American consumers have stated their preference for grass-fed beef, as a healthier alternative to feedlot and factory farmed meat products. This is an important shift for the beef industry, where grass-fed products are seeing increased high-volume demand, as consumers become more aware of the truth behind factory farming, health and environmental costs (and humane treatment) of cattle raised on feedlots.
At Florida Raised, we’re proud to be part of this movement and increasing public awareness of the nutritional and moral value of grass-fed beef. And we often get asked questions about the price variance between grass-fed beef products versus standard commercially raised beef at the grocery store.
We would like to share a few things to consider, when you are shopping for ground beef, steaks or other beef products at your local grocer. And why Florida Ranchers who have made the important shift to specialize exclusively in grass-fed cattle production deserve our appreciation, and support.
Quality Over Fast Profit: The Cost to Farmers Who Choose Grass-Fed Methods
Grass fed cattle take longer to raise, because farmers do not use growth hormones or unnecessary antibiotics. They embrace instead, a more holistic and heritage inspired method of cattle ranching, to produce healthy and highly nutritious beef products.
Traceability is one of the key factors that helps to assure consumers about the quality of beef they are buying. Farmers that have committed to exclusively grass-fed beef products, have ranches that may span thousands of acres. Through pasture management, rotation of pasture lands and herds, they carefully manage the balance of the grass renewal while providing rich resources for the cattle to gain weight at a natural rate.
Managing the land and pasture control also means additional work. Grass-fed specialty ranches don’t take the same shortcuts that factory farms to, but rather allow the cattle to mature just under 36 months before taking their cattle to market.
When a rancher has committed to providing antibiotic and growth hormone free beef, and an animal gets sick, it may be treated with antibiotics under recommendation of a veterinarian. However, in that event, the animal is identified and tagged for sale under a specific label, and to other buyers. This process is strictly enforced by both the Rancher and through beef heritage and traceability methods, to track each cow from birth to processing, to ensure quality and accuracy when sold as a grass-fed and hormone/antibiotic free meat source.
It costs more money, time and effort to raise grass-fed beef in America, versus all the shortcuts and options that Ranchers have. So, when you see a price that is slightly higher than non-grass-fed beef products, consider that effort and deliberate choice made by farmers, to provide a healthier alternative for American consumers.
A Solution to the Overuse of Antibiotics and Growth Hormones in Beef Production
It’s really common sense when you think about it. Cows are genetically designed to gain weight and thrive when they have access to rich grass, fresh air and pasture land to roam and graze freely. When we deprive cattle of that opportunity, the result is distress, and animals who are more prone to infectious diseases that impact the quality (and safety) of the meat we derive from them.
What is so important about this movement toward healthier and sustainable beef agriculture, is that it addresses growing concerns about the cumulative health impact of hormones and antibiotics on humans, and whether over time the additives can contribute to increased health risks for the consumers who buy meat that is not antibiotic free.
The World Health Organization stated in 2017, that antibiotic resistance was the leading global concern, and issued warnings about increased health risks. While clinical studies have not (yet) identified excessive antibiotic use in agricultural production as a cause, many medical experts suspect we will discover a link in the future.
A little more ‘food for thought’ when you visit the meat aisle in your local grocery store.