The top 10 of 2014…

I have completed my first full year of blogging! While I was not the most diligent blogger, I learned a lot, met some great people, and had some great conversations. My social media goals and expectations were exceeded! Many thanks to you, my readers for your interest. I have new ideas for blog posts and delivery methods in 2015, so stay tuned!

My top 10 blog posts of the year are as follows:

10. Jello, lipstick, and marshmallows – oh my! – learn more about the animal byproducts in the things we use daily!

9. Cold temps cause frozen ears – cute baby calf picture warning, and a useful product too!

8. Toothless Grins…Fun Fact Friday – because who doesn’t want to know random information about animals?!

7. Gluten Free Myths – a guest blog by my friend Dawn Earnesty, MS, RDN.

6. Caring for Livestock in Cold Temperatures – livestock receive the best care they can, even when temperatures plummet.

5. Organic and Natural Programs – part of the meat labeling series on why these terms are not interchangeable.

4. No added hormones and no antibiotics – part of the meat labeling series to help clear up confusion.

3. Growing up a Rich Rancher’s Kid – a fun post for me to write about perception of wealth.

2. Grain-fed and Grass-fed – part of a series on meat labeling terms, and better understanding what they really mean.

1. Dumping Discover – where I explain why I will be finding a new credit card company.

Cheers
Thanks for stopping by. Happy New Year. May it be full of health, wealth, and happiness! Cheers.

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Dr. Lindsay can also be found on:

– Website (http://food.unl.edu/ag-and-food)
– Twitter/Instagram (agwithdrlindsay)
– Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/agwithdrlindsay)
– Pinterest (Lindsay Chichester-Medahunsi)

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Jello, lipstick, and marshmallows – oh my!

Crazy weather across the country has me thinking about making a stop by the grocery store on the way home and getting a few essentials in case we get snowed in… And s’mors seem like a great weekend snow/comfort food! And s’mores are great because you can make them in the microwave, and you can watch the marshmallow get big and puffy…

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Mmmm s’mores!

Marshmallows are obviously an essential ingredient of s’mores. Fun fact: did you know that marshmallows are a byproduct of cattle?! Yes, you read that right. Marshmallows, ice cream, canned meats, candies, and jello all contain gelatin – which is a beef byproduct! Additionally, from animal fat we can get such products as cosmetics, shaving cream, candles, and detergents! Bio-fuels, methane, pet food, paints, rubber, and so much more also come from beef byproducts!

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A few examples of inedible beef byproducts.

If this shocks you or disgusts you, I challenge you to consult this list or this list, and decide where in your daily life of transportation, health and medicine, personal care, or entertainment you could cut something out?! I bet it would be very challenging.

While we typically think of meat as the only product from cattle, there are many, many more things can come from a beef animal. The beef industry wastes very little of an animal. I encourage you to find out more about rendering from National Renderers Association website (there is a great video that explains the rendering industry). Rendering reduces waste and public health concerns – it is sustainable and environmentally friendly!

I hope you continue to enjoy your beef byproducts, I know I will!