Ryan Goodman is a generational rancher from Arkansas with a degree in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University in Animal Science, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Tennessee, studying beef cattle management. He is one of many farmers using social media to bridge the gap between farmers and urban customers. Follow his story daily at AgricultureProud.com or on Twitter and Facebook.

First impressions are critical when it comes to forming opinions; unfortunately, they do not always convey the entire story. Modern farming faces this problem, as most farmers have remained quiet and allowed animal and food activists to talk about modern agriculture. I think more people should allow farmers to be a part of this conversation.
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China is planning to ban shark fin soup from being served at official banquets, in a sign the country may be losing its taste for the expensive delicacy.

According to Chinese media, the Government Office Administration of the State Council said the ban could take up to three years to implement and would help cut the cost of sometimes lavish banquets held for state functions.
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Via KVRR

Ray Isle (@islewine on Twitter) is Food & Wine's executive wine editor. We trust his every cork pop and decant – and the man can sniff out a bargain to boot. Take it away, Ray.

Fourth of July is one of the biggest outdoor bashes of the year. (For one thing, shooting off fireworks indoors is always a sketchy idea). And unless you’re a Revolutionary War reenactment actor - in which case, you’ll be eating dried beef and fire cake, a not-so-tasty mix of flour and water scorched over a campfire - then you’re probably heading down the classic hamburger, hot dog and potato salad route.

So what to bring along for the wine drinkers? (The beer drinkers are legion and can fend for themselves.) Look at it this way: It’s hot. So, whether white or red, you want something that will taste good at least moderately chilled down. Also, it’s a picnic. Save your cash for the Roman candles and buy something inexpensive. And finally, it’s July 4. Pour something from the U.S. After all, there are more than 6,500 wineries in America - certainly one of them must be producing something you’d like.
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While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

Not to spill the beans, but July 3 is Eat Your Beans Day!

Lest you forget, there’s a whole day to remind you to eat your favas, cowpeas and lentils. Packed with protein and fabulously versatile, beans can be used in as many different ways as there are varieties. They're also easy to store dried or fresh, and are naturally high in fiber, which lowers cholesterol.
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