Why do we grass finish beef and how do we produce it?

I assume if you are reading this, that you too enjoy a tender ribeye, a juicy burger and a chuck roast from the crock pot with carrots, potatoes and onions. Not all grassfed beef is created equal. We can produce beef that has fat and flavor as well as being tender and nutrient dense from cattle fed only with the diverse healthy pastures that we cultivate. We can sell it at a profit. We have a waiting list for months.

Grassfed and grass finished beef is rightfully popular and growing in demand. Many important concerns are addressed by producing beef using regenerative grazing practices. Human nutrition- nutrient dense beef is a great source of proteins and healthy fats, along with antioxidants and other healthful components. Farmer welfare- Regenerative agriculture has the potential to be more profitable than some other models and is human management dependent creating more jobs, supporting rural communities. The working environments can be cleaner and safer than animal confinement systems and tractor dependent systems. Animal welfare- cattle are on pastures their whole lives grazing grasses, legumes and forbes, not grains which can cause health problems for the cattle. These cattle are never confined in a feedlot and fed a ration which can challenge their health. Environmental benefits- cattle being moved frequently and allowing a good recovery for the pastures before the cattle return have multiple benefits. The pasture plants grow deep root systems, sequestering carbon, preventing erosion, increasing water holding capacity and moderating soil temperatures. This grows more and better grass for the cattle. And not putting cattle in a feedlot system eliminates the concentrated manure which can become an environmental liability if not handled correctly. These systems are higher in human management but lower in tractor and diesel demands.

We produce grass finished beef with three main elements. Cattle genetics that have the potential to fatten on grass alone. Grazing management to improve the quality of pastures and always have enough quantity of forage available for the cattle. And patience to wait until the animal is properly finished before sending it to the abattoir. 

In this upcoming workshop we will go in depth on the benefits of regenerative agriculture and the elements of producing properly grass finished beef.