From the Editor

Given how little the American public wanders into an honest discussion about its food policy, when a news story does broach the topic, you have to pay attention.

Having listened to the opposing sides waging a fierce debate over genetically modified organism (GMO) food labels in the U.S., it’s painfully obvious who’s winning the battle. And it isn’t the family farm or ranch.

It is a pattern as predictable as it is hollow. In every U.S. presidential election year, the guys in polished suits scrambling to get like-minded voters to the polls throw out a tired old claim that this is the most crucial election our country has ever faced. 

With the new year came news that the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services approved new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines and an endorsement for red meat as a healthy protein.

If you went into the cattle business because you relish the chance to work alongside family, in the outdoors and with horses and livestock – you are not alone. Those values remain at the heart of the cattle industry.

It was the second Christmas after my mother moved us to a new state – just my sister and myself. The older kids had grown and moved away. Mom had started a new job teaching at the elementary and we kids were barely adjusted to our new setting.