1. What is “Grassfed”?
Grassfed or grass-finished meat means the animal has lived from birth to harvest completely on grass. Hay (dried grass) may be given during harsh winter months, as well as mineral supplements which may contain a small amount of wheat.
Grassfed and grass-finished animals never see a grain or corn feedlot or feedyard, which traditionally have hormones, antibiotics and animal byproducts added. Feedlot finishing contains a higher likelihood of ecoli, which the commercial industry has begun to address through methods of irradiation.
2. Why is grassfed better?
a. For Us. Nutritionally, studies show grassfed and grass-finished meat contains more betacarotine, a natural cancer fighter; more omega 3s, more CLA's, more natural Vitamin E (rather than vitamin injections or artificial feed supplements). In addition, the meat naturally has lower levels of fat and cholesterol.
b. The Animal. A grassfed animal humanely remains in its natural environment its entire life. It forages on a variety of grasses. Grain is unnatural for a ruminant; it is documented that a ruminant cannot tolerate the high acid content of grain much more than 60-90 days, at which time the liver begins to fail. Commercial producers know this, but allow that the animal will be harvested anyway, so it doesn't matter. The liver, which cannot pass inspection, is rejected for human consumption, one of the reasons liver is rarely for sale in supermarkets. The FDA continues to allow feed to contain animal proteins such as bovine blood, feathers, chicken manure, and fish. Some worry that since bovine meat & bone meal is fed to chickens, pigs & fish, this may find its way back to feedlot cattle when they eat the protein of animals that have been eating them1.
c. The Environment.
(1) While grazing, grassfed animals renew the pastures and grasslands which stimulates new growth. It does need to be managed based on the amount of land they are on, but compared to feedlots, grazing is earth friendly , sustainable and uses a renewable resource - the Sun.
(2) In contrast, a few facts associated with grain/corn feedlots:
(a) feedlots use 1.2 gals of oil/bushel of corn produced.This works out to roughly 284 gal. oil per feedlot beef, or as NY Times writer Michael Pollan puts it, “[feedlots create] another fossil fuel machine”.
(b) nitrogen runoff from corn crops has created a 12,000 sq. mile “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico
(c) build up of estrogenic compounds in the environment may explain falling sperm count and premature maturation in girls
(d) elevated levels of growth hormones in feedlot wastes eventually wind up in waterways downstream of feedlots, where scientists have found fish exhibiting abnormal sex characteristics.
3. What's the difference between grassfed and grainfed meat?
a. Flavor. There may be slight flavor variations, reflecting regional differences in soil and types of grass. Much like fine wines, grassfed meat offers a subtle flavor variation based on the area where it's produced.
b. Mouthfeel. Many say there is a clarity to grassfed meat that cannot be found in grain-finished meat. Others report they have a film or coating inside their mouth after eating grain or feedlot meat which is absent in grass-finished meat.
c. Production & Consumer Costs. Consumer meat cost may vary, but feedlot production costs are more.
(1) Grain/corn. Feedlot feeding costs more, relying heavily on the use of oil in chemical, equipment and ferilizer. It is an industrailized practice subsidized by the government. 4 major corporations produce 80% of beef in the U.S. under various brands. Cost for this mass-produced, feedlot meat may be less at the market, but consumers may pay more in taxes for crop subsidies, environmental impact and health related issues.
(2) Grassfed meat uses a renewable resource, the Sun. It is less costly to produce and it takes longer for the animal to reach harvest weight compared to a fat-laden feedlot animal bulked up with hormones, antibiotics and assorted byproducts. Grassfed meat may cost more than other meats; and cost less than organic.
4. Our local store offers grassfed meat. How can I be sure this meat is actually grass-finished?
Only by asking. If the counter person doesn't know, they can easily find out. They will be proud to tell you if it’s grass-finished; it’s hard to find and is in demand by consumers. NOTE: Please keep in mind that the term “grassfed” may not be the same as “grass-finished;” also, “grass-finished” may not mean the animal received no grain. Some producers put their animals on grain/corn to bulk them up, then put them back on grass just before harvest. This not true grass-finished and will not reflect the superior nutritional profile seen in humanely keeping animals on grass their entire lives. The USDA is currently evaluating the “grassfed” label claim.
We encourage customers to ask questions and buy direct from family producers whenever possible. Read all literature carefully and ask questions until you’re satisfied. These days, it takes an enlightened consumer to navigate these waters, but we hope you agree the benefits of grassfed & grass-finished meat are well worth it!
1NY Times, 3/31/02, “Power Steer” by Michael Pollan. RECOMMENDED READING: “Fast Food Nation” and “Why Grassfed is Best”
©2004 Lindner Bison, all rights reserved. Data sources: www.eatwild.com; "Power Steer" by Michael Pollan, New York Times, March 31, 2002.
