September is National Preparedness Month and that's what we've been trying to inspire you towards all year - being prepared with a growing food supply. We are concentrating on protein again this week because we know that prices are going up and there will be shortages. Just for your information did you know...There are only 2 tri-tip roasts per animal and only 2 briskets. In summary:
A 1200 pound steer, ½ inch fat, average muscling, yields a 750 pound carcass. The 750 pound carcass yields approximately:
490 pounds boneless trimmed beef
150 pounds fat trim
110 pounds bone
A specific example of how the 490 pounds of boneless, trimmed beef could break out includes:
185 pounds lean trim, or ground beef
85 pounds round roasts and steaks
90 pounds chuck roasts and steaks
80 pounds rib and loin steaks
50 pounds other cuts (brisket, flank, short ribs, skirt steak, tri tip)*
This may seem like a lot of meat but remember we export 2.9 billion pounds and import 4.4 billion. Most of the imported beef does to ground beef. Japan loves our beef and thus they are willing to pay more for the prime cuts. All that info and it's just the beef industry, not nuts and beans and other meats which are also going up in price.
Food - Week 36: Protein
Yes, we’re back to adding protein. This isn't a make up week in case you didn't add protein last week where we're reminding you this week... No, this is we need to stock up on protein 2 weeks in a row because of rising prices. Remember protein comes in many forms. Some are better than others, but all are important to a survival diet.
If you don’t eat meat be sure to store plenty of nuts, nut butters, beans, quinoa, and eggs. I have often been asked if protein powder counted. Yes is does, however, do not rely on this for all your protein needs. There are nutrients missing from powders and often artificial ingredients added.
Powdered eggs are a great option, but if you choose to store these please begin using them now so you will know how to use them for your family, if you need to rely on them later.
This week store five pounds nuts and/or beans (23 meals worth if you are not storing meat) of protein per family member.
General Store - Week 36: Clothes Line and Clothes Pins
Remember the days when clothes were hung outside to dry? A few years ago I was trying to save money in every way I could and I took up the challenge to hang my laundry. I was happily surprised. Clothes dried fast, most of the time as fast as or faster than in the dryer. The clothes and bedding also smelled so good! I loved the fresh outdoor scent.
My other motivation for hanging wash was to determine what I would need to know should I have to hang wash during an emergency when the power is out. I am now prepared; now it’s your turn.
This week purchase a few ropes and clothes pins. I recommend purchasing the clip style clothes pins and not the slide on pins. They are both useful. When the clothing is thick or
when hanging towels the push on style is too small for the job without damaging the fabric. I hung my ropes around columns on my porch but you may also what to purchase the hardware to hang the clothes line if you will need that.
* https://extension.sdstate.edu/how-much-meat-can-you-expect-fed-steer