Behind the Burger

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Kate Schulz shares her unique perspective as both a ranch-raised dietitian and the nutrition expert for the New Mexico Beef Council, helping bridge the gap between food production and nutritional guidance.

• Family connection to agriculture spans generations, with her great-grandfather homesteading the Nebraska-Wyoming family ranch over 100 years ago
• Becoming a registered dietitian requires a master's degree, internship, national exam, and state licensure
• Common misconception that beef can't fit into heart-healthy diets contradicted by research studies showing lean beef's compatibility
• Three ounces of beef provides 25g of protein plus nine essential nutrients, making it naturally nourishing and sustaining
• Balanced protein consumption throughout the day (25-30g at meals, 10-15g at snacks) optimizes energy and satisfaction
• Leaner cuts of beef (look for "round" or "loin") provide flexibility for health-conscious meal planning
• The Sports Nutrition Game Plan offers free resources for high school athletes and coaches through NMAA - https://nmbeef.com/nutrition/sports-nutrition-game-plan
• Small, consistent healthy choices are more sustainable than trying to make dramatic lifestyle changes all at once
• Beef jerky makes an excellent protein-rich snack option to avoid afternoon energy crashes Beef Jerky Trail Mix: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/recipes/recipe/55673/beef-jerky-trail-mix
• Slow cooker recipes like Mississippi Pot Roast offer convenient, family-friendly meal solutions. Find the recipe on our website https://nmbeef.com/recipes/recipe/55900/mississippi-pot-roast

For recipes, nutrition information, and the Sports Nutrition Game Plan, visit nmbeef.com

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Stay connected with us — follow @NMBEEF on TikTok and Instagram, New Mexico Beef Council on Facebook and visit nmbeef.com for recipes, nutrition info, a local beef directory and more.

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"You're wired that way," Cheryl Knight explains about her deep-rooted connection to ranching, despite once vowing as a teenager never to marry a cowboy or return to ranch life. Life had other plans.

From the windswept mesas of Tucumcari, New Mexico, Cheryl shares the multi-generational story of her family's ranching legacy. What began with her father purchasing land from her grandfather has grown into a thriving operation where family members across generations work together caring for cattle and land. Though her sons have temporarily ventured to pursue other dreams—one working on a historic Arizona ranch and another training as a pilot—their cowboy skills and ranching roots remain strong, drawing them home for seasonal work.

For Cheryl, spring brings her greatest joy: witnessing newborn calves take their first steps across New Mexico grasslands. "This is where we see the fruits of our labor," she explains, "to see how Mother Nature takes care of itself, to see the cyclical part of what we do." This intimate connection with natural cycles represents the heart of the ranching experience few Americans ever witness firsthand.

The Knights approach land stewardship with scientific precision, monitoring forage health through clipping processes and strategically developing water infrastructure to maximize grazing potential while preserving ecological balance. This sophisticated resource management reflects the reality that caring for cattle and caring for land are inseparable pursuits.

Beyond producing delicious beef, Cheryl reveals the surprising reach of cattle byproducts throughout modern life—from life-saving insulin to airplane tarmac. "You would be hard-pressed to find things in your day-to-day life that did not come from a cow," she notes, highlighting beef's hidden contribution to countless industries.

Yet modern ranching faces persistent challenges beyond drought and natural disasters. Cheryl speaks candidly about the "wolves at the door"—regulatory pressures, land-use conflicts, and political challenges threatening traditional ranching. Staying engaged with industry organizations has become essential to preserving not just their own operation but America's ranching heritage.

Despite these obstacles, passion fuels the Knight family's commitment. "When you find what you love to do, you'll never work another day in your life," Cheryl reflects. Through her story, we glimpse the authentic human connection behind every package of beef in the grocery store—a story of family, stewardship, and unwavering dedication to feeding America.

Listen to discover how food connects us all, from pasture to plate, and learn why Cheryl believes education rather than confrontation offers the best path forward for bridging the gap between producers and consumers.

Thanks for tuning in to Behind the Burger!
Stay connected with us — follow @NMBEEF on TikTok and Instagram, New Mexico Beef Council on Facebook and visit nmbeef.com for recipes, nutrition info, a local beef directory and more.

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Journey to the grasslands outside Tucumcari, New Mexico where rancher Justin Knight reveals the authentic story behind your beef. Unlike many in agriculture, Justin didn't inherit a family operation—his passion ignited at age 13 while showing horses, eventually leading him to marry into a ranching family and establish his own cattle operation in Quay County.

What does it really take to produce the beef on your plate? Justin shares candid insights about breaking ice at dawn so cattle can drink during freezing temperatures, balancing ranch work with running an insurance agency, and making tough decisions during persistent drought conditions. "The land is what we have to work with," he explains, detailing how careful grass management ensures both animal welfare and environmental stewardship. His commitment shines through every challenge, driven by a profound connection to the lifestyle: "You can have a terrible day at the office. You come out, pull out by yourself and go get your horse saddled and the world's all right again."

The conversation explores the beef checkoff program that supports industry education and promotion, the tight-knit culture of New Mexico's ranching community, and the satisfaction of watching new calves thrive under careful management. For National Nutrition Month, Justin reflects on how "food connects us" through shared meals and conversations. Whether you're curious about sustainable agriculture, animal welfare practices, or simply want to understand who raises your food, this authentic conversation offers a window into the dedication behind every bite of beef you enjoy. Visit nmbeef.com to learn more about New Mexico's ranching families and find delicious beef recipes for your next gathering.

Thanks for tuning in to Behind the Burger!
Stay connected with us — follow @NMBEEF on TikTok and Instagram, New Mexico Beef Council on Facebook and visit nmbeef.com for recipes, nutrition info, a local beef directory and more.

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Belinda Lavender of Lavender Brangus shares her family's century-long legacy of cattle ranching in eastern New Mexico and how they're improving beef genetics with each generation. She discusses the rewards and challenges of raising Brangus seed stock cattle while balancing tradition with cutting-edge DNA technology.

• Fifth-generation rancher with family roots dating back to the 1900s in New Mexico
• Focuses on breeding Brangus cattle with improved genetics for commercial operations
• Prioritizes animal welfare with daily monitoring and emphasis on docility
• Uses DNA testing and genomic selection to improve carcass merit and efficiency
• Adapts to unpredictable climate patterns through rotational grazing and resource management
• Upcycles failed crops into nutritious cattle feed, reducing waste
• Works as an educator, teaching students about beef's nutritional benefits
• Continues family tradition despite challenges because of passion for cattle and industry camaraderie

Behind the Burger is a podcast produced by the New Mexico Beef Council with the goal of telling the stories of the cattlemen and cattlewomen of the New Mexico beef industry. Thank you for joining us for today's episode. If you would like more information, please visit nmbeef.com. Whether it be a burger, a steak or another beef dish, we hope you're enjoying beef at your next meal.

Thanks for tuning in to Behind the Burger!
Stay connected with us — follow @NMBEEF on TikTok and Instagram, New Mexico Beef Council on Facebook and visit nmbeef.com for recipes, nutrition info, a local beef directory and more.

Send us Fan Mail

This trailer talks about what to expect from our podcast "Behind the Burger" hosted by the New Mexico Beef Council.

Thanks for tuning in to Behind the Burger!
Stay connected with us — follow @NMBEEF on TikTok and Instagram, New Mexico Beef Council on Facebook and visit nmbeef.com for recipes, nutrition info, a local beef directory and more.