Appreciate and Educate: Primary Industry

Food. Everyone needs it, and everyone loves it. However, I doubt anyone thinks about where it comes from on a day-to-day basis. From the steak or chicken you cook up on the barbecue, to the wheat that goes into the flour that makes your bread, all food comes from somewhere. I believe it's important to think about the primary industry as well as the finished product, because without the first we would not be able to enjoy the latter. Growing up on a grain farm, I always knew what we did was important, but the reality of how vital it was never truly set in until I left home. In university, I began to learn about growing populations and renewable resources and perhaps the most shocking: the population is expected to increase by two billion in fifty years! This places more importance on farmers than ever before, and makes me proud to know that my family farm is contributing to the health of future generations. This is why I believe it is important to take a step back from our busy lifestyles and consumer ways and take time to appreciate all that the primary industry does for us.

"Harvesting Grain" by http://www.economy-ukraine.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Harvesting-Grain.jpg, retrieved on March 5, 2012 by Dani Young

However, grain production is not the only important primary industry involved in the food you eat. For instance, my roommate and fellow "agvocate" Rosie Templeton has grown up on a beef cattle ranch and farm in southern Alberta. It was from her that I began to learn the ins and outs of the industry, as well as all of the misconceptions people have about cattle operations. For instance, did you know that many people consider antibiotics in beef bad? If there weren't antibiotics, the beef would get sick, and if they get sick, there is a higher risk of the consumer getting sick! Yet, consumers believe that antibiotics in their meat is bad, which opens up a market for antibiotic-free cattle such as those found at Spring Creek Beef. Not to say that buying this type of beef is bad, it certainly is not! The point I am trying to get across here is how uneducated some consumers are, and that people need to get the facts to make educated decisions on what they eat. If consumers understand what goes into their food, they can make better decisions on what they actually feel comfortable purchasing.

"Delicious!" by http://globalmr.com/images/Omaha/Prepared_Dinners/BeefDinners/Prepared-Dinners-Whiskey-Marinated-sirloin-steaks.jpg, retrieved on March 5, 2012 by Dani Young

In short, next time you sit down to that lovely steak dinner or fancy baguettes, think about where it came from. It is important to appreciate all that the work that primary industry farmers and ranchers put into the food that goes on your table. As well, make a conscious decision to educate yourself about these farmers and their methods. Most of all, enjoy your mouth-watering meal!