Grass-fed cattle is becoming a recognized alternative to traditional grain-fed, commercial meat. Free-range, grain-fed beef has many health advantages over animals raised on grain or grain by-products.
Cattle in the United States, prior to the 1940's, was traditionally raised on pastures. A combination of factors contributed to the now common practice of cattle confined and fed a diet of grain and by-product. Some of these factors included a rising demand for beef which coincided with an increase in corn yields, advancements in chemicals and pesticides, government supsidies supporting grain-fed animals, and an acceptable practice of feedlots (where cattle are often confined for the majority of their life).
There is a movement with some farmers towards a more natural and organic way of raising their cattle to create a leaner, healthier beef. Grass-fed cattle are generally fed a diet that is free from hormones and pesticides, aligns more naturally to the stomach biology of cattle, environmentally firendly self-sustaining ranch.
According to the American Grassfed Association, grass-fed animals are “ those that have eaten nothing but grass and forage from weaning to harvest, have not been raised in confinement, and have never been fed antibiotics or growth hormones.”
Grass-fed cattle are raised on only their mother's milk and fresh grass, roaming free on a pasture.
Grain-fed cattle are traditionally confined to a relatively small space and fed grain and a variety of by-product feedstuff.
Grass-fed beef is healthier overall than grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef has a higher content of beneficial fats: it is higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and CLA. Grass-fed beef also has more antioxidents and is higher in Beta carotene (precurser to Vitamin A). (Nutrition Journal)
Grass-fed beef is less susceptible to bacteria. In a study done by Consumer Reports, grain-fed beef was 3x more likely to contain bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics. (Consumer Reports)
Cattle (and many other animals) evolved to eat mostly grass. When they are fed a diet rich in grain and by-products it effects their digestive system, leading to disease and a need to treat with antibiotics. (New York Times)
Our cows are raised on a self-sustaining ranch. This means that whatever is planted on the fields is what our cattle graze on. By adjusting to the various harvests of our crops, our cattle cycle to different areas of the pasture to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Grass-fed cattle are able to roam free in a pasture, greatly improving their quality of life. This is opposed to many "feedlots", where cattle are kept in a confined area, unable to engage in natural behaviors and in conditions that are detrimental to the animal. These conditions lead to higher possibility of disease and increase likelyhood of the use of antibiotics to keep animals well.
By maintaining a high-quality standard and adhering to all "grass-fed" regulations and designations, we can ensure that our cattle are not treated with growth hormones or other chemicals that would be needed to keep the animals healthy. (Extension)
Daley et al. (2010, March 10). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutrition Journal 9, 10.
O'Connor, A. (2015, October) Ask Well: Is Grass-Fed Beef Better for You? The New York Times.
ConsumerReports. (2015, August). Food Safety & Sustainability Center: Beef Report.
Severe, J., & ZoBell, D. R. (2011, May). Grass-Fed vs. Conventionally Fed Beef. Utah State University Cooperatice Extension - Agriculture.
Arrey, K. N. (2011, October). Why organic meat and dairy?
Doctor's Review: Medicine on the Move.
Keepin' it in the family
Registered seal for consumption
Our beef is all organic
What we plant is what the cows eat
We have a variety of grasses that are cycled depending on the season.
When you purchase from Blacktip Cattle, the entire cow is yours - keep it, share it, it is all up to you!
We have relationships with multiple processors, and we are happy to share their contact information. They are available for custom butchering. We are always open for suggestions; if you have a connection to a butcher you love, please introduce us!
As you decide how to cut and package your beef, please keep the following information in mind… An 800-pound cow will have an approximate hang weight of 400 - 450 pounds. The amount you will take home and store will be from 300 -350 pounds – plan accordingly!
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