Not so many years ago, a majority of the beef in the United States was produced and finished by using grass exclusively. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1950s that large feed lots and grain-fed techniques became widely popular, and by the 1980's, large feed lots were responsible for producing nearly 100% of this country’s beef.
The nation’s switch to grain had a strong rationale. Grain-fed techniques have neutralized many of the unpredictable variables associated with raising cattle (favorable weather, green grass, and steady pricing in the market) and significantly streamlined the nation’s beef supply chain.
However, several nutritional experts now believe that this migration to grain-fed beef was not in the best interest of our nation’s long-term health. For instance, rates of heart disease and obesity in the U.S. have increased significantly during the last four decades. Many researchers believe that the timing of these two events is more than a mere coincidence.
What is Grass-Fed and Grass-Fed & Finished?
Grass-Fed means the animal ate grass or forage for at least part of its life. However, it may have been switched to grain during the final months before processing.
Grass-Fed & Finished means the animal ate only grass and forage for its entire life, including the final "finishing" period before harvest.
Why does this matter?
Grass-Fed & Finished beef often contains more omega-3 fatty acids and higher levels of certain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, than grain-finished beef. Grass-Fed & Finished beef usually has a leaner texture and a more pronounced, earthy flavor.
Grass-Fed & Finished Beef has LOWER levels of Saturated Fat (similar to the levels found in lean chicken breasts).
Grass-Fed & Finished Beef is high in GOOD Fat, known as Omega-3s (also commonly found in certain fish, such as salmon and tuna).
Grass-Fed & Finished Beef has high doses of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) , thought by many to fight cancer.
The agricultural process used to raise Grass-Fed & Finished Beef reduces exposure to E. Coli and is more ecologically friendly.
Saturated Fat: Levels are often 3-4 times higher than those found in grass-fed beef
Good Fat: Limited omega-3 content
CLA: Limited CLA content (because CLA comes directly from the grass)
Ag Process: Requires significant use of chemicals, fertilizers and gasoline
