So, I proceeded to ask for more information from the supplier, and expected to go ahead and place an order for August. Well, as it turns out, her beef is not organic. She calls it natural, or as close to organic as you can get without being organic. She went on to tell me that the cost of organic feed is too expensive, and would more than likely quadruple her price. She also quoted me a similar cost as my friend had mentioned, but explained that the cost could vary depending on the price of corn this summer. Hmmmmmm....so she feeds her cattle corn. Haven't I heard alot about "grass fed" cattle? Is it alright to feed your cattle corn? I decided to do some research when I got home, to find out if corn is an acceptable feed for cattle, and also, what exactly is the difference between organic, natural and grass fed? Do I have to buy organic? Is it good enough to buy beef that has simply been raised natural, but not necessarily certified organic?
Let's start with commercial cattle. Their story is not a pretty one, and I won't linger too long. They spend a few months after birth grazing on grassland, but are soon transferred to a commercial "feed-lot" where they are stuffed into stalls and fed almost exclusively grains in order to speed growth, not to mention the growth-enhancing antibiotics, hormones, feed additives, etc, etc.
So, what about organic cattle? This is where my paradigm shift comes!! Organic cattle are raised without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bio-engineering....this we all know. But, did you know that organic cattle are not necessarily "free-range" or "grass-fed"? In fact, they may indeed be transferred to feed-lots and fed organic grains to "finish" them up before slaughter. Although, to be certified organic, they must be certified "humane"....the USDA's opinion of humane and mine may differ greatly.
So, now its getting a little tricky.
What about grass-fed cattle? Is grass truly better? Yes it is!
Cattle are not meant to eat grains. Their natural diet is grass. A diet of grain is one of the primary reasons beef is considered unhealthy today. It is true. Grain fed beef can have nearly 50% of its fat as saturated, whereas, grass fed beef usually has less than 10% saturated fat.
Comparing grass fed beef to grain fed beef:
Alright....I'm convinced......grass fed beef is the way to go.
I found this great website, Eat Wild,......has lots of info and maps with links to grass fed cattle ranches in your area. You can read all about each ranch to see if it really fits in with your ideals.
I found quite a few close by to me, some organic, some not, but all stressed that they don't use antibiotics, hormones, etc. and their cattle graze freely in pesticide-free pastures.
Some are more expensive than others......and some are already sold out for early summer delivery.....so I expanded my search area, and clicked on a little ranch in Poynette WI. They don't have a website, but I emailed them to ask for a brochure. The little quip that showed up on the map stated that they are a "husband and wife operation dedicated to providing our customers with all naturally-raised meats on top of being good stewards to the environment. Our Galloway cattle are rotationally grazed on lush, rolling pastures. In winter, they are fed hay produced from fields on our farm. All our pastures (grasses and legumes) and hay are grown without chemical herbicides and pesticides. The cattle receive no grain. All our animals are treated humanely and do not receive any growth-enhancing antibiotics, steroids or hormones. The combination of quality food, humane treatment and a stress-free environment contributes to a lean, tender and flavorful meat."
Best news coming up now:
The gentleman replied right back to me......he is sending a brochure, but let me know that the deadline for ordering for early summer delivery is May 15th and the cost is $2.30/lb plus butcher's fee of course.
This is definitely where I am ordering my beef! I actually did a search of this little ranch, Rainbow Hill Farm, and turned up some interesting tidbits.
I found an article that actually offered more info then the quip on EatWild. The highlight of this article states that the owners attend the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service Conference each year and strive to follow their mandates, as well as meeting all criteria for being listed as an organic, sustainable farm.
I'll do a follow-up after we actually get our meat, but, if you live in the area, I would already highly recommend that you check them out.
Let's start with commercial cattle. Their story is not a pretty one, and I won't linger too long. They spend a few months after birth grazing on grassland, but are soon transferred to a commercial "feed-lot" where they are stuffed into stalls and fed almost exclusively grains in order to speed growth, not to mention the growth-enhancing antibiotics, hormones, feed additives, etc, etc.
So, what about organic cattle? This is where my paradigm shift comes!! Organic cattle are raised without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bio-engineering....this we all know. But, did you know that organic cattle are not necessarily "free-range" or "grass-fed"? In fact, they may indeed be transferred to feed-lots and fed organic grains to "finish" them up before slaughter. Although, to be certified organic, they must be certified "humane"....the USDA's opinion of humane and mine may differ greatly.
So, now its getting a little tricky.
What about grass-fed cattle? Is grass truly better? Yes it is!
Cattle are not meant to eat grains. Their natural diet is grass. A diet of grain is one of the primary reasons beef is considered unhealthy today. It is true. Grain fed beef can have nearly 50% of its fat as saturated, whereas, grass fed beef usually has less than 10% saturated fat.
Comparing grass fed beef to grain fed beef:
- Two to four times richer in heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids.
- Higher in "good" unsaturated fats and lower in "bad" saturated fats.
- Three to five times higher in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) content.
- Loaded with over 400% more of vitamin A (as beta carotene) and E.
- Virtually devoid of risk of Mad Cow Disease.
Alright....I'm convinced......grass fed beef is the way to go.
I found this great website, Eat Wild,......has lots of info and maps with links to grass fed cattle ranches in your area. You can read all about each ranch to see if it really fits in with your ideals.
I found quite a few close by to me, some organic, some not, but all stressed that they don't use antibiotics, hormones, etc. and their cattle graze freely in pesticide-free pastures.
Some are more expensive than others......and some are already sold out for early summer delivery.....so I expanded my search area, and clicked on a little ranch in Poynette WI. They don't have a website, but I emailed them to ask for a brochure. The little quip that showed up on the map stated that they are a "husband and wife operation dedicated to providing our customers with all naturally-raised meats on top of being good stewards to the environment. Our Galloway cattle are rotationally grazed on lush, rolling pastures. In winter, they are fed hay produced from fields on our farm. All our pastures (grasses and legumes) and hay are grown without chemical herbicides and pesticides. The cattle receive no grain. All our animals are treated humanely and do not receive any growth-enhancing antibiotics, steroids or hormones. The combination of quality food, humane treatment and a stress-free environment contributes to a lean, tender and flavorful meat."
Best news coming up now:
The gentleman replied right back to me......he is sending a brochure, but let me know that the deadline for ordering for early summer delivery is May 15th and the cost is $2.30/lb plus butcher's fee of course.
This is definitely where I am ordering my beef! I actually did a search of this little ranch, Rainbow Hill Farm, and turned up some interesting tidbits.
I found an article that actually offered more info then the quip on EatWild. The highlight of this article states that the owners attend the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service Conference each year and strive to follow their mandates, as well as meeting all criteria for being listed as an organic, sustainable farm.
I'll do a follow-up after we actually get our meat, but, if you live in the area, I would already highly recommend that you check them out.
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