Book Em' Balog

Those of you from agriculture backgrounds likely have your local "go-to" auction market.

For those of you who don't, here's a little insight to what one of these businesses is like. I spent a lot of my life at Balog Auction Market in Lethbridge, Alberta. Whenever our steers would sell or a big sale was happening, Dad would take us to the auction market to sit in the stands and watch the madness happen.

A group of steers we fed being sold

Bids go flying as a new animal or group of animals take their place in the ring. Each bidder raises their hand, tips their hat, or nods when they want to continue bidding. A lesson I learned early in life: never wave at an auction sale unless you intend to buy. 

I was (and still am) lucky to have an incredibly talented and charming auctioneer, Bob Balog, or Uncle Bob to my sisters and I. Balog Auction is operated by Bob and his siblings Darwin and Maureen. 

Bob Balog

From their website, "Over the past 30 years, Balog Auction has sold 2 million head of livestock and have owned and operated part or all of eight different auction markets, but in 1993, we decided to "come home" and focus on the operations of markets owned at Lethbridge, Alberta and seasonal sales held in the Tompkins, Saskatchewan market." 

Balog Auction supported me through my 4-H career by selling our steers, provided sponsorship to the Junior Hereford groups, and continues to support youth each day. This past summer, they provided generous sponsorship for me to attend the AgChat Foundation Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Bob can also be found at my family's production sale each year. 

The support of local businesses is an integral force in keeping small communities alive. I appreciate having good friends and business partners in my life. Thanks, Balog's, for everything you have done for our community. 

If you are reading this from the Southern Alberta area, be sure to stop by the 15th Annual British Breeds Calf Sale TODAY at 10:30am. There are always great cattle ready to be bought.

Meatless Monday? No, thank you.

I went to a great little restaurant with my mom last week called Mocha Cabana in Lethbridge, Alberta.

I love going there- the food has a Mexican twist, the drinks are fun and fruity, and they have an outdoor patio.

Something I saw on the menu this last visit, I didn't love so much.

"Meatless Monday: Help the earth and improve your health by giving up meat one day a week. Join us for meatless soup, lunch and dinner specials. Regular menu also available."

Mocha Cabana is one of the few restaurants in our area that offer a "Meatless Monday" menu feature. They also have plenty of vegetarian options, which are great for customers with different tastes and preferences.

Let it be known that I fully support choice in restaurants- in fact, I encourage it! Restaurants have a requirement to please the tastes of every customer who walks in their door. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options? Great! Meatless Monday? Not so great.

The message on their menu creates the impression that people would be doing something positive for the environment and their bodies by giving up meat one day per week.

Pray tell, Mocha Cabana, how not eating meat for a day could improve my health and save the earth? There are countless health benefits in all types of meat, including the zinc, iron, and protein in red meat. Animal proteins are high-quality and complete, supplying your body with all the necessary amino acids. You can also count of high levels of magnesium, vitamin E, and B vitamins from your meat.

Image My bumper sticker. Clearly, I'm not a Meatless Monday gal.

I'm a very content omnivore. I appreciate a balanced meal that includes some type of meat protein. There are other sources of protein, of course, that can sustain humans, and it is an individual's choice to obtain their necessary nutrients from a vegetarian source.

However, I do not appreciate an establishment delivering a message directly to consumers that gives the impression eating meat is harmful to health and the environment.

I did an in-depth post last week here about the advancements in beef production that have had positive impacts on the environment, and the necessity of grazing cattle on non-arable lands.

I think establishments should consider who they are offending by posting features such as Meatless Monday. Alberta is a ranching and farming province, and I can bet plenty of their customers are primary producers. I know that as a beef producer and a paying customer, I don't appreciate my business being slandered on the front page of their menu.

The official website for the Meatless Monday movement, including a list of people and restaurants on board.
Here's a Monday trend I like a lot better: Hunk of Meat Mondays
Check out my favorite HoMM posts this week by Beyer Beware, the creator of HoMM, and Crystal.Cattle.

Needless to say, this Monday, I'll be getting my serving of protein in the form of Alberta beef.

What do you think about Meatless Mondays?