Central Oregon ranchers have beef with WHO meat study

A new study out Monday from the World Health Organization links red and especially processed meat to cancer. According to the report, there is strong evidence that consumption of processed meat can cause colorectal cancer.

On the DD Ranch in Terrebonne, it’s all about healthy cows.

“We are very cognizant of the health of the animals and making sure that what we’re providing to customer base is as healthy as it can be,” said Jeff Anspach with DD Ranch LLC.

Experts say it’s important to pay attention to ingredients when buying ham, hot dogs, corn dogs and other meat products. Many of them include mechanically separated chicken and pork, corn syrup and a long list of things you can’t even pronounce.

“We’re a big believer in that grass-fed cattle are a lot healthier than grain-fed cattle,” Anspach said. “They don’t metabolize grain very well, especially in the high quantities that they give them to finish them off.”

NBC News Health and Nutrition Editor Madelyn Fernstrom said there are health benefits to good, lean meat options.

“It contains abundant nutrients that we all really need,” she said. “It’s concentrated protein, all the amino acids for good health, and importantly it has vitamin B-12 and iron.”

For many Central Oregon farmers, it’s all about reconnecting with where your food comes from.

“When I ask kids where hamburgers come from, many say from Fred Meyers,” Anspach said.