Grace by Baxter

I was reading the The All-American Cowboy Cookbook the other night (yes, I know some of you are in shock) trying to find new and interesting recipes that both the Ninja and I would like (quite a feat considering he likes vegetables and trying new things and I....well, don't).  I stumbled across a cowboy prayer written by Baxter Black - cowboy poet, story teller, agriculturalist and veterinarian.  Here is one of my favorite excerpts from the prayer:

I don't take it lightly if it's real good

'cause I'd eat it anyway

See I know there's people, in all likelihood,

That might not eat today.

So count me in if yer needin' grace said

and bless those who provide it.

The farmers and rancher, the bakers of bread,

the loving hands that fried it.

You can read the rest of the prayer if you buy the cookbook, but the point is that we should all be very thankful that we have such an abundant, cheap and healthy food supply. Imposing regulations on farmers and ranchers may not decrease the quality of product (though that is debatable) but it can definitely cause an increase in the price of our food.

The U.S. has the cheapest food supply in the world - we spend less than 10%  of our income on food. Other countries like India spend 39.4% and in Indonesia the number is a staggering 49.9%. Can you imagine spending half of every paycheck on food? I don't even want to think about that.

So today, while you're grilling your delicious pork chops or steak or burgers don't forget to say a prayer for the farmers and ranchers who provide our nation with the cheapest and largest food supply in the world.  Then you can dig in!

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~