ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Today’s world is becoming more and more urban, and with that, people are further removed from the farm. In fact, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average American is at least three generations removed from the farm, and less than two percent of the population is directly involved in agriculture. Because of this growing disconnect, there are a lot of consumers who don’t know where their food comes from and have never set foot on a farm, and these consumers have an increasing number of questions about how their food is produced.
In “Raising the Steaks”, a documentary produced by the American Angus Association® that will appear on RFD-TV on Thanksgiving Day, one consumer couple got the chance to tour the entire beef production chain, meet the people who produce their beef, ask all their questions and learn about the process.
“As an increasingly urban society, educating consumers about food production becomes more and more important,” said Clint Mefford, Angus Association director of communications. “We are proud to be able to do our part in giving two consumers the opportunity to see the whole beef production cycle and be able to share that with our membership and other consumers alike.”
The documentary starts by introducing the consumers who got the opportunity to participate in the behind-the-scenes tour: Josh and Leah Swindler, St. Joseph, Missouri, natives. It follows the couple through the whole beef production process starting by visiting a seedstock operation followed by a cow/calf ranch and a feedlot. Their tour ended with watching and discussing a video about the processing aspect and vising the meat counter of a local grocery store.
“As a consumer, I’ve always tried to be conscious of where my food comes from, and I think it’s important for consumers to see the amount of effort and care that goes into food production,” Leah Swindler said. “The welfare of animals has always been important to me, and this process helped me be more reassured by how our food is produced. It helps you value your food more.”
To view “Raising the Steaks”, tune into RFD-TV on Thanksgiving Day or set your DVR to record it. Click here to see a preview, or watch below.
—Rachel Robinson, Angus Association Communications
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