Remember back in the ‘good old days’ when beef had that distinct rich flavor of, well, beef? These days many consumers feel that the only way to capture that same heritage flavor, is to buy organic meat. But the truth is that even organic beef products can be feed grains that compromise the overall flavor of the meat.
The secret behind that great flavor that you remember, is all in the method of sustainable farming practices that emphasize grass-fed pasture raised beef, instead of feedlot or factory farming methods.
In this article we’re going to share a little about the different methods that are used to agriculturally raise beef, and the cost of natural (and healthier) methods for farmers. It is our goal to help increase awareness of the value and ecological principals behind grass-fed beef, so that our customers understand the quality and care that goes into every Florida Raised beef product.
The Health Impact of Cattle Raised on Feedlots
The most popular and profitable method of raising cattle is the least humane practice in modern agriculture. While we are compassionate to the growing demand for beef in the United States, and the challenges that many ranches face (including rising feed costs, soil damage and drought which can inhibit pasture raised options) feedlots are unilaterally accepted as an unhealthy way to produce beef.
When a calf is approximately seven months old, it can be sold and raised indoors for the duration of the period of time it takes to gain the marketable minimum weight. The average time it takes for a cow who is raised on a feedlot to mature is approximately 12 to 24 months.
The highest quality beef for consumer consumption is derived from cattle which are younger than 36 months. That is when the finished beef is the most tender, to consumer expectations for cooking and grilling.
Inside the American agricultural sector, a feedlot is actually referred to as a CAFO, or Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation. The average CAFO has more than 1,000 head of cattle and approximately 75% of all American beef produced is from a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation.
It is important to note that not all feedlots operate the same way, and there are different business models depending on the ranch or farm. Some have cattle that are housed on concrete floors, with waste elimination conveyors behind the animal, to manage the cleanliness of the barns. In these factory style farm environments, the animals may (or may not) be allowed to move outside of their pen, although many farmers do release their animals into small outdoor enclosures for health purposes.
These small paddocks however are often immensely crowded, and do not have an abundance of fresh grass or room to move for the animal, as they are rotated in groups for a minimal amount of exercise required to help reduce distress and disease in the animal. The exercise areas or paddocks are generally muddy and filled with waste, which leads to common health problems like foot rot, an acute necrotic (decaying) infectious disease that causes swelling and lameness. The health condition is one of many that is directly caused by pen-restricted agricultural cattle management.
Other diseases common with feedlot raised cattle (or high-density farming) include malignant edema, parainfluenza 3, bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea and Mannheimia haemolytica, and parasitic infections that require deworming. Because of the unnatural state of cultivating cattle in restricted spaces with high numbers of cattle, the amount of antibiotics administered both in the treatment of the animals, as well as used for preventative and cost-saving measures (without existing health conditions) is higher.
Happy Cows Make Healthy (And Delicious) Beef
We all know that exercise is an important aspect of staying healthy. Exposure to fresh air and sunlight also have a positive impact on our health. So why should we expect that it is different for American cattle that are being raised for consumption? They have the same health needs as we do, and pasture raised beef is more humane, ecologically sustainable, and it provides a healthier quality of beef according to many clinical research studies.
What is important to remember is that grass-fed beef is healthier, both for the animal and for the meat products derived from sustainable agricultural practices. Pasture raised grass-fed beef is natural, the way that nature intended and the result of this healthier ranching method, animals require none of the chemical additives that are commonly used in feedlot settings (including the use of growth hormones and over use of antibiotics).
So, when you are comparing the price difference between fresh meat at your local grocery store, and evaluating the healthiest sustainable food sources for your family, which one will you choose? At Florida Raised, we’re proud to be a new choice of fresh, antibiotic and hormone free beef, without artificial preservatives for your family.
You will taste the difference and feel good about making a healthier choice for your family. To learn more about our commitment to Florida Raised beef, supporting ranchers and sourcing quality antibiotic and hormone free beef exclusively from Florida Ranchers, contact us at info@floridaraised.com