Carmel Magazine - copy

038-066 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 4/26/13 10:40 AM Page 11 SHORTCUTS ENVIRONMENT Photo: Kelli Uldall Making Meat a Happier Meal Grass-fed, small farm beef is a rarity these days, but Carmel Valley filmmaker Mark Shelley intends to make it accessible to more locals. Beef from cows raised sustainably in Moss Landing is then sold at MPC's farmers' market. t first blush, common ground between the beef business and envi- perhaps squeamish?—about what's involved in putting a Porterhouse in a closely related. As Executive Producer of Sea Studios Foundation, he's ested in our food supply from land to consumption and the ethical treat- A ronmental advocacy may seem tenuous. Mark Shelley thinks they're spent his career using video to generate awareness about the fragility of Mother Earth; as proprietor of Tassajara Meats, he utilizes sustainable, sen- plastic tray at the market. "I think that needs to be addressed. I'm interment of animals, and healthy, appropriate use of the land." Tassajara Meats was formed three years ago. Although the cows live sible and ethical methods to bring quality beef to the marketplace. near Moss Landing, the operation is based out of Shelley's Carmel Valley produce the Monterey Bay Aquarium's video exhibits. He went on to do meat,' " he says. Perfect. Shelley arrived on the Monterey Peninsula in 1984 with a contract to similar work for other institutions and created programs for National home. "I learned that 'Tassajara' is an Ohlone word meaning 'place to dry It's a small business, as far as the beef industry goes. Tassajara process- Geographic, PBS and additional outlets. All projects reflected Shelley's es about 10 head, or 3,000 pounds in a given year. The animals are raised nature through the lens of science," he says, "and understand how humans Cows. Add Grass. Enjoy." abiding passion for sustainable and green practices. "I aim to interpret impact our environment." "Meat is the last food product that the public is not educated on," Shelley adds. "We know all about organic produce, and the Aquarium has done a great job with its Seafood Watch program." But we're ignorant— 56 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 on mother's milk and grass. That's it. In fact, the company's motto is "Take Shelley sells his beef at the Monterey Peninsula College Farmer's Market Fridays from 10am to 2pm and online at www.tassajarameats.com. More information about Sea Studios is at www.seastudios.com. —Michael Chatfield

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