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Analytical Blog about Australian Beef

           Thank goodness for this thunderstorm that just rolled through western Kansas yesterday or I would still be working harvest right now.  For my Australia class I am writing an analytical blog about Australian Beef.

           On our visit to Australia, we visited two harvesting facilities.  I found those to be the most interesting visits because I learned about different ends of meat production.  We visited both JBS and Cargill Abattoirs.

           At the JBS Brooklyn Abattoir, they harvested about 1,200 cattle and 5,000 sheep a day.  This abattoir is the largest multi-species processing facility in the Southern Hampshire. The beef was grass fed which had a lot of yellow fat.  I had never seen grass fed beef harvested before.  The consumers in Australia seem to prefer the grass fed over grain fed.  The marbling content in the meat was very low which would make the meat tougher to eat.  JBS was also doing some value added products such as garlic butter and rosemary garlic.  The sheep side of the abattoir was also interesting to see.  Sheep is a lot more popular in Australia than it is in the United States.  Another thing I thought was interesting, is that what we call a porterhouse in the U.S. they call it a t-bone in Australia.  They have a lot of the same meat cuts as us, but yet there are some that are different.  This past semester I was in meat science at Kansas State so this was really neat to see the difference.

           JBS had about 960 employees at the Brooklyn Abattoir.  With all these employees, it seemed very organized and efficient.  

          We also visited Teys Abattoir in Wagga Wagga, which has a joint venture with Cargill.  I thought that it was operated more like an American processing facility.  They showed us how they processed their cattle.  Teys and Cargill are a 50/50 joint venture.  They employ people from 66 different countries.
          This experience has furthered my interest into the technology and improvement in the animal science industry.  It also reassured my future in the scientific research and the production of agriculture.

Elizabeth

Australia Overview

The BIG FISH and I just swimming!

         I can't believe how fast time went.  It was just the other day Kara and I were thinking about going on this Australia trip.  We went, and now it's all over, but the memories are still here.  I had a blast going on this trip.  I met some amazing people and got to know other students at Kansas State even better.  I learned so much within the two weeks time we were traveling.  Even though we were constantly moving, and not much time for rest, it was a blast!  I am so grateful that I got this once in a life time opportunity to go on this trip.
       I learned a lot about the cattle industry.  By comparing the United States and Australia in the agriculture industry makes me excited to see what the new outcomes of technology, trade, and the production of agriculture.  There are so many options with my animal science major, this was one more way of seeing my future.
       Australia was a beautiful country to explore.  There was beautiful scenery and lots of interesting sights to see.  I really enjoyed seeing the different farmsteads, cities, and the ocean.  Seeing and being able to swim at the great barrier reef was an amazing experience.  Touching and taking a picture with a giant salt water fish isn't normal for this Kansas girl.

Elizabeth

Swimming with Crush the Sea Turtle

May 31st 2012

Cairns.. The Great Barrier Reef (GBR)

GBR where we snorkeled!

            This morning was the last morning to have breakfast in our hotel. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving bright and early. We walked down the street to board the Great Adventures Reef Cruise boat. We then hit the ocean trail to the small Green Island. I got off the boat and hit the water with my snorkel gear. It was cold at first but got better until I got out. Then it wasn't so warm. We spent a little time on the island then headed on toward the Great Barrier Reef. Once we made it out there I eat some lunch then hit up snorkeling again. The water was so clear, but it would have been nicer if it was warmer. I got to take a picture with a giant fish and I saw a sea turtle! I was bummed out that I couldn't go scuba diving because my asthma. I was really looking forward to doing it, but I guess that's life.

The Boat we rode from Green Island to GBR

           So anyways, once we were done at the reef we headed back to land. Took the best shower at the hotel and then hit up a small little market. Then we had the best meal so far at our hotel. It was a Brazilian dinner that had delicious steak. Still not as good as the steak from home, but pretty darn close. I'm now typing this blog and trying to stay awake until our plane leaves at 5:30 a.m. So its been fun Australia, but this Kansas girl needs her farm back.

Elizabeth

Culture and Boomerangs

May 30th 2012

Sydney to Cairns

           This morning I woke up in the most comfortable bed we've had on the trip so far. Packed up the luggage and had breakfast at the hotel. Then we caught a bus shuttle to the airport for our flight to Cairns. As I'm typing this first little bit, we are hitting some lovely turbulence.

           Once we got to Cairns we went to Tjapukai Culture Center. We got to watch a skit of the Aboriginal people. Then we watched them do a dancing demonstration. I got to throw a boomerang and a spear! Wasn't too shabby for trying the first time. They also showed us how they make fires and what tools they use to hunt and do every day things. Lastly we got to listen to a didgeridoo demonstration. I thought that was pretty cool. We then checked in to our rooms and headed to a good fish grill. I had the mussels of course!

Elizabeth

Feeling like Nemo

May 29th 2012

Wagga Wagga to Sydney

           Got up and had breakfast. Then we visited Charles Sturt University. We drove around their campus and went and visited their agriculture units. We toured the horse unit which was really nice. The buildings were really nice a new. They also had one of the heaviest bulls I've ever seen in person. We then toured their sheep unit. Their we got to see a sheep dog herd the sheep.
           After all that we started heading to Sydney. It was a 5 hour drive, but I got a nice nap in between. Once we got to Sydney we checked in at The Grace Hotel. I wish we had been staying at places like that the whole time. In stead of one motel that is single story. Not quite use to those, but it's all part of the experience. We then shopped around a little bit before dinner. Dinner was on a dinner cruise off of King Street Wharf on Sydney Harbor. The food wasn't all that great but the sites were amazing. Seeing the Sydney Opera house in person was really neat. They had a light show going on too. Now I can say I've been to Sydney where Nemo adventured too!

Elizabeth