Howdy, Friends!
Last week, we journeyed into the Great White North, gleaning insights from a heritage woman in Manitoba and making a grim prediction along with Double S Ranch. Now, I told y’all we’re going international. So this week I'm taking y'all along on a journey from the American plains to the tropical jungles of Northern Thailand. And no, it ain't just a vacation. Strap in; it's gonna be a wild ride.
A Glimpse into My Life
First off, let's get something straight: life's thrown its fair share of curveballs my way. Between damn near 20 broken bones and a couple steel rods in my neck, I'm like a weathered ranch fence—full of character and still standing. But it ain't about what life throws at you; it's about how you handle it.
The Journey: From Pickup Truck to Thailand
Most of y'all know I've logged more miles in my trusty pickup truck than some airliners. Over 150,000 miles in 3 years, crisscrossing the great U.S. of A, all while cooking off the tailgate and catching Z's in the back. Now, imagine trading those dusty roads for the lush jungles of Northern Thailand. Yeah, it's a leap, but one worth taking.
The Bigger Picture: Northern Thailand's Allure
Now, I ain't the only one who's been captivated by the magic of Northern Thailand— folks are leaving the city life to reconnect with the land up here. It's a trend that's got me thinking—maybe what we're doing here with the Dek Doi community is part of something much bigger.
The Allure of Simplicity: Just like this Condé Nast article points out, people are yearning for a simpler, more connected existence. It's a shift that could be a game-changer for communities like Dek Doi.
Cultural Richness: Northern Thailand is a tapestry of tribal communities, each with its unique traditions. Our work here aims to preserve that cultural richness while promoting sustainable development.
Sustainable Living: The folks in this region have been living sustainably long before it became a trend. We're here to learn from them and apply those lessons to our own lives.
Business and Brotherhood: The International Cattle Drive
Now, you didn't think I'd go all this way and not talk cattle, did you? I'm teaming up with Captain Sidd and the Dek Doi community to plan an international cattle drive right here in the jungles. We're bridging continents, one cow at a time, and proving that the cattleman's spirit knows no borders.
This ain't just about me or my health; it's about showing what's possible when you pair grit with vision. This Thai venture could set the stage for a global cattle network, and y'all better believe we're just getting started.
A Conversation with the Dek Doi Community
Last year, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Dek Doi community in Northern Thailand. The conversation was an eye-opener, revealing the challenges and opportunities facing this small but resilient community. We discussed everything from the land they own—a lush valley with streams ideal for cattle farming—to the problematic influence of chemical companies pushing their products onto local farmers. These agents from multinational corporations have been infiltrating villages like Dek Doi, leaving the farmers in debt while they make a killing.
We also talked about the potential for introducing Angus cattle, known for their hardiness, into the community. The idea is to start small, with just a couple of cows, and then expand, possibly through bartering and trading value for value. This approach aligns with the community's focus on sustainable living, a subject that has been close to my heart. The conversation wrapped up with a discussion about the beef industry in Thailand, including a mention of Tomahawk, a butchery in Chiang Mai that specializes in Wagyu beef.
The Road Ahead
What's next? For consumers, joining our Meat Master program is a great start. For producers, your insights (like those scouted by ol’ Ruffshot last week) could be invaluable. Reach out june@beefiniative.com to share your experiences and insights. And make sure you use #beefintelligence in your public posts so we can pick them up using web scraping technology. For everyone else, what are you gonna do to tip the balance?
👉 Inner Circle Exclusive
We've got a special motorcycle tour through the Thai villages and jungles coming up in a follow-up email. If you're not part of our Inner Circle yet, well, let's just say you're missing out on something beautiful.
This Week's Recap from Texas Slim's Cuts Publishing
Wow, what a week it's been for us at Texas Slim's Cuts Publishing! We've covered a diverse range of topics that touch upon various aspects of life and industry. Here's a quick rundown in case you missed any of it:
1. "The Pillar of Sunlight: Harnessing Nature's Most Potent Healer"
👉 Written in collaboration with Jennifer Bambrick, this enlightening piece delved into the lesser-known benefits of the sun, detailing its importance not only for mood and immune system regulation but also for our hormonal balance. We offered actionable steps to incorporate healthy sun exposure into your daily routine.
2. "The New American Beef Industry: Justin Trammell and the Microprocessing Revolution"
👉 Our in-depth profile of Justin Trammell, the modern-day sovereign rancher, painted a vivid picture of the cattle industry in Canyon, Texas. Through Trammell's story, we looked at the importance of sustainability and community-centric practices in today's ranching landscape. His endeavors represent a revolutionary approach that not only challenges conventional industrial agriculture but also presents a sustainable, resilient model for the future.
3. "Inner Circle Exclusive: Texas Slim's Vision: A Grim Prediction"
👉 For our Inner Circle members, Texas Slim himself delved into the unsettling future of the cattle industry, considering its global implications. This piece served as a sobering reminder of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for cattle ranchers and consumers alike.
Until next time— stay as true as the blue skies.
Yours,
Texas Slim
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