Is Organic Food Truly Organic? The Hidden Truth About Food Supply Chain Data with Jeff Smith

Episode Summary:

Technology, transparency, and tradition are reshaping how food moves from ranch to table. In this episode of Food Tech Talk: Supply Chain Insights from Farm to Fork, host Lydia Adams sits down with Jeff Smith, co-founder of Colorado Craft Beef, to talk about how his family ranch in northeast Colorado blends modern innovation with the values of multigenerational ranching.

Jeff shares how tools like genetic testing are helping improve herd performance while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare. He explains how his team approaches sustainability through three essential priorities: economic viability, environmental responsibility, and public trust.

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Lydia and Jeff also explore how small producers can scale responsibly — by setting clear frameworks for evaluating new technology and staying true to their mission. Jeff highlights how regional conditions shape ranching decisions, and why understanding your environment is key to long-term success.

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They also discuss how consumer education can go beyond instruction to foster real engagement. Jeff emphasizes the importance of being transparent about food sourcing and creating space for dialogue between producers and the people they serve. Throughout the conversation, Jeff ties it all back to trust: how supply chain ownership and clean, consistent data support better decision-making and help build stronger connections across the food system.