What 'Corn-Fed' Really Means: Beef's Hidden Story from The Omnivore's Dilemma S1|Ep05

The Local Beef Podcast

What 'Corn-Fed' Really Means: Beef's Hidden Story from The Omnivore's Dilemma

Episode Outline

1. Introduction - "We are corn people" & Pollan's book overview
2. The Corn Journey - Industrial corn production in everything
3. Corn Becomes Beef - Steer #534 and the feedlot system
4. The Organic Dilemma - Industrial organic vs. beyond organic
5. The Hunter-Gatherer - Pollan's personal food journey
6. The Small Hinge - New Deal vs. Butz agricultural policies
7. Closing Thoughts - Creating a better food future

Key Books & People

• The Omnivore's Dilemma (Michael Pollan): Amazon
• Michael Pollan: Website
• Joel Salatin: Polyface Farms
• Earl Butz: Wiki
• W. Clement Stone: Wiki

Key Stats & Facts

• Hair analysis can determine corn content in human tissues
• 92% of corn planted in America is now GMO
• "King Corn" documentary showed Americans' diets are 50%+ corn-derived
• Industrial organic companies: Cascadian Farm (General Mills), Earthbound Farm
• Cattle feed often contains: chicken feathers, beef tallow, processed animal proteins
• Feedlot cattle typically receive: antibiotics, synthetic estrogen and other growth hormones

Corn's Reach Beyond Food

• Non-food products made from corn: ethanol fuel, plastic packaging, diapers, makeup, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, fabric softener, adhesives, crayons, paper products, batteries, matches, carpet, aspirin

How to Reduce Corn in Your Diet

• Common corn derivatives: high-fructose corn syrup, corn starch, maltodextrin, dextrose, modified food starch, xanthan gum, citric acid, ascorbic acid, MSG, caramel color, baking powder, confectioners' sugar, corn oil, ethanol (in extracts & flavorings), cellulose gum (in jerky & processed meat), sorbitol, mannitol, polydextrose, zein (corn protein), hydrolyzed corn protein (common in jerky), "natural flavors" (often corn-derived)
• Choose whole, unprocessed foods
• Look for USDA Organic (prohibits GMO ingredients)
• Buy local, grass-fed beef directly from ranchers

Resources

• The Hair Detective - UVA Magazine - Article on Prof. Macko's hair analysis research
• Corn Allergens List
• King Corn Documentary
• Food, Inc. Documentary
• New Deal Farm Programs

Disclaimer I use Anthropic's AI assistant Claude to help with research and editing. However, this podcast always features my authentic voice and perspective - the stories, opinions, and experiences shared are genuinely mine. I am not a medical professional or nutritionist. The information presented is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with qualified health professionals regarding dietary changes or health concerns.

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Chapters

1. What 'Corn-Fed' Really Means: Beef's Hidden Story from The Omnivore's Dilemma S1|Ep05 (00:00:00)

2. Introduction - "We are corn people" & Pollan's book overview (00:00:31)

3. The Corn Journey - Industrial corn production in everything (00:02:36)

4. Corn Becomes Beef - Steer #534 and the feedlot system (00:04:12)

5. The Organic Dilemma - Industrial organic vs. beyond organic (00:07:01)

6. The Hunter-Gatherer - Pollan's personal food journey (00:09:20)

7. The Small Hinge - New Deal vs. Butz agricultural policies (00:10:08)

8. Closing Thoughts - Creating a better food future (00:14:38)