Grass-Fed? Grass-Finished? Pasture-Raised? What The?
The USDA, which oversees beef production in the US, says grass-fed means that “grass and forage shall be the feed source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. The diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass … Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season.”
In other words, grass-fed cows can eat only grass. All cows start life eating grass. While farming practices vary, generally cows start nursing, grazing, and living in pasture for the first six months or so of life. Then conventionally raised cattle are moved to feedlots for three to four months (sometimes more) where they are fed grain, a more economical way of getting them to market.
There’s still considerable variation between grass-fed beef though, even “grass-finished beef.” Turns out the definition of “grass” varies. The best grass-fed beef tends to stay at pasture (ideally organic pasture that isn’t sprayed with pesticides), while the much more common grass-fed beef you find prepackaged at your local supermarket is sent to feed lots and fed grass pellets. The best way to get grass-fed beef that you know comes from cows that actually ate grass is to get to know your local ranchers and family farms. If you don’t have local ranchers, that’s where this guide comes in.
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