is far from enough. Amanda’s blog is a good start, too. But in general, the animal industries do relatively little to utilize pop culture and Web 2.0 tools to steward current stakeholders and cultivate additional stakeholders be they consumers, nutritionists, the 18 - 34 crowd or however you want to slice it. In order to be optimally competitive in today’s marketplace that is ever-filling with more information, any given industry must also be heard effectively above the noise. This means, in the case of beef, that the entire industry from conception to consumption must provide their message repetitively as much as possible (find opportunities, don’t wait for them), ensure the messaging contents are tailored, uniform, and can still be modified as situations arise, and make sure messaging is redundant across all media including those you don’t like and are not a participant in. This is not a discussion of what is right or wrong, good or bad. It is a description of what today’s media environment IS. So for example, have you noticed beer ads targeted at the 18 -34 crowd? Many of them are centered around a multi-ethnic social event on an urban rooftop or rented apartment where beef is on a grill or being served. They are marketing an experience AND a product and they are using beef to support their pitch because it is so popular and widely accepted. Yet for the most part, the industry does not participate in similar appeals to a mass audience most of whom have not read a newspaper or accessed the familiar and traditional media resources. So this next week as you watch the NCAA tournament, or American Idol, or Survivor, or Saving Grace, or any of the other popular events or shows on network or cable, count how many ads “use” beef to market their product. As for new media, consider that right now I can get TV broadcast on my cell phone and if not that at least get real time updates of almost any sporting event sent to my phone. Might there be a similar opportunity for say a quick beef recipe (provided by Rachel Ray in a conversational manner and partnered with Sprint or Verizon) to be broadcast or scroll out on my phone from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day when beleaguered parents are shopping for food and another non-beef meat nugget seems quicker and more appealing? The good news here is the commodity has extraordinary acceptance and consumption right now and that has been satisfactory with relatively little additional input. A lot of the consumer segment heavy lifting has been done and that makes additional efforts significantly more cost effective. Now times have changed and so must the industry’s methods to remain competitive and optimally cultivate the upcoming market. And finally on the issue of costs of market stewardship and cultivation, lots of other industries make their living on beef’s back while contributing relatively little in return. Advertising, printing, packaging, transportation, retail, and others should do more for the industry as a consortium of opportunity and sustainability. If producers pay a check-off why are those who make their living off your product not tithing in the same way so all entities can benefit? So tonight at my house as we settle back to watch college basketball, beef is on the menu thanks to an incredible industry that produces a safe, wholesome, nutritious and satisfying product.
Joan Ruskamp Says:

March 19th, 2009 at 4:35 pm

Amanda, I have recently started reading your blogs and find them interesting as well as educational and I thank you for that. I will send an email to Rachel Ray thanking her for keeping beef in her menus. Charlie is on to something and I have been brainstorming ideas for promoting our industry and the quality of animal care in the majority of businesses. Keep up the good work. I am a cattle feeder in Nebraska with my husband.
Wesley P. Parks Says:

March 20th, 2009 at 12:11 am

This is one of your best articles, although I don’t get to read all. Cattlemen to Cattleman on RFD TV had a really program on food nutriton last Tuesday night. It is a shame that we can’t get programs like this on network TV. Keep up the good work.

Wesley
Jess Peterson Says:

March 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am

Amanda,

As usual you have come up with another great idea! I think this is definitely the direction production agriculture needs to take. We do a great job of speaking to our industry. But we need to reach out and promote our industry to the consumers. Celebrities do just that. I agree with Daren Williams– Jessica Simpson did a great job of promoting meat. PETA slammed her for actions. Yet our industry remained silent. We need to recognize and support those that are promoting the affordable, safe, and nutritious food that we produce!

I encourage all of you to urge your industry associations to help out with this effort. I will be asking the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association to promote this effort!

Keep up the good work Amanda— and hat’s off to Rachel Ray and Jessica Simpson–they are looking good and eating beef!

Jess
Bonnie Gibson Says:

March 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm

Rachel Ray would be a great one to promote the beef industry. So would Jessica Simpson. Both ladies are healthy, attractive business women of today.
Dr Larry Milham Says:

March 22nd, 2009 at 1:41 pm

I am a proud card carrying member of PETA. PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS. BEEF… WHAT’S FOR DINNER ?
We as beef producers are more than likely too busy to be waging campaigns against PETA, the other one, but that is something we really need to take time to do or we will eventually be eating salad as the main course.
What can I do?
Doc
goodhorses111@yahoo.com
Amanda Nolz Says:

March 25th, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Wow! Everybody is really sold on this concept! I’m so excited to hear it! If you want to help or get involved in getting something launched to honor these celebrities, contact me directly at beefnews@hotmail.com. Thanks for your support! It’s time to take action and make our own luck, and I think we are getting close to finding a perfect idea to do just that! Thanks for the great discussion!
Amanda