Beef Production: Explore Beef Experience Educates the Inflencers

Sun 14 Oct, 2012

The "Explore Beef Experience" is an event that brings together beef industry representatives, veterinarians, producers, and influencers to experience cattle production on a modern farm. It's meant to educate experts in the fields of nutrition, food safety, the culinary arts, the environment, animal welfare, and food security about production practices being used today.

The program first started last year in Nebraska, but this year, with the help of various groups and commissions, six work days at feedlots and at cow-calf operations took place.

With this event, the impact of these events extends far past just a day on the farm. …These events let people ask the tough, burning questions they've been wanting to ask for a long time — and they get to ask a real farmer.

It is hoped that these events will highlight the beef industry's modern production practices and that the participants will then communicate what they've learned to their constituents, whether viewers, shoppers, patients, students, or readers. A few exciting examples of this happening: One attendee is now a panelist at a sustainability summit; one is partnering with the Hyatt hotels and working with their chefs, helping them see how animal care and beef sustainability fit well within Hyatt's recently announced global food/beverage philosophy.

These events have been successful, and interest in them seems to be growing. After a great event in Nebraska last year, even more groups and individuals are getting involved in hosting events in their areas. This is a great way to bring the farm to the city and impact a lot of people and their perceptions about beef. Do you agree? Give us your feeback at our DeBruycker Facebook page.