Why Grass-fed?

Articles and Resources - Icelandics

Some pretty amazing research had been done on the benefits of grass fed products. Read on and see why grass fed is the way to go. Mother Earth News also has a very informative article on this subject. Please follow the link: The Amazing Benefits of Grass - Fed Meats.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

For Human Health…

Meat, dairy products, poultry and eggs from animals fed grass diets, rather than grain-based diets, are higher in beta carotene (Vitamin A), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and Omega-3 fatty acids. Initial research has shown all of these elements to be crucial in reducing cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and other life threatening diseases.

Grassfed animal products are lower in fat and calories. If a person consuming the average American quantity of beef (66.5 pounds) were to switch to grassfed beef, he or she would reduce the number of calories consumed in one year by 17,733.

Consumers of grassfed meat nearly eliminate their risk of becoming infected with pathogenic E. coli bacteria. In the (unlikely) event that meat from a grassfed animal is contaminated with the naturally occurring E. coli bacteria, it will be easily killed by the normal acidity in a human digestive tract. Feeding large amounts of grain to animals causes the E. coli bacteria to become resistant to this acidity.

For Animal Welfare….

Meat and dairy animals allowed to graze on open field live longer and can produce longer due to more natural, less stressful, conditions.

Hormone shots, sub-therapeutic antibiotics and animal proteins added to feeds in conventionally fed animals boost production in the short-term, but reduce the quality of life in these animals.

For the Environment…

Animals allowed to graze on pasture spread out their waste over the entire pasture area, providing a natural source of fertilizer. This is in contrast with a commercial feedlot or dairy where the manure must be collected, trucked, and then spread onto fields nearby. Large amounts of waste may prompt commercial feedlot managers to spread the manure too heavily or to use scarce water resources to wash it into a smelly storage lagoon.

Grazing operations are very environmentally friendly as they are really “grass farms”, which use livestock to process grass into a healthy food product and because they don’t have to use a lot of diesel or gasoline to power the equipment used to farm commercial grains.

GRASSFED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. What is grassfed?

The American Grassfed Association defines grassfed products from ruminants, including cattle, bison, goats and sheep, as those food products from animals that have eaten nothing but their mother’s milk and fresh grass or grass-type hay from birth to harvest – all their lives. For grassfed non-ruminants, including pigs and poultry, grass is a significant part of their diets, but not the entirety of their diets, since these animals need to consume grains. Many products have been, and continue to be, marketed as “grassfed”, when grass is only a part of their diet. This lack of standardization on grassfed products is just one of the reasons the American Grassfed Assocation is pushing hard for strict U.S. Department of Agriculture guides on grassfed marketing claims.

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2. What kinds of products are grassfed?

A: Virtually any air-breathing food animal can be raised partially or entirely on grass. The most common products are beef, bison, lamb, goat, pork, poultry, eggs and dairy (milk, butter and cheese).

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3. What are the advantages of grassfed products?

A: Grassfed animal products have been shown to be higher in beta carotene (Vitamin A), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in reducing cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and other life threatening diseases. These products are lower in fat, cholesterol and calories. In addition, the risk of infection by E. coli in these products in virtually eliminated.

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4. What are the disadvantages of grassfed products?

A: A disadvantage for grassfed meat producers is that animals raised entirely on grass mature more slowly, lengthening the production time of grassfed products. A disadvantage for the consumer is that true grassfed products are not available in all the retail outlets, making it necessary for the consumer to find and purchase directly from a producer. Among the goals of the American Grassfed Assocation is to help consumers find grassfed products.

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5. Where can I buy grassfed products?

A: Many consumers find it best to buy grassfed meats directly from the producer. Specialty grocery stores also carry them, and even mainstream supermarkets are beginning to carry these products. However, consumers need to be aware that there is not yet a standard for classifying a product as grassfed. [click here to go directly to our Producers Page]

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6. How can I be certain the product is truly grassfed?

A: For now, the best way to ensure that the product is truly grassfed is to talk with with the rancher or farmer who raised the animal. The American Grassfed Association is working to establish a legal definition of exactly what constitutes grassfed and to allow only the products meeting the criteria to be so labeled. In the very near future, consumers will be able to purchase products from certified American Grassfed Association producers, which will be identified with the American Grassfed Association’s trademarked marketing logo.

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7. What is the American Grassfed Association?

A: Established in 2003, the American Association membership is comprised of producers of all types of grassfed livestock, professionals in education, health, food service and other related industries, and consumers. The goal of the association is to promote the grassfed industry through government relations, research, concept marketing and public education.

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8. What are the activities of the American Grassfed Association?

A: The American Grassfed Association undertakes a wide variety of activities aimed at promoting the grassfed industry. Among its top priorities is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a legal definition for grassfed, and to implement a labeling program that benefits producers to acquire a premium for products that meets the criteria, while providing a service to consumers wishing to buy grassfed products. The association, through distribution of news releases and media relations activities, communicates the value of grassfed products to associated industries and consumers. The association also provides a network within its membership to share information and market products.

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9. Who may join the American Grassfed Association?

A: The American Grassfed Association is comprised of producers, professionals and health-minded consumers. Those interested in membership can click here for an application, or call 1-877-774-7277.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Look for our label American Grassfed on our Producers page and when you shop at your local stores.