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 …