FCS & ProStart Teachers
Check out our FCS and ProStart resources on beef nutrition, selection and preparation.
FCS & ProStart Teacher Resources
Raw Truth About Beef
The Texas Beef Council’s Raw Truth About Beef interactive learning platform allows high school students to get a behind-the-scenes look at the beef industry and explore the beef production process from pasture to plate. Using engaging videos, the program follows an executive chef and registered dietitian nutritionist on a hands-on tours through the beef life cycle. To learn how cattle are raised, they visit a purebred ranch, a cow/calf ranch, and tour a feedyard. Stops at a processing facility, a distributor, a retail store, and a restaurant explore how beef becomes a safe, nutrient-dense protein source.
Teachers can walk through the curriculum and gain continuing education hours approved by the American Culinary Federation by clicking here.
Basics about beef
This booklet is all about beef. The information is designed to help you get the most value when you buy beef and to show you how to prepare beef to enhance the tenderness and flavor. But why should you choose beef in the first place? The most important reasons are to obtain many of the key nutrients needed by your body and to enjoy its taste
NASCO FCS lesson plans
In this lesson, students will learn how to read a meat label to determine what type and where on the animal the meat is coming from. Students will learn about the primal cuts of beef and if they are locomotion or suspension muscles.
NASCO has 2 beef lesson plans available.
6 ways to save on beef
The Beef Checkoff, the leading authority on all things beef, shares expert tips on how to get the best deals on beef and keep your grill sizzling all year long.
Confident cooking with beef
Confident Cooking with Beef is a comprehensive guide to selecting, preparing and cooking beef. Created by beef professionals for you, the beef enthusiast, this resource will bolster your knowledge giving you added confidence when working with beef and sharing beef content. With tips and tricks, comprehensive cooking lessons and timing charts, you’ll have what you need to ensure beef success every time!
Food safety
Beef has long been America’s favorite protein and rightfully so as it delivers great flavor and powerful nutrition. The following tips will provide proper safe handling guidance, proper cooking instructions and storage of cuts and leftovers.
Beef and nutrition
No matter your approach to wellness, beef offers a nutrient-rich, high-quality protein that fits into a balanced diet. With essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc, it helps support energy, strength, and overall nutrition while having that unbeatable taste.
True beef pasture to plate
Lesson Plan - This guide contains 8 lessons for the High School Culinary Arts or Family and Consumer Sciences program. However, STEM connections have been included for all lessons making it easy for teachers to make connections across the curriculum.
Education activities from the American Farm Bureau Federation
Download free activity resources and lesson plans about agriculture and links to more agricultural education materials.
Infographics for ProStart Teachers
Decoding the label: Know your beef choices
Like the farmers and ranchers who choose how best to raise their cattle for beef, you have choices when it comes to the beef you buy. Cattle are raised responsibly and beef is safe, wholesome and nutritious – but you may see a variety of statements that reflect different production practices on beef packages in your grocery store or on a menu. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approves these labels for beef based on specific criteria.
Understanding beef quality grades
Beef grading sets the standards for the various quality levels of beef. The beef grading program uses highly trained specialists and sometimes grading instruments to determine the official quality grade. Beef quality grading is voluntary and administered by the USDA and paid for by beef packers.
Grain-finished vs grass-finished
More than 700,000 beef farmers and ranchers in the United States raise wholesome and nutritious beef. To make use of the diverse resources from their local markets, while at the same time satisfying beef consumer preferences, they may employ varying practices to responsibly raise their cattle.
Beef sustainability facts
Learn about beef sustainability facts such as protecting open spaces, supporting recreation, maximizing use of land, providing wildfire prevention, protecting plant and animal biodiversity, and reducing the carbon footprint.
Beef University
Beef University is a free, online training program which covers the beef basics that will help you market and menu beef. Your customers rely on you to be their expert source on the foods they purchase and consume. They expect you to know everything from how beef is raised, how to select and prepare beef, and the health and nutrition benefits of beef. Beef U will help you understand the ‘ins and outs’ of beef to deliver superior customer service, which translates to an improved bottom line.