Beef Magazine

First BEEF Daily Podcast: Consumer Challenge

Amanda Nolz May 21st, 2009

As I’m getting acclimated to living close to home again, I’m taking the opportunity to get to know the good folks of my hometown. Recently, I stopped by a local place called Cafe Teresa, where a lot of young people hang out. I decided to approach a table of people I didn’t know and ask them, “If you could ask a farmer or rancher anything about the foods you eat, what would it be?” You will have to listen to the first BEEF Daily Podcast to find out what these curious consumers want to know about YOUR industry. And, the challenge? You are going to need to answer their questions and concerns.

Of course, I sat down for a cup of coffee with them to clear the air on what they asked; however, I directed them to this website for more information. Don’t miss this opportunity to talk directly (well kind of directly) with your consumers! Listen to the podcast and answer the questions in the comments section below. I will post my responses, as well, to get everyone started! And, thanks to our consumer participants for their questions and for the folks at Cafe Teresa for letting me interview their customers! I think I made a few new friends in the process!

Quick BEEF Daily Fact: Did you know May is Beef Month, and 82% of people in the United States own a grill?

Hey, BEEF Daily readers! The First BEEF Daily Photo Contest is still open for entries. Click here for details if you haven’t entered yet!

 Email This Post

Related Topics: News

6 Comments to “First BEEF Daily Podcast: Consumer Challenge”

1. Amanda Nolz Says:
   

   May 21st, 2009 at 9:40 am

   Consumer Question #1: Is it true that cows really produce harmful greenhouse gasses?

   Without a doubt, climate change legislation is one of the priorities high on the list of Congressmen this year. And, there is no denying that the media loves to point fingers at the agriculture industry. Yet, I always wonder if people have ever seen smog over a cattle ranch? Yeah, I haven’t either.

   The number one source of carbon dioxide and methane (greenhouse gasses) are the combustion of fossil fuels in transportation and landfills. However, methane gas from ruminants contributes a measly 2.4% of methane gasses, and that’s a stretch.

   -Amanda’s response at Cafe Teresa

2. Amanda Nolz Says:
   

   May 21st, 2009 at 9:45 am

   Consumer Question #2: Can you get swine flu from eating pork?

   What is commonly known as swine flu is actually called H1NI, a flu strain that originated from birds, pigs and people. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

   Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)

   -Amanda’s response to question at Cafe Teresa

3. Amanda Nolz Says:
   

   May 21st, 2009 at 9:48 am

   Consumer Question #3: Meat is full of saturated fats…Do I really have to give up beef to be healthy?

   Beef is easy to love because it tastes so great, but it’s also a naturally nutrient-rich source of ten essential nutrients. The protein in beef helps strengthen and sustain your body. Evidence shows that protein plays an important role in maintaining healthy weight, building muscle and fueling physical activity.

   There are 29 cuts of beef that meet government guidelines for lean. Each one contains less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3.5 oz. serving. For more information, check out www.beefmagazine.com

   -Amanda’s response at Cafe Teresa

4. Tom Smith Says:
   

   May 21st, 2009 at 10:04 am

   1. The process of digestion by any animal produces methane. Even YOU pollute the atmosphere with methane and carbon dioxide. And the more roughage (i.e. salads, etc.) you eat, the more methane you produce.
   2. You can NOT get H1N1 virus, a.k.a. “swine flu” from properly handled and cooked pork. The hogs may have more to fear from people. There was a case in Alberta a few weeks ago in which a swine farm worker returned from a visit to Mexice and transmitted the H1N1 virus to the hogs under his care.
   3. Don’t give up beef. Beef does have saturated fats. All meat does, as do many vegetable oil seeds. However, according to a research article I read several years ago, the major fatty acids in beef, stearic acid and (one of or possibly both) linolenic and linoleic acids have no harmful effect on cholesterol, and one actually has a beneficial effect on the “good” cholesterol. Do not give up beef just because of saturated fat. The protein, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other nutrients are nutrient-dense in beef, to say nothing of the flavor. Lean beef (like that from the breed Amanda’s family raises) has only slightly more fat than skinless chicken breast, with more of the nutrients previously mentioned.

5. Daren Williams Says:
   

   May 22nd, 2009 at 11:10 pm

   Amanda (and Tom), your answers are right on. The only thing I would add is to make it personal…let them know that you care about their questions and concerns. Amanda, after having just run your first half marathon, your answer to the “do I have to give up beef to be healthy?” question is a no-brainer! You just ran 13.1 miles! I know a lot of people who are skinny but NOT HEALTHY! Their idea of good health is to not eat. That, my friend, is unhealthy — mentally and physically. They don’t have the mental or physical stamina to run three miles, let alone 13.1. Challenge your new friends at Cafe Teresa to get healthy and join you on your next big run — and sign them up to join you on Team ZIP (teamzip.ning.com).

   Daren Williams
   National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

6. Amanda Nolz Says:
   

   June 1st, 2009 at 1:49 pm

   Tom, thanks for your comments in answering the consumer questions. You really presented a lot of important facts for the consumers to read. I directed those folks from Cafe Teresa to this site, and I know they appreciated your responses. Also, thanks to Daren for the important reminder that we need to incorporate our personal lives in our responses. Thanks again for participating!

   Amanda

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment:
Register Here or Log in Here.