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Pharmaceutical Companies Put A Muzzle On Animal Scientists

Beyond Organic — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:51:00 +0000

You may have heard that in recent years, due to public outcry, a growing number of medical schools around the U.S. have introduced rules that will aid in the policing of their faculty’s ties to pharmaceutical companies, but unfortunately, agriculture schools are not following suit. As this article will point out… “Agriculture schools increasingly depend on the (pharmaceutical) industry for research grants, a sizable portion of which cover overhead and administrative costs. And many professors now add to their personal bank accounts by working for the companies as consultants and speakers. More than two-thirds of animal scientists reported in a 2005 survey that they had received money from industry in the previous five years.” In fact, professors at research universities are often forced to do research that will provide grant money for the university, rather than research they would like to do or even see the need for. In addition, when professors at an agricultural research university take on corporate-sponsored studies for a pharmaceutical company, they are required to sign a confidentiality agreement which prohibits them from publishing or sharing any unfavorable results. Of course, unfavorable means anything that will not increase their chances of getting their drugs into our food system.

In the article, Allen Williams, a former professor of animal science, shares how a pharmaceutical company stopped him from presenting his finding in a study he did on the company’s pregnancy test for dairy cows. The company gave Dr. Williams a grant to test the product in order to win government approval to put it on the market. When William’s study found that the test did not work, his department head told him not to present the findings. William’s argued that he should be able to present the findings, since he worked for a public university that was financed by taxpayers. To his surprise, the argument fell on deaf ears. Join Beyond Organics today! Although Dr. Williams may have been surprised by this, savvy farmers and consumers shouldn’t be. The incestuous relationship between Big Pharma and research universities has been a huge contributor to the corruption and false information coming out of our modern food and medical systems over the past two decades, and it must be stopped! But as more and more universities rely on private funding for research, it’s become increasingly clear that the interests of true animal science and drug company profits are at odds. The only way to initiate real change will be to vote with our dollars. As the demand for healthy, organically produced food continues to grow, so will the funding for research that seeks to improve the health of animals and consumers. In the meantime, I remain skeptical of research sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.

About Us

Beyond Organics Business Builder Team — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:53:02 +0000

Beyond Organic was founded based on this idea: That everyone should have access to the healthiest food and beverages on the planet. No longer would “grassfed” be solely the province of those lucky enough to be near a local farm or willing to drive to an out-of-the way store. For too long, healthy buzzwords like “organic” have belonged to the select few who can find it and afford it. Beyond Organic will change that. For the first time ever, the healthiest foods and beverages will be available to anyone, regardless of where—or how—they live.

Stretching across 8000 acres of pristine land in the Ozarks and continued among 140 acres of pure spring-fed mountain property in North Georgia, Beyond Organic is a new company on a mission to change your diet, change your life, and change your world.

Beyond Organic is the passion project of owner Jordan Rubin, who believes that we have lost our connection to the land. Where our ancestors used to drink water from unblemished springs and eat food they could grow themselves, today we rely on chemical-laden tap water and food processed to an unrecognizable form. Jordan’s vision is to alter that dynamic by reconnecting individuals to the ultimate source of health—food and water from land preserved by nature.

The best part? Beyond Organic is a direct selling company, so anyone can be involved. Whether you just want to eat and drink the best tasting, most nutritious foods on the planet, or you want to spread the message of health and wealth to others, Beyond Organic will walk alongside you in your journey to change your diet, change your life and change your world.

How Much Vaccine Do Conventional Cows Receive?

Beyond Organic — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:52:00 +0000

We don’t vaccinate the Beyond Organic cattle. We don’t give them growth hormones or antibiotics. Instead, we rely on holistic, humane raising of the animals, feeding them their natural diet, and allowing them to freely roam instead of penning them shoulder-to-shoulder. For conventionally raised cattle, the massive amount of drugs they are shot up with is done so because they live in horribly confined conditions where disease passes quickly, or because the animals are not being fed a diet that is natural to them.

Now we come to find out that some ranchers aren’t even dosing properly.

This article shocked me. Since we don’t vaccinate our cattle, I always assumed that those who did followed very detailed protocols. As the article states, many ranchers don’t weigh their cattle before dosing. Instead they estimate the weight and extrapolate the dosage from there. The only problem with this is that on average cattle weight was underestimated by an average of 47%! That means that those cattle were given drug doses that fell far short of what the science dictated.

Think about the implications of that. The cattle are not fed their natural diet and are kept in living conditions that require them to take drugs to stay “healthy.” However, many ranchers don’t give their cattle the proper dosage of drugs because they are guessing how much the cattle weigh! This despite great technological advancements that help accurately weigh a cow. You know, like a scale.

