From the Editor

If I had a dollar for every time I heard “these uncertain times” when talking about the current state of the beef industry, I could probably help fund the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

All the experience and knowledge gained by producers through a lifetime in the beef industry is now being put to the test. Stunningly, it may not be enough to fully grasp the economic impact felt by producers in the supply chain.

Before a nation troubled with an impending pandemic, headlines of fake meat and climate-killing “cow farts” circulated the internet. Toilet paper and hand sanitizer sat neatly on store shelves, and basketball fans were eager to fill out this year’s bracket.

It has occurred to me that we humans seem very attached to catch phrases, something short, snappy and easily repeatable. I remember when the Tyson fire happened last August, one news article called it a “black swan” and pretty soon, everyone was calling it a black swan which, personally, I think is too suave a name for something that shook up the beef industry so much. Better to call it a “black buzzard” or something equally unsavory.

Yet again, the country is worshipping the golden calf that rules our wealth: the stock market. Forgive me if I try and exit from the back pew.

My sweet grandma was notorious for slicing overly generous portions of pie, cake or really anything that was categorized as “added sugars” in the MyPlate nutritional guidelines.