World Diets: Beef or beans?

Diets around the globe vary in their make up greatly. A recent study shows we need to cut down on the beef and increase the beans in our diets. However, this does not come without some controversy. We encourage you to read the article linked below and utilize the discussion points to guide your conversations around the world!

Less Beef, More Beans. Experts Say the World Needs a New Diet.

Discussion Points

• What stuck out to you the most from this article and why?
• Besides health reasons what other factors determine diets around the world?
• There is a quote in the article that states, "The evidence is not as strong as it seems to be." Why is this statement made? 
• What are the ramifications to the world in general if there are massive shifts in diet? 
• If there were to be a major change in diets around the world how does this happen? How do you convince people of this?

U.S. and Japan Beef Trade

Agriculture products are traded around the world and are very important to agriculture markets and farmers bottom lines. This week we take a look at the relationship between Japan and the United States on trade, specifically Beef. We encourage you to look over the attached article and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities around the world!

U.S. Urges Japan to Eliminate Import Restrictions on U.S. Beef

Discussion Points

• What is the history of beef trade between Japan and the United States?
• What trade agreements does your home country have with others? Why are these trade agreements so important?
• Recently I moderated a panel of agriculture experts who stressed the importance of building positive relationships with other countries to strengthen trade agreements. In your opinion what are the best ways to build strong relationships with other countries?
• What are your predictions on the future of U.S. beef imports into Japan and why?

South African Beef Potential

A new school year is upon us and with that comes our weekly blog posts with discussion points! We kick this school year off with a closer look at beef production and agriculture in South Africa. This article has many great resources besides the text including an interactive "Global Food Security Index" map and several videos. We encourage you to check out all and utilize the discussion points below to guide conversations in your classrooms, coffee shops, and communities.

Beefing Up Africa's Food Security

Discussion Points

• How does South Africa rate in regards to food security when compared to other African countries and countries around the world?
• Explore the "Global Food Security Index" map. What did you notice or what surprised you and explain?
• What is the story of Beef in South Africa? Where are they? What is the potential?
• Watch the video "A Visit with Brylyne Chitsunge." What are Brylyne's thoughts on keys to food security success in South Africa?
• After watching the video on South African feedlots what did you find most interesting and why?
• Of the three takeaways at the end of the article which did you find most interesting and why?

Trade War to Trade Deal

Recently China and the United States struck a new trade deal that will look to open up the movement of beef, natural gas, and cooked chicken. I encourage you to read through the linked article that shares some of the details of the recent trade talks. At the bottom of the article there is a five minute video clip of analysts looking closer at the trade deal and bringing up some intriguing points. We encourage you to explore the article and video and use the discussion points below to guide your conversations.

China, US Reach Agreement

Discussion Points

• What are the initial details of this trade agreement? 
• To you what is the most significant part of this trade agreement and why?
• Why have some cautioned against immediate excitement over the trade deal?
• Give your predictions of this trade deal. What will be the impact of beef, pork, and/or natural gas prices in your home country for the consumer and producers? Explain and justify your reasonings.

Brazilian Meat

Even though we have returned from Brazil we will keep our focus on Brazil for this weeks post and discussion points. About a week ago the meat industry in Brazil took a hit domestically and globally. Below I have linked two articles regarding the recent issues facing the meat industry in Brazil. One includes a video and the other is strictly text. I encourage you to check out both and then utilize the discussion points provided to guide conversations around the globe. 

Brazil Beef Halts After Allegations (includes video)

Brazil Meat Exports Plunge

Discussion Points

• What is the meat industry in Brazil facing at this time?
• What are other countries doing in reaction to the current situation? What has been the impact on Brazilian exports?
• What are the possible impacts that this could have on the global meat markets? Explain your reasoning.
• If you were a high ranking official in Brazil how would you deal with the current situation to ensure as little impact to the Brazilian meat industry as possible?