Click here to Join Beyond Organics

Here is some advice for those ranchers. Why don’t you try raising your cattle in a more humane way? Why don’t you try a cattle-raising method that doesn’t require drugs? And at the very least—buy a scale.

Super Bowl Chili

Beyond Organic — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0000

My passion for chili is, frankly, ridiculous. Love is not a strong enough word. Passion isn’t even strong enough. Addiction may be closer. Nowhere is that addiction on greater display than the weekend of the big game. Football and Chili will forever be linked in my mind. The beginning of football season ALWAYS coincides with my first batch of chili after a spring/summer hiatus. The end of football season marks for me the end of “chili season.” The fact that I have a personally defined “chili season” should be a (disturbing) window into my soul.

Every year, on the last Sunday of football season, I sit down at the start of the game with a bowl of chili. Somehow, the bowl is magically replenished at halftime. My fourth quarter dessert? Chili. The whole time, really the whole day from preparation to consumption, excited sighs, hand-rubbing and moans of gustatory pleasure all signal my excitement for my ritual chili adventure. It’s probably dawning on you right now that I am a dork. You are correct.

My wife will roll her eyes at me. A lot. It seems like you can bet on just about everything related to the big game. If you could bet on how many times my wife will roll her eyes at me, I’m pretty sure the over/under would be 13 times. However, my wife will eat some chili and watch the game with me. While she would never admit it, she digs this day as well. Also, my wife is awesome.

The recipe below is the result of years of tinkering with my “go-to” chili recipe. You will see much evidence of my Chilinerdness. For instance, I make my chili in a cast iron Dutch oven. I have no idea if it makes the chili taste better, but I do it because it looks cooler. (Yep, I am a dork). Also, instead of traditional chili powder, I use Aleppo chili powder, which has a more distinct flavor—you can use any chili powder you like. I also use chipotle powder in lieu of cayenne, and again, you can use any type of “hot” pepper spice or omit it altogether. The one ingredient that always gives people pause is the reduced beef stock. I make my own beef stock, and then reduce it down by half and keep it in the refrigerator for whenever I might need it. If that is too much work for you, you can just use beef stock in lieu of water at the end of the recipe. Just be careful if you use store-bought stock as it can be pretty salty. Oh, and I prefer to soak and cook dried kidney beans over using the canned variety—they simply have a better flavor.

Enjoy and beware. Your own personal chili addiction is right around the corner!

3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 organic yellow onions, diced
2 organic yellow or red peppers, chopped
2 organic shallots, diced
2 organic jalapenos, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
2 Tablespoons Sea Salt
2 pounds Beyond Organic GreenFed Beef
4 Tablespoons Aleppo chili powder
2 Tablespoons cumin
1 Tablespoon chipotle powder (optional)
3 Tablespoons reduced beef stock*
2 organic heirloom tomatoes, chopped
1 ½ cups organic kidney beans**
Water
Salt to taste

In a large pot (preferably a cast iron Dutch oven), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, peppers, jalapenos, shallots and salt and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the shallots or onions. Add the ground beef and cook through, stirring frequently. Stir in the chili powder, cumin and cayenne (if using) and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the reduced beef stock and stir through. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or any of the other spices to your preference. Add the tomatoes simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. Add the kidney beans and just enough water to cover the chili. Let simmer on low for 45 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if necessary.

Submitted with the appropriate amount of craziness by a chili lover who wishes to remain anonymous. You know, because despite our best efforts, there are still those who look down upon chili addicts.

Protests Over Monsanto FDA Conflict of Interest Spreading

Beyond Organic — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Earlier this week, the Washington Post featured a story on the rise in online protests over the appointment of former Monsanto executive Michael Taylor as President Obama’s senior adviser to the FDA.

The article points out that Michael Taylor currently holds the position of deputy commissioner for foods at the FDA. This position is responsible for overseeing food labels and ensuring they contain clear and accurate information, as well as the development of strategies for food safety and planning new food safety legislation. This is the first time anyone has held this position at the FDA.

Michael Taylor’s resume at Monsanto is highlighted by his policy development related to Monsanto’s genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rbGH/rbST).

There is a new online movement calling for Obama to cut ties with someone so obviously vested in the success of Monsanto and the bioengineering industry.

A couple of humorous sidebars on this story:

You have to check out this video where an 11 year old rips Monsanto and Big Food. There is nothing quite as simultaneously disarming and delightful as a child speaking truth to humble a multinational conglomerate.

The article also notes that on Monday, Monsanto announced that it was giving up on its plans to sell GMO Franken-corn in France. The move was characterized as a major defeat for Big GMO, as six EU countries have banned the cultivation of GMO maize. I wonder if anyone considered this for the headline of that story: France Finally Stops the Invasion of an Evil Empire. (Sorry, couldn’t resist. We love you France.)

