Comments on: How “Kentucky Proud” is the Bowling Green Food Industry?

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:33:27 +0000

When did Rian’s start selling local meat?

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:45:01 +0000

I go to a local meat market (The Fatted Calf) where most of the meat is from Kentucky. You can ask Rian, the owner, exactly where each of his meats came from. Plus there are several local farms that are selling meats raised in this area. It can be difficult to determine sources of food, but it can be done when dealing local farms and businesses. As far as “Kentucky Proud” goes, it’s not something that I actively seek out.

By: Amy

Amy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:20:35 +0000

Also, just noticed your picture of Harper’s sliced smoked pork jowl with the caption that reads: “This pork was produced in Kentucky; however, would most consumers be able to read the fine print in order to see that.”

Actually the inspection legend tells a different story. You’ll notice in the picture that inside the inspection legend the number is: EST 320 and on the package the words: distributed by: Harper’s country Hams, Inc. Clinton,KY 42031

Harpers Federal inspection number as of March 2010 is: EST 2040

The inspection legend depicted in your picture tells me that this ham was actually end processed at: Mariah Foods or (DBA) Peer Foods, Inc. in Colunbus, IN. Their EST number is 320.

Sometimes even the label doesn’t tell the whole store

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:04:59 +0000

For facts sake, someone should tell the WhaBah representative that the “Kentucky Proud” beef steaks they are offereing are NOT fully grown in Kentucky and are certainly NOT processed in Kentucky. There are sorely mis-informed about their own product. Their steaks are part of the Ky to Iowa to Minnesota to Ky beef line that is addressed in the links I listed above.

Do I like this partnership? Absolutely not. Why? Because of the mis information that abounds as shown in WhaBah’s comment. They too belived that the beef they were offering to their customers was purchased from Kentucky Farmers and raised and processed in Kentucky. It is obviously NOT.

What would I say to someone who says the PM Beef partnership is necessary? Horse Hockey! I know better. I raise cattle. I know hundreds of Kentucky Cattleman. I come from a long line of Kentucky cattleman and I operate a USDA inspected slaughter/processing facility. The partnership is a mockery to all who have sought out an alternative market by being truly damn Kentucky Proud and offering this state a uniquely grown and Kentucky processed meat. Ky Proud should be ashamed. This is nothing more than a commodity beef product with a flashy new label on it.

Whabah: If you believe the beef you have purchased is supporting local farmers and is processed in Kentucky, you should contact me. It is not. That beef comes from the exact same line of meats as listed in my earlier links above. I can supply your steakhouse with USDA Choice & USDA Prime grade dry aged born, raised, grown, slaughtered and processed Kentucky Beef.

By: Amanda Loviza

Amanda Loviza — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:22:37 +0000

I’m so sorry my response is so delayed to Amy and Jan…
Thank you all so much for reading!

Amy, I’ve read a lot about the “local” program with PM Beef. I do see the perspective of those who feel the program is necessary to process Kentucky beef– but why still call it Kentucky Proud? It just becomes one of many brands of beef from other states. Do you think we should make more of a push for Kentucky damn proud? What would you say to someone who says the PM Beef partnership is necessary in order to properly process all of Kentucky’s beef?

Jan, I agree. The Kentucky Proud program is a wonderful idea, but it seems to be difficult for the KY Dept. of Ag to get it quite figured out. Do you think we will see a significant turn toward local food/products in the next decade?

Whabah, that’s great! Which farmers do you get your meat from? I’m glad you are staying Proud.

Beebee, I really appreciate you taking the time to read this! I’m learning so many interesting things about the world of farming this semester, I definitely want more people to be aware of some of the current issues.

Again, thank you all for reading, and I hope you continue to keep up with our website!
Amanda

By: Arlene Parker

Arlene Parker — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:20:20 +0000

Very interesting and informative, Amanda.
Congrats on your upcoming graduation.

By: WhaBah Steakhouse

WhaBah Steakhouse — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:43:51 +0000

WhaBah steakhouse just wants to let everyone know if you are interested in “KY Proud” we invite you to our house for “ky Proud” meats. All of our steaks are raised, processed, and bought from KY farmers (including the fresh sausage from a Bowling Green slaughter house at Motor City on Cumberland trace rd, next to Harley – WhaBah bought remodled and reopened 1.3yrs ago). We are locally/family owened and operated and we are very proud that we are “KY PROUD”

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:21:20 +0000

As one trying to start a local serving farm south of BG I was encouraged by a value placed on Kentucky products. The search for land and people to sign up has focused on that – have even bought heirloom/organic seeds from KY to keep it in state. Those seeds grown in AL without purchasing land in KY for the local people – well they were produced in Kentucky…that qualifies? I don’t think so unless grown in Kentucky soil!

Although I’d be moving into the situation that was a big factor – community, being a part of something, providing food for a small amount of people who appreciate where/how it’s grown. The more I see it’s if it touched Kentucky it is the same as being grown there.

I’m with Amy – and as locals support the farm it will come back local. One of the biggest reasons for looking here was the ag climate. Dirtying the water of what is a great idea seems like killing the opportunity for grown and produced in Kentucky status.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:18:35 +0000

I find Clary’s comment …..”…but I don’t know of anything in our program that’s not being at least processed in the state.” extemely interesting.

Kentucky Launches Local Beef Line:
http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2010-01-19-91093.113117_Kentucky_Proud_beef_line_launches_to_put_local_beef_in_local_markets.html

Beef Processed in Minnesota Wears “Kentucky Proud” Label:
http://www.slashfood.com/2010/02/10/beef-processed-in-minnesota-wears-kentucky-proud-label/

Is it time for Kentucky Damn Proud?:
http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2010-01-26-91208.113117_COLUMN_Is_it_time_for_Kentucky_Damn_Proud.html

Bad to the Bone?:
http://www.bizlex.com/Articles-c-2010-03-16-91775.113117_Column_The_Kentucky_Omnivore_Bad_to_the_Bone_.html