(Family Features) Much time is often spent planning and preparing family meals, from choosing recipes to gathering ingredients and working in the kitchen. However, where that food actually comes from and how it’s made is an often-overlooked part of food preparation.

Next time you lay out a weekly menu that includes recipes like this Bone-In Prime Rib, keep sustainability in mind by considering the practices put in place by America’s farmers. For example, the corn industry’s evolution in sustainability along with its documented environmental, economic and social improvements over the last several decades points to farmers’ willingness to embrace change.

As the largest sector in American agriculture, corn farmers impact hundreds of thousands of jobs, infuse billions of dollars into the economy and care for critical resources while overseeing substantial improvements in production.

The family farm belonging to Nathan and Nicki Weathers in Yuma, Colorado, includes 3,000 acres of irrigated crops and 300 cows. They harvest grain corn, which goes to a feedyard, dairy or an ethanol plant, and silage, which is sold to local feedyards.

According to Nathan, corn is the best feed available for his farm and makes his beef production more sustainable.

“They go hand in hand,” Nathan said. “To be able to drive the protein market and meet the demands of the future, we have to be sustainable in both. We need to have protein and be able to grow it and have a feed source for pork and poultry. Corn is an efficient and economic feed source for all our protein.”

Consider these ways the corn industry is continuing its efforts toward sustainable practices, according to the National Corn Growers Association’s Sustainability Report.

Soil Conservation
Healthy soils are the foundation of agriculture production and why corn farmers are committed to leaving land in better shape than they found it. Adoptions in conservation tillage and other soil conservation strategies have contributed to a reduction in erosion.

Water Stewardship
Farmers recognize the invaluable role water plays in raising crops each year. They also know they must actively protect this resource for the benefit of their crops, their communities and the planet.

Ecosystem Resilience
With approximately 90 million acres planted annually, corn is grown in a variety of ecosystems. Supporting the health of those ecosystems requires active attention from farmers, who respond by using integrated pest management techniques, establishing wildlife habitats on their lands and more.

Energy Efficiency
Technology that enhances farmers’ productivity also help reduce the amount of energy and emissions required for corn production. Farmers provide a carbon reduction strategy through the production of ethanol and the support of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a program created by Congress intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil.

Minimal Waste
Due to corn’s versatility, from animal feed to ethanol production and bioplastics, the components of each kernel find homes in a variety of uses, leaving little to go to waste.

Find more information at ColoradoCorn.com.

Bone-In Prime Rib

Recipe courtesy of chef Jason K. Morse, C.E.C., 5280 Culinary, LLC, and Ace Hardware Grill Expert on behalf of the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee

• 1 bone-in prime rib roast (8 pounds)
• oil
• 5280 Culinary Rub-a-Dub seasoning, to taste
• 5280 Culinary Island Boys Coffee seasoning, to taste

1. Remove roast from packaging and place on large sheet pan. Drain juices and warm at room temperature 20 minutes. Starting at tail on bone side of roast, cut bone along ribs, between meat and ribs, to back side, separating bones from meat.
2. Rub prime rib with light coat of oil. Season on all sides and under bone with blend of seasonings. Return bones to bottom side and, using butcher twine, secure in 2-3 areas by tying bones to meat. Wrap in plastic wrap or place in pan and refrigerate 12-16 hours.
3. Preheat smoker or grill to 200 F and load with preferred smoking wood chunks, if desired.
4. Place prime rib on grill rib side down, fat side up, allowing drippings to collect in drip tray. Increase heat to 350 F. Close lid and cook, uncovered, until desired doneness is reached.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Bone-In Prime Rib)

Source: Colorado Corn Administrative Committee

(Family Features) Farm-fresh is what many families desire. Straight from the farm to your table is one of the best ways you can ensure you’re delivering a nutritious and delicious meal for family or friends.

Wholesome meals can bring everyone together around the dinner table; even little ones can enjoy flaky, baked fish, a nutritious potato-based side dish and a trendy-twist on a farm-fresh beverage with these fun, flavorful recipes.

Find more farm-fresh recipes at Culinary.net.