REACTION

The absurdity of this situation and clear lack in judgment is almost rendering me speechless. Almost being the operative word here.

I think what strikes me most about this article is the relative hopelessness of our situation in the US, versus Europe. The European people and their government leaders are actually in agreement on the subject of preventing the genetic engineering of their food supply.

In the United States, 99% of the corn and soy grown is genetically modified. Over 90% of the market share in the seed industry is owned by six companies: Monsanto, BASF, Dow, DuPont, Bayer, and Syngenta.

The relationship between Monsanto and the FDA has been called a “revolving door”, and the lobbying efforts and dollars spent in Washington are staggering. And all of these efforts are geared towards two primary goals: 1) fooling the American people into thinking their food is safe and cheap and 2) driving profits for the shareholders.

It is time that we demand honesty, transparency and decency from our leadership—both corporate and political. If you agree with me, please take action. Sign the petition, but more importantly—don’t support Big GMO. Make living beyond organic a priority in your life as we work together to help shape the future of food production in our nation and world.

Big Livestock Wins the Right to Treat Cows Inhumanely

Beyond Organic — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

As reported by CNN, the Supreme Court struck down a California state law that would have required livestock operations in that state to humanely treat downed livestock. The California law was enacted in 2009 after the humane society shot footage (beware, this footage is graphic and disturbing) of downed cows being bulldozed and hosed.

Big Livestock fought the law all the way to the Supreme Court, supported by the Obama Administration, and won when the Supreme Court decided that the California law went too far and effectively limited the federal standards set forth in the Federal Meat Inspection Act.

While the decision was not surprising, it was disheartening. Have we lost our moral compass? Who in their right mind would argue for less humane treatment of animals? When should it ever be ok to bulldoze a defenseless, hurting creature that God placed on the earth? Say no to poorly run slaughter houses and say yes to beyond organics green-finished Beef

I believe that we should revere the animals that feed us. I think we should honor and cherish them. I believe that we are morally bound to treat them in the most humane manner possible. I also believe that it is on each of us, personally, to stop this madness, because you can’t trust Big Livestock to do the right thing, and you can’t trust Big Government to watch your back. The only way Big Livestock will ever change is when we vote with our wallets and refuse to be a part of their inhumane empire.

Big Livestock Fights Egg Farming Regulations

Beyond Organic — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Let me start off by saying that I don’t have an issue with the Humane Society. This article notes the progress the Humane Society has made to standardize the living conditions for egg-producing hens—basically allowing that these animals have larger cages.

While I don’t believe the measure goes nearly far enough, I do applaud the Humane Society for making the effort. A small change is often the predecessor of larger changes, and any effort is better than none at all.

Of course, I don’t believe that hens should ever be caged. I don’t believe cages—no matter how large—are humane. Additionally, a caged hen produces eggs that are less nutritious than the eggs from a hen that is raised in a pasture.

But that’s not the reason that this article really disturbs me. As the article notes, an egg industry trade group wants the standards to be applied and regulated universally, meaning that every factory-farm egg producer would have to use those standards (the standards do NOT apply to those raising pastured eggs). This has created an uproar from associated industries—namely Big Livestock. They are afraid that the regulations may spread to the treatment of their animals, so, predictably, they are fighting them.

I won’t link to the youtube videos of inhumane treatment of cattle—you can find them easily enough. It says a lot about Big Livestock that they don’t want any regulations to come forward concerning the living arrangements of their animals. They claim that it’s an economic issue, and they’re right. Because, if the general public becomes aware of the inhumane and unhealthy way they are raising their livestock, they’ll go out of business.

Beyond Organics – Company Introduction

Beyond Organic — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Great Interview with Pedram Shojai

Christina Avaness — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:12:38 +0000

A heartfelt thank you to Pedram Shojai for conducting such a delightful interview! Pedram in addition to being a Qi Gong Master, wellness expert and documentary film maker you are a very talented radio show host! Loved being on your show today and am looking forward to the release of your documentary film Vitality!!! Dear Living Beyond Organic listeners if you missed the show today… This is a good opportunity to learn something new or share it with a friend who is searching for good information on health and nutrition! Cheers! Christina Avaniss Your Food Alchemist

Question: If I purchase the Mission Marketer Kit and want to upgrade to the Business Builder Kit later, is this possible?

Beyond Organics Business Builder Team — Mon, 16 May 2011 22:40:45 +0000

Answer:

Yes, you may upgrade to the Business Builder Kit.

The additional fee would be $160. You would just lose any $100 bonuses you would have accrued with any Business Builder Signups you may have generated. That is why it is best to enter at the Business Builder level or upgrade now if you haven’t already.