Pasture Raised Beef

Wondering about the buzzword of "pasture-raised beef?” Curious to know where the meat you purchase is coming from? How were the cattle raised and treated throughout their life? We're here to help everyone understand the terminology in this general guide.

What Is Pasture Raised?

What does pasture raised mean? The term pasture raised refers to animals raised on grassland specifically as sources of food. You'll find this label commonly applied to dairy, eggs, or meat products from these animals. In the context of meat, pasture-raised beef refers to cattle raised exclusively on open pastures by farmers instead of conventional practices.

Some may think all farmers raise animals humanely on outdoor pastures and let their livestock happily roam the countryside throughout their lives, but this is not always the case in the modern industrial food system. Many cattle today live in crowded, confined indoor spaces. Pasture-raised cows and beef cattle are the exception to these industry-standard living conditions, resulting in a noticeable difference in the quality and health benefits of their products.

Pasture-Raised vs. Grass-Fed Beef

Besides the term pasture raised, you may have heard of or seen a grass fed label. The difference between pasture-raised vs. grass-fed beef stems from feeding practices as well as living conditions. Grass-fed beef products primarily come from cattle exclusively fed grass their entire lives, whereas pasture-raised involves a combination of grass and grains.

The Benefits of Pasture-Raised Meat

Pasture-raised beef provides nutritional benefits, such as better fat quality with heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats and superior vitamins with higher antioxidant levels, including vitamin E and β-carotene. Not to mention the enhanced flavor and marbling found in top-quality beef that is also antibiotic- and hormone-free.

At 1070 Farms, we source beef from only our pasture-raised, grain-finished cattle for products because we understand the difference that consistency makes in quality. Shop our online beef collection to enjoy the nutritional benefits of farm-fresh meat.