In this chapter, the intricacies of the system that provides people worldwide with inexpensive protein are revealed. Pollan purchases a weaned steer from a South Dakota ranch and then follows it as it goes through a backgrounding system to prepare it for the feedlot, then finally arrives on the Kansas feedlot where it will then be finished. He compares the feedlot to a huge city, which it essentially is, given the massive infrastructure that is required to run such an operation. The differences between the conventional method of cattle finishing and alternative methods, including pasture systems such as those used in Argentina, are discussed, although Pollan neglects to mention the considerable time it takes to bring a grass-fed steer to USDA Grade Choice.
I found Pollan’s account of his calf’s bloodlines to be amusing. GAR Precision 1680 was one of the top bulls in the Angus breed when this book was written, yet the author fails to acknowledge what a feat of technology it is for cattle producers worldwide to have access to top-notch genetics and how artificial insemination has revolutionized the cattle industry. Still, as a cattle producer, I found myself commending the Blair brothers for their bull choices!
Discussion questions:
Cattle today are finished in approximately 16 months and emit far less methane than cattle finished with older systems that can take up to 5 years. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different finishing systems in terms of efficiency, climate change, etc?
Beef is graded according to the amount of marbling (intramuscular fat) by the USDA, with Prime being the highest grade. Do you take the grade into account when purchasing a steak, and what other criteria do you base your purchasing decisions on?
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