Grass vs Grain: Choosing Sustainable and Nutritious Beef

Reasons we choose Grass Finished vs “Grain” Finished Beef

As the name suggests, grass finished beef is produced from cows that primarily have a diet consisting of grass and forbs, which is their natural food source. We all know what grass is but many may be asking; What are forbs? I’m glad you asked! Forbs are a group of plants that include some species commonly referred to as “weeds,” or undesirable plants. Many forbs are highly nutritious and provide a valuable source of protein, vitamins, and minerals to grazing livestock.

This is unlike “grain” finished beef, which often spend the first portion of their lives on pasture but are finished on grain and soy-based diets and kept in confined feedlots until processing. In contrast grass finished beef comes from cattle that are allowed to graze on pasture for their entire lives. Grass finished beef carries less fat overall compared to “grain” finished options. I know that may sound like a negative, but it is actually a positive. According to The National Center for Biotechnology Information, It is estimated that about 20% of the excess fat is trimmed from Choice beef carcasses. That is money spent on fat rather than meat. It doesn’t mean that your grass finished steak won’t be nicely marbled, no not at all. It means that your money is better spent with more meat on your plate and less discarded fat trim. Not only is grass fed beef better for you, the consumer, but it also offers a number of impressive benefits for the environment, making it a choice that resonates with the values of sustainability and health. A beef product can be considered grass finished when the cattle have been allowed to eat grass and graze for their own food in a natural environment for the entirety of their life.

The overall health benefits, are numerous, but I think it is better if YOU dig in, research, and discover the health benefits of grass finished beef vs “grain” finished beef. Here are a couple of things to consider though. Grass finished beef is typically higher in nutrients such as vitamins A and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than conventionally raised beef. These nutrients have been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and a stronger immune system. “Grain” finished beef is often high in unhealthy fats such as omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked to inflammation and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Grass finished beef, on the other hand, is lower in these unhealthy fats and higher in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce inflammation and support overall health.

There are tons of great reasons to chose grass finished beef but one of the best is: Grass finished beef supports local agriculture!
Many small-scale farmers who raise grass finished beef are part of local food systems, which can help to strengthen the local economy and reduce transportation emissions associated with shipping food long distances. By buying grass finished beef from local farmers, consumers can support sustainable agriculture and help to build more resilient communities.

But please as with everything in life, don’t take my word for it. I strongly recommend that you do your own research and make food choices that fit your family best.