I need to know what you want to know.

Who am I? I’m a meat scientist (I have a Ph.D. from Kansas State University), and I’m the Mom (although I prefer being called ‘Momma’) to a wonderful, hilarious, sweet, smart, 5-year-old girl named Vallie.

Why blog? In the past 3-years I’ve learned a lot, but mostly I’ve learned that I don’t know much. My husband and I have been put in charge of this little person, and we have one chance to get it right. Frankly, it scares me to death. What am I doing wrong? Is this healthy? Is that safe? What are the chances she will flail herself from that new swing-set and ‘bust her head open’?  Scary, scary stuff.

But, there is this awesome resource available to me that I had no idea existed until I was a Mom. Other Moms. Obviously, my Mom, my mother-in-law, my aunts, my friends, my coworkers, Moms at church, etc… were great resources of information. But what I also noticed was that ALL Moms seem to be willing to share their knowledge. I’ve gained knowledge about gymnastics from a random Mom at daycare, thoughts on potty-training from Moms in the check-out line at WalMart, and great tips on getting her to eat vegetables from Moms watching kids at the McDonald’s PlayPlace.

Then, I realized something. I have some great information to share that several Moms probably have questions about. I know about MEAT. Heck, I’m an expert (just ask my Mom). I know about the safety of meat and how to properly store, prepare and cook it. I know about nutrition and the advantages of meat in kid’s diets. I know about the meat industry (I’ve been in more meat processing plants than I can count) and how meat is prepared before it gets to consumers. I understand the labels and the regulations. AND, what I don’t know, I for-sure know who to ask (there are actually several Meat Moms out there). I have information to share!

So, I started a blog. I’m not blogging to condemn vegetarians or sell meat for any specific company. I just want other Moms to know the correct information about meat and the industry. I want to try to help other Moms ease their minds when their 4-year old will eat nothing but hotdogs.

So, I need to know what you want to know. Please, send me an email or post a question. I have a few ideas for posts, but I know the best ones will come from other moms' questions.