Beef is a way of life in Texas, but it’s hard on the planet. This rancher thinks she can change that

The cattle part as Meredith Ellis edges her small four-wheeler through the herd, silently counting the cows and calves.

Click here to read the story at qz.com.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is entrepreneurship?
2. What do you think might be important considerations to anyone thinking of starting a business?
3. One key to any startup business to finding success is to either solve a problem or meet a need that isn’t already being met in the marketplace. Does the concept that Meredith Ellis is hoping to sell meet either of those criteria?
4. Why is beef consumption hard on the planet, according to this news story?
5. How is Meredith Ellis’s idea attempting to minimize that impact?
6. What is a profit?
7. What is a profit margin?
8. What costs might impact a rancher’s profit margins?
9. Do you think efforts to build a more sustainable business model might eat into a rancher’s profits? Why or why not?
10. What is a niche market?
11. How might a niche market provide an opportunity for an aspiring entrepreneur?
12. The news story states “Ellis knows she could make more money selling in a niche market. She could sell her land for development.” What does that mean?
13. If she could make more money, why do you think she doesn’t?