At a recent bison conference, the topic of GMO’s came up. The biggest concern was the potential, future requirement for GMO transparency on product labels. This includes meat labels from animals fed GMO grains. The reason this was such a big deal to this particular audience, is that 90% of the bison raised for food are raised in the cattle feedlot model, consuming an unnatural diet in confinement for the last 90+ days of their lives. Most of these feeds are GMO.
The conversation continued with people shouting out sarcastic remarks, such as, “What’s a GMO going to do to me anyway? Is it going to turn me into something bad if I eat it?” This was not the time or place to be controversial, for the most part we were amongst good, hard working folks, who were just thinking in the short term.
As I listened to the GMO conversation, I thought it funny that the acronym reversed was OMG! I also thought about the hazmat suits worn, or full cover recommended when using chemicals. If we are advised to not get any of the toxic poisons on us, why would we want to ingest them? I wondered if the man talking would like to try it, so we could see what would happen to him?
Seriously, the ramifications of pesticide, herbicide, and draught resistant genetically modified organisms are devastating. Studies continue to prove that the use of herbicides and pesticides on crops are directly related to specie diversity loss, compromised water quality, and risks to human health. Add draught resistance to this mix, and we accelerate the plow up of more prairie and dessert ecosystems. In short, GMO’s are bad for the environment and we CAN grow food without them.
At Wild Idea Buffalo Company we are always looking at the long-term effects, and do our best to operate sustainably, working with nature, instead of against it. We promise to continue to produce a healthy, delicious, non-GMO meat alternative, for you and your families. If you are interested in more information on GMO’s, there are several studies and stories available on line. Here’s a few links that I found interesting, http://naturalsociety.com/gmo-farmer-wont-eat-crops/ , http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/, and http://www.responsibletechnology.org/10-Reasons-to-Avoid-GMOs .
Avoiding GMO foods takes a little more effort, but most groceries now offer organic, or non-GMO certified products. Another way is to know your farmer. This month’s recipe is GMO free, and is a terrific dish to make for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. In addition to the recipe, I offer you this slightly modified, non-GMO, Irish toast.
I wish you health, I wish you well, and happiness galore.
I wish you luck for you and friends, what could I wish you more?
May your joys be as vast as the prairie, and your troubles as light as this poem.
And may you find, sweet peace of mind, knowing that the buffalo roam. Cheers! jill
Buffalo Irish Coddle (serves 8)
This traditional Irish dish was often made from leftovers, using whatever vegetables were available. Feel free to change to you liking or availability. The light broth allows the flavors of each ingredient to come through, and although hearty, is also light. And, it’s so good! Enjoy.
Ingredients:
1 – 8 ounce package Wild Idea Buffalo Bacon
1 – 1 pound package Wild Idea Buffalo Brats
2 – tablespoons olive oil
3 – organic onions, sliced ¼” thick and quartered
2 – quarts organic chicken broth
1½ – pound organic baby golden potatoes, sliced
4 – cups organic carrots, peeled and sliced
1 – organic turnip, peeled and cubed
1 – cup organic parsley, chopped
2 – teaspoons organic black pepper
1 – teaspoon organic salt
2 – teaspoons organic dried thyme
*Optional – ¼ teaspoon organic cayenne
Preparation:
1) In heavy stockpot over medium high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil, and add half of the bacon. Cook, turning once until slightly crispy. Place cooked bacon on a paper bag or paper towel. Repeat with remaining bacon.
2) Add the brats to the pan, and allow to brown, turning occasionally.
3) Remove brats, and place on a paper bag or paper towel.
4) Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, heat and add onions. Cook for about ten minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
5) While onions are cooking, chop cooked buffalo bacon and cut brats into ½” slices.
6) Add most of the bacon bake to the pot, reserving a little to sprinkle on top, for garnish. Stir to incorporate.
7) Add stock to the pot and bring to a full boil. Add vegetables, half of the parsley and seasonings, and bring to a full boil again.
8) Reduce heat to low, add the sliced buffalo brats, and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
9) Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
10) To serve, ladle desired portions into bowls, covering each with broth, and garnish with remaining parsley and remaining bacon bits.
Comments 13
Jill,
Did you know that there is a movie called GMO’s OMG, about a young father trying to find GMO free food or his children. It was insightful and funny at times.
Thanks for your contribution, I am trying to get our co-op to be proactive with labeling so consumers have a choice.
Angela
Hi Angela – I did not know that, but so glad to hear it! I hope it gets the national attention, this subject deserves.
I usually make a Guinness Stew for St. Paddy’s Day, but your recipe may have turned my head a wee bit.
Here’s another Irish toast that I save for my best friends: “I hope to build your coffin from the wood of a hundred-year-old oak that I may get around to planting tomorrow.”
Slainté
Hi Chuck – I promise you won’t miss your Guinness, especially if you drink it instead! 😉 Thanks for the toast – love it!
Jill (& Dan),
Thank God people are talking about the GMO issue. I’ve read four magazines in the last four months that indicate the risks involved with GMO foods. One magazine was for Vietnam Veterans of America. The author was pointing out similar risks to Agent Orange. Consumer Report had an excellent article about the need for GMO labeling. (European countries already have the requirement.) Time magazine also had an article. But the one that really got my attention was in the March/April issue of Sierra (Sierra Club). There is definite proof that a class of neurotoxic pesticides called neonicotinoids is the reason for bees dying worldwide. It stated that this product is now used on 90% of corn grown in the USA! Another reason to be thankful for living in South Dakota instead of Nebraska!
Hi Jill,
Good article as always. I was surprised to learn that 90% of buffalo is CAFO raised. I understand from other articles that nation wide 99% of our meat is raised in CAFOs. GMO – OMG for sure. I was getting buffalo that was marked grass fed from Whole Foods before I found you folks, but I called the manufacturer and found out that it was indeed grain finished. Although they did not say it, I am sure it was done in a CAFO. The fellow said they just did not have enough grass to finish them on grass, but from looking at your video on your website I see that you don’t have that problem where you live!
I have been a serious natural health researcher for 30 years for my own survival, and I am well aware of all the horrible things that GMO foods are doing to all life. I eat organic vegetables and Wild Idea Buffalo meat, and so far as I can see you guys have the purest source of protein left on this entire planet. So keep up the good work.
I put you all in God’s hands.
May the blessings be.
Love, Don
“organic salt”?….is there such a thing? Salt is always made from sea water that has evaporated and so is always “natural” and “organic”.
Of course, chemically, it is an “inorganic” substance or “salt”.
Many strange labels on food now…like the gallon of water I encountered ….”Natural Spring Water”!….like there is an “Unnatural Spring Water somewhere.
Good point John. And right you are labeling is complicated.
But, one thing is certain: your Buffalo are natural, organic, free-range, gmo free, humanely raised….and tasty!
I AM FROM THE CITY, AND I HAD A HARD TIME WITH THE ACRONYMS USED IN THIS REPORT. I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND ALL THE FUSS, BUT I HAVE A FEEL FOR WHAT I AM READING…PLEASE CLARIFY….
THANK YOU,
DWIGHT WASHINGTON
Author
Dwight – Thank you for your interest. GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organisms, and OMG stands for Oh My Goodness.
Thank you for what you do and for writing about it. If more and more people become informed, maybe things will change.
Jill,
Another great recipe and blog post!! Living in Southern Cali I so appreciate what you are doing back there with natural and range free farming and harvesting. Keep up the great work…I am thankful I happened upon your company!