Dispelling the Myths About Beef

Taking the Bull By the Horns

Stemple Creek Beef checking me out in Petaluma, CA.

Beef cattle have been blamed for the World’s agricultural and healthcare woes for more than half a century. Ask your circle of friends which food is most responsible for society’s downfall, and they’d probably say Bessie the Cow. My omnivore brothers and sisters will often tell me, “Sure, I eat meat, just not beef.” 

But if you really break down the facts, beef—and especially grass-fed, pasture-raised beef— is really getting a bad rap. What if a new old school of thought was turning everything on its head? What if beef, and more specifically, 100% grass-finished beef, might not only be pardoned for its apocalyptic potential, but be considered part of the solution to reversing global climate change through sustainable, regenerative agriculture?

Got your attention?

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be exploring the Myths of Beef. Don’t worry, I’ll still be posting on all kinds of other omnivore topics, but for you subscribers, think of this as a special perk, in addition to recipes, recommendations, etc.

To my current paid subscribers, THANK YOU! Your participation has been amazing! Give this post a read, and let me know what you think. I really want more dialog and feedback so that I can keep this train running in the right direction.

If you’re not yet a subscriber, consider joining the club. We need as many smart minds at the table if we’re going to see our sustainable omnivore food system thrive.

So let’s get started.

Here are Some Common Myths about Beef

#1 Cow farts are killing the ozone layer and causing climate change.

#2 McDonald’s is chopping down all the Brazilian rainforests for its Big Macs.

#3 American cattle live in the worst conditions of any domesticated animal.

#4 Beef uses more water than any other agricultural commodity.

#5 Overgrazing is destroying our soils and turning the world’s pastures into deserts.

#6 Red meat—and beef specifically—are the leading causes of cardiovascular disease.

Did I leave anything out?

How about we address Myth #1 today, especially because it has “fart” in the title.