COMMENTARY | I would still consume beef even if the prices continued to rise. But I won't be a consumer of beef if the beef has been imported from another country.
According to an article by MSNMoney, cattle herds are dwindling as Americans consume less beef. Also, droughts have hurt the ranchers.
I personally have noticed the increase in the price of beef. But then again, food prices in general are rising.
When I order a dish from my favorite Thai restaurant, beef is now considered a premium that costs $1 extra. I've noticed beef I buy at the grocery store is about $2 higher than it used to be.
My way of coping with the higher prices of beef is to stretch the meat. I usually make at least three meals out of one package of grass-fed ground beef.
Beef is what's for dinner?
Bloomberg reported that beef consumption has fallen for the past 6 years.
While I'm upset about the "pink slime" controversy myself, I have never purchased red meat that contains it. I always opt for the grass-fed, organic beef just because it's considered more nutritious.
If anything I may have a lingering paranoia after the "mad cow disease" scare.
Where's the beef ... coming from?
My bigger beef is with the idea of importing beef. According to the article, beef stocks will further decline next year. Experts expect beef imports to rise.
I always check the label to make sure beef or produce I'm buying is from America. My first choice is to purchase only local produce, but if that's not available I'll purchase produce or meat that comes from other parts of the country.
It's better for the environment and for jobs here in the United States when we buy local.
I grew up in Maryland near farms where they raised cattle. Many of the Maryland family farms today still provide natural grass-fed beef. I hope people will let the fast-food restaurants and grocery stores that purchase large quantities of beef to know that we want American beef.
Buying and consuming beef in moderation, as long as it's the right kind of beef, is good for everyone.
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