Colorado and Nebraska Have Beef: Governors Go Head to Head on Whether Their State Should Eat Meat on March 20

Colorado has issued a statement reminding people of the state to avoid eating meat on March 20 for “MeatOut Day.” Launched in 1985, “MeatOut Day” was designed to encourage people to try a plant-based diet for a day. This recent statement was made by Gov. Jared Polis in relation to their attempts to bring the carbon footprint down and also encourage a bit of a healthier diet. Of course, this was not met with absolute support, and as a matter of fact, much of the hate came from the Nebraska Governor.

In a press-conference, the Nebraska Governor, Pete Ricketts, declared that the same day that Colorado issued to be the day of the “MeatOut day” will be “Meat on the Menu day.” The call for “Meat on the Menu day” is for everyone to go to their favorite restaurant and order a large meat dish. This protest to Colorado’s day from meat came about because of how large the beef industry is here in Nebraska and in Colorado.

The statement about avoiding eating meat for a day caused fear in Ricketts due to the degree of fear for food security. According to Steve Wellman, director of the Nebraska department of agriculture, the ranching industry sells $12 billion in meat products every year from Nebraska alone. Additionally, ranchers have faced numerous challenges this year with droughts and other issues. This is where that concern for food security comes from. Along with this, Ricketts argued that ignoring the meat from the diet for even one day “would undermine a healthy diet.”

“That is a direct attack on our way of life here in Nebraska,” said Ricketts. This belief that the way of life is under attack is a protest to the movement trying to help reduce the carbon footprint, preserve forests, grasslands and other wildlife habitats and reduce pollution in waterways. Ricketts tweeted out, “While meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, there are radical anti-agriculture activists that are working to end meat production and our way of life here in Nebraska.”

This has been the most interesting and unintentionally funny thing that has happened in this state all month. This is an argument that will continue with different supporters on both sides. It is so enjoyable to watch, whether you choose to eat meat or not.

TJ Pittinger is a junior

theology major from

Gilson, Ill.