The USDA and Meatless Monday
Yesterday, while the Verizon towers were down in Siskiyou County, a newsletter from within the USDA, Greening Headquarters Update, was released and had a suggestion to implement the Meatless Monday Initiative within the agency. There was a quick uprising among many in the agricultural community, within the social media world. By 1:07 in the afternoon, the USDA retracted the statement in the newsletter as released in The New York Times. Now, most folks would think “Excellent, we accomplished our objective,” and move on. However, this is not the case with some, as I continue to see several rant on and now I understand several industry organizations are considering a ‘unified response’ to the matter…yes…after it has been retracted and the USDA’s position clarified.
To those who are still ‘worked up’ over this, I respectfully ask you to stop for a minute and take a deep breath. Allow the emotions to settle down and let’s take an objective look at what further actions, if any should be taken.
First, I am a beef producer and admittedly was not a big fan of the Meatless Monday Initiative. However, after taking some time to look at things objectively, I completely support the idea of encouraging folks to eat more fruits and vegetables, most do not eat enough. We should all be supportive of people eating better balanced meals that include all the food groups.
Second, let’s take a look in the mirror. What does it look like to our customers when agriculture is constantly ‘on the fight,’ ‘whining,’ and complaining on a daily basis? Folks, certainly we face challenges, but think about all we have to be thankful for. We should spend some more time showing gratitude for positives.
Third, I agree with a dear and respected friend who said, “I just don’t think people in Ag stop to think for a minute how bad they look every time I see the hunk of meat Monday’s, etc. it’s just as adversarial to me as the anti-meat campaigns.” We should be celebrating that people are now posting and sharing recipes of all kinds through a plethora of blogs and social media platforms. What could be better than more people taking the time to return to the kitchen and actual start cooking again? Think about it. If they start cooking vegetable dishes, they will most certainly expand to include meat. This is a positive, not a negative, in my humble opinion.
Fourth, to those considering continuing to beat the proverbial ‘dead horse,’ I offer the following suggestion. Be gracious to the USDA for retracting the statement and clarify their position. Recognize that the USDA does not just represent the 2% of the country that produces food, but also 100% of the customers. Politely share the current information that refutes the UN study and close with a smile and a thank you.
In my humble opinion, this continued negativity, does not promote healthy relationships with customers and will only serve to hinder the efforts of the USFRA and other organizations that are working so diligently and sincerely to encourage dialogue. Celebrate. Be thankful. Be Happy. Stay positive.
Jeff, that’s for your sensible and to the point response. I’m with you on this 100%. You said so well what I was thinking. The reactionary response yesterday was not conducive to building strong customer relationships at all. It only made us look like the finger-pointing, whining kid on the playground. Instead of reacting to issues like this we must strive to be more open-minded and less tribal in our thinking. Thanks for this.
Thank you for sharing, Jeff. You hit the nail on the head for me, at least. All too often, people try to paint an issue in black or white when really there are about a million shades of gray in between. This USDA and Meatless Monday uproar is no different; not only is there the matter of how many different people are or aren’t to blame, but there’s also the matter that they retracted the statement and are willing to work with ag to maintain the proper relationships. We can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater, as my friend Melissa said this morning in a private conversation.
Jeff, This is a great piece. I initially jumped on the anger bandwagon as well. I agree with you that we have to support the view of others to in turn gain their support. I love meat of all kinds weather it be pork, chicken or beef. I also love eating fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sweetcorn etc. Thank you for you blog and reminding me to think before I speak.
Thank your for this piece Jeff. I initially jumped on the anger bandwagon without thoroughly thinking it through. I love meat of all kinds, pork, chicken and beef. I also love eating fresh tomatoes, cucumbers and sweetcorn. Thank you for reminding me to think before I speak. I believe the USDA has a tough job in doing what it right for everyone and they do a great job providing that service.
Nicely state, Jeff! Thank you for taking the time to share your insight with us.
If you hit the nail too much after it has been sunk you leave an indention in the wood.
Jeff, this was a really well-written post. Thank you for keeping a level head and stepping outside the box to see the whole picture. I always enjoy your blog, and I particularly enjoyed reading today!
Jeff,
Don’t disagree on this specific point and would be willing to “let it be”, but Vilsack has shown his contempt for and absolute failure to either support or even understand AGRICULTURE so many times I have lost count. It is not just beef producers he has let down - we are also or have been chicken producers and hog farmers and row croppers. HE FIGHTS US ALL AT EVERY TURN. He should resign immediately. The entire culture he has created at USDA is a failure for AG - All of us!
very well said and I agree. Thanks for reminding us all.
Hey Jeff: A very reasoned approach. Well said.
Thank you so much for your reasoned thoughts on this. I hope everyone advocating either “meaty” or “meatless” days reads this and remembers that a balanced diet as well as a balanced tone is best for everyone. The science supports a variety of healthy diets but above all we all need to be eating more veggies.