Behind the Burger
Behind every burger is a story.
Produced by the New Mexico Beef Council, Behind the Burger introduces you to the ranchers, families, and industry professionals who raise cattle, steward the land, and keep beef at the center of New Mexico’s culture and economy.
We go beyond the plate to explore heritage, hard work, nutrition, and the future of beef in our state - sharing transparent conversations that connect consumers to the people behind their food.
Behind the Burger
From Genetics to Table: The Lavender Brangus Story
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Belinda Lavender of Lavender Brangus shares her family's century-long legacy of cattle ranching in eastern New Mexico and how they're improving beef genetics with each generation. She discusses the rewards and challenges of raising Brangus seed stock cattle while balancing tradition with cutting-edge DNA technology.
• Fifth-generation rancher with family roots dating back to the 1900s in New Mexico
• Focuses on breeding Brangus cattle with improved genetics for commercial operations
• Prioritizes animal welfare with daily monitoring and emphasis on docility
• Uses DNA testing and genomic selection to improve carcass merit and efficiency
• Adapts to unpredictable climate patterns through rotational grazing and resource management
• Upcycles failed crops into nutritious cattle feed, reducing waste
• Works as an educator, teaching students about beef's nutritional benefits
• Continues family tradition despite challenges because of passion for cattle and industry camaraderie
Behind the Burger is a podcast produced by the New Mexico Beef Council with the goal of telling the stories of the cattlemen and cattlewomen of the New Mexico beef industry. Thank you for joining us for today's episode. If you would like more information, please visit nmbeef.com. Whether it be a burger, a steak or another beef dish, we hope you're enjoying beef at your next meal.
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