Delightfully Baked Fish

When it comes to baking fish, flaky and fresh can make for a great combination. For a classic meal with a seasoned flare, try this delicious baked fish with lemon pepper seasoning and onions. Find more traditional, tasty recipes at USDA.gov.

Baked Fish

Recipe courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Servings: 4

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          pound fish fillets (whitefish, trout or tilapia)
• 1          onion, sliced
• 1/4       teaspoon salt
• 1/4       teaspoon black pepper
• 2          teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/4       teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350° F.
2. Place 12-inch piece of foil on counter. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place fillets in middle of foil. If fillets have skin, place skin-side down.
3. Spread sliced onions, salt, pepper and oil on top of fillets. Add lemon pepper seasoning, if desired. Fold foil over fish.
4. Place foil pouch on baking sheet and place in oven. Bake fish 15-20 minutes until fish reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 F on a food thermometer and is flaky when tested with fork.
5. Divide into four portions and serve.

A Sensationally Simple Side Dish

When you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish to complement any meal, look no further than this Fingerling Potato Salad. Made with nutrient-rich Wisconsin Potatoes and topped with a lemon dressing, this simple potato side packs plenty of flavor. Find more potato recipes at eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Fingerling Potato Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2    pounds mixed Wisconsin fingerling potatoes
• 2          large lemons, divided
• 2          cups water
• 2          tablespoons coarse kosher salt
• 3          tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 3          tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2    teaspoons whole cumin seeds
• 3/4       teaspoon whole coriander seeds
• pepper, to taste
• 4          green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/3       cup chopped fresh dill
• salt, to taste
• 2          cups baby arugula

1. In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook potatoes until just tender when pierced with fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool slightly.
2. Slice one lemon into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. In small saucepan, combine sliced lemon, water and kosher salt; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lemon slices are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain lemons then coarsely chop.
3. Cut remaining lemon in half and squeeze out 2 tablespoons juice. In small bowl, mix chopped lemons, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar and oil. Coarsely crush cumin and coriander seeds using mortar and pestle. Mix seeds into lemon dressing. Season, to taste, with pepper.
4. Cut lukewarm potatoes in half lengthwise. Place in large, shallow bowl. Mix in green onions and dill. Pour lemon dressing over and toss to coat. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Add arugula and toss gently. Serve lukewarm or at room temperature.

Farm-Fresh Festivities

Themed parties can be challenging, especially when you want everything to be perfect for your guests. Make your party simple and festive with these tips for planning your own farm-to-table gathering.

Mason jars
A farm-to-table classic, mason jars can be used for drinks or even to fill with flowers to make a beautiful, seasonal centerpiece for the table. Mason jars are clean, cute and easy to wash when the gathering is over.

Rustic vibe
Adding some rustic decor can help spruce up your table or serve as an accessory for your farm-to-table dinner party. Also consider adding a bit of fall-flare with decorations such as pumpkins, squash and brightly colored leaves.

Seasonal fare
It’s easy to get inspired with the variety of things you can find at your local farmers market. Ingredients like onions can be used in this Baked Fish recipe while a batch of locally sourced potatoes is the perfect foundation for a Fingerling Potato Salad.

From Farm to Glass

Many may be surprised to learn that milk is one of the original farm-to-table foods, typically arriving on grocery shelves in just two days (or 48 hours) from many family-owned and operated dairy farms. For a trendy twist on the farm-fresh beverage kids already love, try this DIY flavored milk recipe as a tasty start to the morning. To learn about milk’s journey from farm to glass, visit MilkLife.com.

Chocolate Banana Milk

Servings: 1

• 8          ounces fat free milk
• 1/2       large banana
• 1          teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder

1. Place 8 ounces milk, large banana and unsweetened cocoa powder in a blender and blend until just smooth. Enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving: 140 calories; 0 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 9 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 105 mg sodium; 306 mg calcium (30% of daily value).

