Guide for how to use the Colorado Reader with your students . The Story of Colorado Beef
Background Information
Share this background information with your students and discuss the provided vocabulary words .
The average American consumes 55 pounds of beef each year , according to the United States Department of Agriculture . As a country , we devour nearly 50 billion hamburgers annually . Not only is beef an important part of the American diet , but it also plays a significant role in our economy . Beef cattle are raised in every state across the nation . Beef cattle are especially important in Colorado . According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture , Colorado has around 2.85 million head of cattle ( cows and calves ) each year , making cattle the top agricultural product in the state . Colorado ranks 10th in the United States for total numbers of cattle and calves . Texas ranks first .
Why such a high demand for beef ? In addition to being prized for its delicious taste , beef provides many nutrients essential to the human diet . Humans need complete proteins with balanced amino acids in order to build muscle , nerves , and organ tissue . Animal proteins are one way to fill this nutritional need . Beef is a good source of ZIP : zinc ( a mineral that ensures proper functioning of the immune system ), iron ( a mineral that helps red blood cells carry oxygen to body cells and tissues ), and protein ( a nutrient that builds , maintains , and repairs body tissues ); as well as B12 ( a vitamin that promotes healthy skin , nerves , and red blood cells ).
Enriching Activities
Beef Basics : Students will explain the importance of the beef cattle industry , including the products cattle produce , the production process from farm to plate , and how cattle can utilize and obtain energy from grass and other forage . ( https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 284 /)
At Home on the Range ( Grades 3-5 ): Students will learn about rangelands by participating in a hands-on activity of growing their own grass to represent a beef or sheep ranch .
( https :// agclassroom . org / matrix / lesson / 554 /)
Ranch Starter Kit : Students can grow their own ranch with this kit with enough materials for 35 students . Cost is $ 8.00 per kit . Order here : https :// bit . ly / 3sgl7z9
Additional Lessons for K-12 Instruction : There are a wide variety of additional FREE ready-to-use lesson plans , companion resources , kits , maps / infographics , and movies / videos for K-12 instruction about cattle . These are available by searching the word “ cattle ” on the Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix available at AgClassroom . org or simply use this link : https :// bit . ly / 3tGghwP
Request a Guest Speaker : Our team of experts are ready and on stand-by to help you make core curriculum connections using agriculture . To request a guest speaker , simply email Info @ GrowingYourFuture . com
Page 2 : Where are the Cattle ? Q : What county has the most beef cows and calves ? A : Weld County Q : Can you name the five counties that are in the 100,000 to 499,999 range ? A : Yuma County , Morgan County , Logan County , Kit Carson County , and Prowers County Q : What is the range of cattle numbers for the county where you live ? A : Answers will vary based on location . Q : How many counties raise between 10,000 and 99,999 beef cows and calves ? A : 30 counties Page 5 : Match the Feeds ? Answer 1 : C - Rolled Oats Answer 2 : A - Grass / Hay Answer 3 : E - Mixed Ration Answer 4 : D - Sugar Beet Pellets Answer 5 : B - Steam Flaked Corn Page 5 : Colorado Land Use pie chart
2 . Other Rural Land
1 . Forest Land 3 . Pastureland
9 . Rangeland
8 . CRP Land 7 . Developed
4 . Cropland 5 . Water Areas
6 . Federal Land
Page 7 : Team of Experts Answer 1 : F - Veterinarian / Assistant / Technician Answer 2 : C - Beef Quality Assurance Trainer Answer 3 : E - Range / Conservation / Environmental Scientist Answer 4 : A - Genetic Specialist / Technician Answer 5 : B - Animal Nutritionist Answer 6 : D - Brand Inspector Student Worksheet 1 . 94 % 2 . Northeastern Colorado 3 . Mother ’ s milk and grass 4 . Four to six months 5 . Cattle can convert feeds that are inedible to humans and other animals into highprotein product in the form of beef and other products we use in our daily lives .
6 . 42 % 7 . Rangeland 8 . Answers will vary but should include gathering cattle from the mountain and weaning calves from their mothers .