Microblog: The Facts about Cattle and Labeling Meat

All cattle are grass-fed cattle.

This is another reason why it’s difficult to know if meat is truly 100% organic, grass fed and grass finished (and on grass!). One way is by asking your source to confirm that the meat is 100% grass fed and true grass.⠀

⚠️The USDA does not offer any distinction to consumers for the two different types, so we have to do our own investigating.⠀

🌱Grass fed beef generally means beef from cattle that have eaten only grass or forage during their lives, however some producers do call their beef grass fed but then actually finish the animals on grain for the last 90 to 160 days before slaughter.⠀
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🌱Grass finished beef refers to the time that cattle are normally fattened for the last few months before processing. Typically, feed lots finish cattle for 90 to 160 days on grain, usually corn, whereas, grass finished cattle are fattened on grass only, until the day that they are processed.⠀
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🐄One way to circumvent all these issues, is buying your own cow from a trusted farmer or rancher.

🐟Grass-finished meats tend to have higher amounts of omega-3s but its insignificant compared to consuming salmon or sardines.

⚠️Most organic, grass-fed meats in the U.S. is also imported, unless you get your meat from a rancher. In 2019, it was found that 75-80% of “Product of USA” “Grass-Fed” beef was imported.

⚠️Food manufacturing companies removed country of origin labeling, and so most grass-fed meat raised in a different country but processed in the U.S, have the “Product of USA” label.

🐄The critical thing to know about cattle is that they all graze on grass for most of their lives. These cows take raw grass, and turn it into nutrient-rich meat for optimal human health. At the same time, they keep the land and soil healthy through this process.

💡 Some people cannot tolerate aged meats or grain-fed meats, but as the body heals, they eventually should tolerate a variety of meats.