The Grass Fed Difference; Why it Matters for You and Your Family

Whether you're grilling burgers or preparing a roast, the quality of the beef and pork you choose can make all the difference. At Long Farm Meats, we take pride in offering grass-fed beef and pork that not only tastes good but is also better for the your health, the environment, and the welfare of the animal. 

Here Are Just Some of the Nutritional Benefits:

The quality of the meat we consume comes directly from the quality diet of the animal.  Recent studies found that alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) is three times higher in grass-fed vs grain-fed beef meat. This means you will be less at risk to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, declining eyesight, and brain decline . The Omega-3 fatty acids in which grass fed contains are essential to humans yet the human body does not produce it, meaning it must be consumed. These fatty acids are linked to lowering inflammation and are found to be ten times more in grass fed compared to grain fed. 

Grass Fed is Better for the Environment

Grass-fed  is more environmentally sustainable than grain-fed due to several key factors.

• Grazing practices used in grass-fed systems improve soil health, enhance water retention, and promote diverse plant growth.
• Unlike grain-fed systems, grass-fed farming typically relies less on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, reducing chemical run-off into waterways.
• While grass-fed beef may require more land and result in slower cattle growth, well-managed grazing methods can offset these impacts through improved soil health and carbon capture, making it a more sustainable option when sourced responsibly.

Animals Benefit Too

Because of the food the grass-fed cattle consume, their metabolism and muscle mass is at a better quality than those of a grain-fed cow. Grass feeding aligns with their natural digestive system. Cows are designed to break down fibrous plants like grass efficiently. Feeding them grass supports healthier digestion and reduces the risk of issues such as bloating, acidosis, and liver problems, which are more common in grain-fed cattle. Grass-fed cows also tend to have stronger immune systems, minimizing the need for antibiotics. Additionally, grazing in open pastures allows cows to move freely, lowering stress levels and improving their overall well-being.

If you're ready to make the switch to grass-fed beef, we have a variety of options or you could jump right in and reserve a beef share for your family. Click here to see what we have available and be sure to follow us @longfarm1754 for the latest about our beef and pork shares.