“Do what you can, with what you have.” ~ Wendy Walker
Hi Reader,
Happy Friday! It’s Father’s Day Weekend! No matter who you are celebrating, one thing I know for sure is I’ve never seen a man turn down beef! Am I right?
Today I’m sharing all about the difference of grass-fed and grain fed beef. I made the switch several years ago to start buying grass-fed beef. We do have our own small herd of cows that we raise but have only butchered one steer so far. Until there is more, we buy from regenerative farms where cows are grazing on beautiful pastures.
Grass-fed and grain-fed beef differ in how cattle are raised, their diet, and the resulting meat’s characteristics. Here’s a breakdown:
Diet:
• Grass-fed: Cattle eat grass and forage (like clover or hay) their entire lives, typically on pasture. This is their natural diet.
• Grain-fed: Cattle start on grass but are finished (final months) on grains like corn or soy in feedlots to fatten them quickly.
Nutrition:
• Grass-fed: Leaner meat with higher omega-3 fatty acids (2-4 times more than grain-fed), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins A and E. Lower in total fat and calories.
• Grain-fed: Higher in total fat, particularly saturated fat, and omega-6 fatty acids. Slightly higher in marbling, which can enhance flavor.
Flavor and Texture:
• Grass-fed: Earthier, sometimes gamier flavor due to the varied diet. Leaner, so it can be tougher if overcooked; requires careful cooking.
• Grain-fed: Milder, sweeter taste due to higher fat content. More marbling leads to tenderness and juiciness.
Environmental Impact:
• Grass-fed: Often more sustainable if managed well (rotational grazing), as it supports soil health and carbon sequestration, and reduces feed crop reliance. But it requires more land and can take longer (18-3 years vs. 12-18 months for grain-fed).
• Grain-fed: Higher environmental footprint due to intensive feedlot systems, and grain production (pesticides, fertilizers, water use). Produces more methane in feedlots.
Cost:
• Grass-fed: More expensive due to longer raising time, and lower supply. Prices can be $8-$15/lb depending on cut and region.
• Grain-fed: Cheaper, widely available, around $5-$10/lb, as feedlot systems are more efficient for mass production.
Animal Welfare:
• Grass-fed: Generally better, as cattle roam pastures, expressing natural behaviors. However, it depends on the farm’s practices.
• Grain-fed: Feedlots are crowded, with less space for movement. Grain diets can cause digestive issues, sometimes requiring antibiotics (though regulated in many countries).
Appearance:
• Grass-fed: Darker red meat, with yellowish fat due to beta-carotene in grass.
• Grain-fed: Brighter red meat, with whiter fat due to grain diet.
Choosing Between Them:
• Grass-fed suits those prioritizing health (lower fat, higher specific nutrients), sustainability, or animal welfare, but it’s costlier and needs cooking adjustments.
• Grain-fed is more affordable, consistent, and tender, preferred in mainstream dining for its rich flavor, but less nutrient-dense and eco-friendly.
Our calf we had is a GIRL! She will be raised here and make babies like her mama.
Recipes
Grass-Fed Beef Pot Roast
This cut of meat is so juicy and tender and will just melt in your mouth!
(Save 15% off and FREE shipping over 15lbs.) If you need a last minute gift, Wellness Meats is perfect and that special man in your life can select his own cut of meats. They have chicken, pork, fish, pet food and more.
Grass-Fed Beef From Regenerative Farms Raised on Pasture
I love supporting small farms and so glad we made the switch to grass-fed beef. It’s very nutritious and so delicious!
Reader, as always, tag me over on Instagram @lhsimpleliving. I love seeing all things simple living and any recipes of mine you make.
P.S. I truly appreciate all the shares, likes, comments on my posts and over on Instagram. It keeps me going everyday to show up and share any wisdom that I may have.
So, go grab a cup of coffee or tea and I hope you enjoy the reading today. Hope you have a great weekend!
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I'm Wendy. A wife, empty-nester mama, homemaker, homebaker, gardener and small-time farmer. I love sharing wisdom and mistakes I've learned along the way. Anyone can garden or homestead, no matter where you live. You just have to start somewhere. As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn the health benefits of eating real food.
“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Hi, I’m Wendy. I cook from scratch, creating simple nutritious meals. I’ve been grinding my own flour for 14 years and am passionate about telling others about it. Whether it be bagels or sourdough bread, you can do it too. I love sharing my wisdom and encouraging others that they can homestead no matter where you live. It’s a mindset, so just start somewhere friend! As a result, I am a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner so I can help others learn about the health benefits of eating real food. I also share my garden, chickens, and our new “old” farmhouse. Join my simple living community and sign up for my free newsletter!
