Topic: Grass-fed beef, is it better?
Host: Lexy Halbert
Guests: Brad Whited, grass-fed beef cattle farmer, and Seth Granstaff, grain-fed beef cattle farmer.
Description: Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, grass-fed only, and pasture-raised… are all terms I am sure each one of you has heard of when it comes to shopping for any kind of meat, milk, or egg produce in the grocery store. While all of these topics are bound to get people wound up and ready to debate, today I would like to discuss the controversy of grain-fed vs. grass-fed beef cattle. Some view grass-fed beef as the best option for their cattle overall, while others view grass-fed beef as a way to stunt crop yields and have less marbling in the end product. Today we will hear from two very experienced farmers who are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to the topic of whether or not grass-fed beef is better.
Objectives:
I can explain the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
I can describe two pros and two cons of grass-fed beef.
I can explore the ideas of the interviewees and their differing viewpoints.
Pre-Viewing Questions:
List 4 things you know about the difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
What is your current opinion on grass-fed beef?
Why do you think the top, “grass-fed beef, is it better?” is controversial?
Guided Questions:
What does Mr. Whited feed to his herd besides grass/hay?
When does Mr. Granstaff feed grain?
Would either interviewee switch to the opposite? (grain to grass, grass to grain)
Can you achieve marbling in meat without grain?
What is one “grain exception” Mr. Whited made in the beginning stages of his operation?
What does Mr. Granstaff think about the organic labels in grocery stores?
Post-Listening Questions:
List 4 differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
Describe two pros and two cons of grass-fed beef.
After listening, what is your stance on grass-fed beef?
Scoring Rubric for Post-Listening Questions
Post-listening question 1:
Level 1: Student lists 0 differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
Level 2: Student lists 1 difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
Level 3: Student lists 2-3 differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
Level 4: Student lists 4 or more differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef cattle.
Post-listening question 2:
Level 1: Student only lists one pro OR one con.
Level 2: Student lists one pro and one con.
Level 3: Student lists one pro and one con with one description.
Level 4: Student lists one pro and one con with both descriptions.
Post-listening question 3:
Level 1: Student gives a one-two-word response.
Level 2: Student gives a response in an incomplete sentence without reasoning.
Level 3: Student gives a response in an incomplete sentence with reasoning.
Level 4: Student gives a response in a complete sentence with reasoning