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Delightfully baked fish)

Source: Family Features

The original farm-to-table food kids already love – milk

(Family Features) Locally sourced foods are becoming increasingly important to families across the country – and more moms are taking note of where their family’s food comes from. In fact, more than three-quarters of moms are actively looking for locally sourced food options when grocery shopping for themselves and their families, according to a new survey from the National Milk Life Campaign. ¹

From Farm to Glass
Many people are surprised to learn that milk is one of the original farm-to-table foods. Nearly two-thirds of moms think milk takes anywhere from more than two days to more than a week to travel from the farm to grocery stores throughout the country, when it typically arrives on shelves in just 48 hours, on average, after leaving the farm. In fact, milk often originates from many family-owned and operated farms about 300 miles away from your grocery store.²

Part of a Balanced Diet
As a minimally processed and farm-fresh beverage, milk is a wholesome way to help your family get natural protein and balanced nutrition. Whether it’s reduced fat, fat free or organic, dairy milk is remarkably simple, containing just three ingredients: milk, vitamin A and vitamin D.

Whether enjoyed as a beverage or used as an ingredient in your favorite recipe, milk is a versatile pairing for any meal. Even award-winning chefs and restaurateurs like Chef Giorgio Rapicavoli use milk as a foundational farm-to-table ingredient in many of their signature dishes.

For a traditional favorite that kids are sure to enjoy, try Giorgio’s homemade ice cream recipe. The whole family will love making (and eating) this treat, and you can feel good about the wholesome and delicious ingredients like milk.

For more information and delicious recipes, visit milklife.com.

Giorgio’s Homemade Ice Cream

Servings: nine 2/3 cup servings

• 1 1/2    cups whole milk
• 2 1/2    cups heavy cream
• 8          egg yolks
• 1          cup cane sugar
• 1/4       teaspoon sea salt
• 1          tablespoon vanilla extract

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk and the heavy cream to a simmer, over medium heat. 
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks until they lighten in color. Temper the cream mixture into the eggs and sugar by gradually adding in small amounts and then return the entire mixture to the saucepan and place over low heat. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Add the vanilla, adjust the seasoning and cook the ice cream base for 3-4 hours.
3. Pour into an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. 

Nutritional information per serving: 390 calories; 30 g fat; 18 g saturated fat; 260 mg cholesterol; 5 g protein; 27 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 115 mg sodium; 113 mg calcium (10% of daily value).

¹ Weber Shandwick conducted an online Google survey among 1,010 moms between the ages of 18-54 on behalf of The National Milk Life Campaign between June 22 – June 26.  

² “Milk: More Local Than You May Think,” http://dairygood.org, (August 06, 2014).

Source: MilkPEP

Quality nutrition for the perfect start to longer spring days

(Family Features) With warm weather on the horizon, it’s time to turn the clocks forward and say “so long” to winter and “hello” to longer spring days. With an extra hour of daylight ahead, spring is the perfect season to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and get the family on track with healthy habits and quality nutrition – starting at breakfast.

As you plan morning meals for your family this spring, remember that milk provides important nourishment – like high-quality protein – for you and your kids. As one of the original farm-to-table food, this wholesome drink typically arrives on grocery store shelves in just two days from many family-owned and -operated dairy farms. Milk is minimally processed for safety and farm fresh, often originating from dairy farms fewer than 300 miles away from your grocery store.

Start off warm springtime mornings with a sweet, butterfly-inspired twist on a breakfast sandwich made with Mandarin orange slices, sure to get your kids excited about wholesome choices at breakfast. Pair with an 8-ounce glass of milk to give your kids more of what they already love, with protein they need to give them a good start on the day.

For more information and kid-friendly recipes with milk, visit milklife.com.

Monarch Muffin

Recipe by Tiffany Edwards of Creme de la Crumb

• 1 white English muffin
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• 6 blueberries
• 4 mandarin orange slices
• 1 green grape, cut into strips

1. Slice and toast English muffin. Spread cream cheese on both halves of muffin.
2. Arrange three blueberries in a line down the middle of each half of the muffin and place a mandarin orange slice on each side of the blueberry lines to serve as wings of the butterfly. Place grape strips above blueberry line as antennas.
3. Serve with an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Nutritional information per serving: 310 calories; 8 g fat; 4 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 14 g protein; 46 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 440 mg sodium; 364 mg calcium (35% of daily value). Nutrition figures based on using fat free milk, and include an 8-ounce glass of milk.

Source: MilkPEP