Is Organic Beef Really Better?
Is organic beef really better? (The answer might surprise you!)
A common question among beef consumers is what are the differences between organic beef vs. grass-fed beef? You may be one of the many who find themselves wondering… is organic beef really better? There can be a lot of confusion in regards to where our beef comes from. The corporate meat industry isn’t transparent with information concerning important health factors, which is why you’re investigating deeper. Furthermore, within recent food-related trends, there is always something new to consider for your family, which is why we want to help you informed!
In this post we’ll help to explain the real distinction between the two labels of beef and finally answer the question!
What is organic beef?
Organic beef is very similar to grass-fed, with only a few small differences. Here’s the low down:
- Organic beef must require all cows to consume only certified organic grasses OR grains. (Like corn)
- Grass fed cows consume mainly… grass!
- Organic cattle do not have to be raised on grass, though most are.
- Organic beef must have unrestricted “access” to the outdoors which could be a feedlot. The FDA doesn’t define how much space to allow for each cow.
- Grass-fed cows are normally pasture raised, giving them unlimited outdoor ranging.
Organic beef certifies that livestock are given access to the outdoors, fresh air, sunshine, water, grass, and are fed only 100% organic feed. Unfortunately, there is no regulation that stipulates the amount of access to those health factors. Grass-fed livestock on the other hand, are also given all of the above without needing the organic label!
Meet Callidora’s Georgia grass-fed (grain-finished) Angus beef!
At Callidora Ranch, we pride ourselves in raising grass-fed (and grain-finished) Angus beef! Our cows spend all day grazing the many acres of green pastures we have, far from feed lots and tight quarters. In addition, we don’t treat our livestock with growth hormones, so they spend a healthy amount of time growing big and strong! Unlike many other beef farms, throughout the majority of their lives, our cows will enjoy a diet of grass. 120 days before harvest, we offer free-choice grain (grass seeds) to generate the signature marbling of Angus beef. While most grain-finished livestock are forced into feed lots to maximize fattening, we believe in a more humane approach. In the last 120 days before harvest, our cows have free-choice availability to both grass and grain. By the way, did we mention that grain is simply made up mostly of grass seeds?
If you are interested in seeing our cows’ beautiful home, we offer educational farm tours of the property on horseback. For those who want a more hands on experience can try one of our ranch participation tours on four wheelers! During your time here, you’ll be able to tour the trails, participate in petting and feeding and maybe weighing the livestock while learning about a day on the ranch!
So…. Is organic beef really better?
We’ve learned that their are many similarities between organic and grass-fed beef. The major distinction is that grass-fed beef is raised sustainably, however organic beef is not necessarily always grass-fed. The best way to know if you are buying beef that best suits your needs is to get to know your rancher. That is why our farm is open to horseback and ranch participation tours. There is no better way to hw your beef is raised than to visit the place where they are being raised.
Our cows at Callidora Ranch are a perfect example of what healthy grass-fed grain-finished beef looks like! Our Georgia pasture raised cattle offer the same, if not more, benefits. Happy, pasture raised, and farm fresh meat is guaranteed to be the best option for your family!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about beef, and taking steps to inform yourself as well as your loved ones. For a brief history and introduction to Angus beef, check out our blog post Why Buy Angus Beef From A Georgia Ranch!
We also offer many other informative posts about the ranch, our horses and livestock!
- Best Things To Do In Madison GA (Needs to be linked)
