Pollan Part I

It surprises me a bit that Pollan doesn't elaborate much on both sides of the corn-fed beef issue - mainly he discusses his own opinions. Pollan makes a number of valid arguments, especially concerning the American diet and processed foods in general, but the fact remains that corn-fed beef is America's favorite beef. That isn't likely to change any time soon. Corn, although a cheap ingredient, helps keep ranches and feedlots from facing economic downfall due to its high demand. In the cattle business, optimum health and "organic" quality have to take a back seat to the business side. Ranchers are caught up in an industry much bigger than them. A few ranches here and there do well with grass-fed cattle, but this idea simply isn't applicable everywhere. If grass-fed beef were to become a product people want, instead of a fast food filler, it would succeed as well as corn.

Also, knowing a little about feedlot operation since our ranch's steers are sent there once they are old enough, feedlots are not all as repulsive as Pollan seems to make them out to be. Whether cows are genetically intended to eat grains or not, they have now evolved to prefer them. Sick cows in feedlots or anywhere else usually result from poor care on the part of the owners. Brands of food, inattention to detail, and lack of vaccinations can all be contributing factors. Most feedlot operators want their cattle to be as healthy as possible so that they will produce the best beef possible.