In Search of Great Cuts

Heritage Meats & the Downtown Butcher

Mtn Living Mag November 2014

Dish Proper Nov 2014aWe often hear the cliché: There is strength in diversity. But what does that mean? When it comes to heritage farms, it can be the difference between life and death. In 1845, the Irish potato crop suffered blight. The bulk of farmers had planted only one type of potato, and over six years, a million people starved and another million left Ireland. This is the danger of industrial agriculture, which utilizes few breeds or crops to maximize output under specific conditions. Here is the bottom line on factory farming: 60 percent of beef is Angus, Hereford and Simmental breeds; 75 percent of pork comes from three breeds; and four breeds of sheep make up 60 percent of the market with a whopping 40 percent of that number as Suffolk. In the last 15 years, 200 breeds of animals have become extinct worldwide. Genetic diversity is essential to a healthy food supply to withstand harsh conditions and unforeseen circumstances. Continue reading “In Search of Great Cuts”

Hiking the Hills around Bogor

cropped-logo_ie_99.jpgIssue #129; 3 November 2014

Story & Photographs by Gail G. Collins

Forced urban dwellers like me long to escape the confines, concrete and cars. I’m always on the lookout for a quick trip that offers a breath of fresh air, and, if I’m lucky, a view, too. Sixty kilometers south of Jakarta’s city limits are a couple of easy getaways. Take the toll road to Bogor, and you can make a great escape into the country, where sensational scenery and cool climes await. It’s an oasis of unpredictable weather with 322 storms a year, so plan accordingly. Good accommodation is available for a weekend getaway, but weekdays are ideal for avoiding traffic. Continue reading “Hiking the Hills around Bogor”