Temple Grandin's opinion

[littledoggie]

The argument that the science is always correct is flawed. I believe "science" to be a moving target, changing with what we now know as compared to what we knew before. The one thing we can count on is that the science will change. Or morph into something else.

[kato]

Has anyone else noticed that every time there is a commercial for pork or chicken aka G. Weston "free from" products, they make a big noise out of the fact that they don't use hormones?

This should be ringing alarm bells in the beef business.

They make a little note in the fine print that hormones are not used in any pork or chicken in Canada, but that's just to cover their backs.

The big message here is that the competition, which would be BEEF, also known as you and me, uses things like hormones, and by default, just about whatever other things that are out there. The subliminal message is that beef producers feed their animals doubtful things, and don't care about consumer preferences. The truth is that it's mainly the big players that are using it, not the likes of us, even though we get painted with the same brush.

Even with the paylean hogs out there, which are conveniently not mentioned, these other competing meats are using consumer preferences to turn as many people as they can away from beef.

What good does an extra 25 pounds of beef do anyone when nobody wants to buy it? I know I wouldn't want to buy it. Sooner or later, people are going to be turned off by these additives, and I think the packers who have refused to accept that are beginning to realize it.

Clear out the supply that's in the works, quit using it, and everyone will be better off in the long run. One man's "innovation" could be another man's disaster.

[kato]

Nice to hear from you Mr. P. Hope your summer is going well.

[BFW]

rkaiser you need to feel to sorry for me , we are doing ok. At the end of the day it doesn't matter to me that much if we are not able to use these products. What bugs me is the bullshit people will use to drive their agendas. Hell, we will just take the money made from using products such as Zilmax and take it out of the price of feeder cattle anyway. What I would really like to know is how soon will you have that plant at Balzac up and running. That would be a plus for the business. LMAO

[cpallett]

Couldn't agree more Kato.

I was struck by Gerry Ritz's recent comment that the beef cattle industry at $6.5B annually is the second largest source of farm cash receipts in Canada. In 2001 the beef cattle industry was the largest source of farm cash receipts at just under $8B. Hmmm.

Meanwhile, here's something you may enjoy. I sure did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX_-Zoom9Uc

[rkaiser]

All good Jeff. I know that you can just pass your losses down to the producer below you in the current dysfunctional beef cattle industry we have here in Canada. And I also know that when we do have Balzac, or another plant up and running, you will reap a certain amount of reward for doing nothing. All producers will. Anything beyond the current oligopoly control exhibited by the two packers in this country will help. My hope is that feeders and grass roots producers alike will take some chances when we get going and participate in the value chain we are creating. One that "yes" will involve a more conventional product line after myself and my partners realised that selling an all natural line of beef in a world where caring about the food they produce or put in their bellies is ultimately cost related to most humans.

Had to go through a few more months of growth to get closer to our goal of not only owning a plant but a full value chain Jeff. We are there, business wise and you can come in and visit us at the secondary processing plant in Calgary where we might even sell some of your beef. Might not be able to let you in on all of our plans just yet... LOL

What part of my post was bullshit Jeff? The part about cattle treated with beta agonist being stressed physiologically or the part about their meat being tougher. Seems that Tyson and Cargill have figured it out and now you have little choice but to follow them ---- AGAIN.

[rkaiser]

Wanted to bring this topic back to the top of another thread but what is the use. Most folks that visit this site know the story.

BTW statement that his feedlot will only pass the lost value of beta agonists down to the next level of production is such a blatant example of why this industry needs a shake up.

Why groups like ABP/CCA and even the Alberta Cattle Feeders have lost credibility and why this cattle forum needs the administrator to start threads any more.