Where does your beef come from?

We thought we knew.  We figured since we have been a part of this community we had an intellectual in on the sustainable and correct way to raise meat.  We knew nothing.  Thank god people are patient and, willing to educate those that desire to learn.  

Timothy and I took a fabulous trip up to Flagstaff on Thursday, February 24th with Dennis Moroney.  What a trip!  Not the travels, but the man.  We attended the Diablo Trust Annual meeting on the 25th with folks that live the walk, not just the talk.  Ranchers, such as Bill McDonald; a fifth generation rancher from southeastern Arizona, Thomas E. Sheridan; Ph.D Professor of Anthropology at the Southwest Center and Department of Anthropology at the University of Arizona, Rick Knight; a  professor of wildlife conservation at Colorado State University, Derrick Widmark;  the Communications Coordinator of the Diablo Trust since 2006 and in 2009 opened Diablo Burger, a local foods-based burger joint in Flagstaff serving beef from the Diablo Trust ranches and Dennis Moroney; a food producer and educator from rural Cochise County, Arizona. He and his wife Deb raise crossbred cattle, Boer goats, Navajo Churro sheep, and American Quarter Horses on their family owned 47 Ranch, and Tornrose Farm along with Bar T Bar Ranch and Flying M Ranch.  Some were uplifting, as they had had major successes-while others spoke of the hardships of ranching; such as the simple idea of help.  Many of these ranchers don't have any extra hands to aid the phenomenal work that feeds us.  Did we have any idea?  Nope. 

 

We left the meeting with so much more knowledge than when we had arrived.  We want to share with you some of what we have come to learn.  Thank you Diable Trust and its' affiliates for your knowledge.  You have taught us much!

Did you know that in the next 30 years the world's food consumption is expected to increase by 70%?

Who will raise that food?
Where will this food be raised as property is becoming more and more out of reach for the agricultural budget?
Who will aid in the ranching business, as most children from ranching families are not caring on the family business?

How can you help?

It's simple.  

BUY YOUR FOOD LOCALLY!!!!!!!! 

Know your farmer.  Know your rancher.  

Volunteer at your local farm and ranch.

Educate yourself about where and how your food is produced.

KNOW FARMERS KNOW FOOD.
NO FARMERS NO FOOD.

For more information check out the sites below:

www.malpaiborderlandsgroup.org 

www.altarvalleyconservation.org

www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/~knight 

www.diabloburger.com

www.localharvest.org/sky-island-brand-47-ranch-M28904