Grass Fed Beef
What makes grass fed beef different? Is it the fact that the animal is raised more humanely? Is it because it’s healthier? Is it the respect for nature?
We would say all of the above.
We currently have beef shares available for 2025 and 2026. Email us at farmers@lovefield.farm for more information or to reserve your beef.
Health
WebMD compares grass fed to traditional grain-fed beef with surprising conclusions. Grass fed beef has:
- fewer calories and less fat
- more protein
- more healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- vitamin E and other antioxidant vitamins
Humane
Grass fed is the alternative to “grain-fed” beef. While we will occasionally supplement grain to our cattle to provide protein if our hay is lower protein, that is very different than a traditionally grain-fed animals. The term typically refers to animals that move through different phases in an industrial fashion. At the end cattle are put into a feedlot (Confined Animal Feeding Operation) and fed grain, usually without other forage, to “fatten them up” for slaughter. The problem is that cattle are meant to grow slowly on grass, building muscle–not throw on quick fat from corn. In the end, the grain-fed animals are slaughtered at a much younger age than the slow-maturing grass fed animals.
Nature
The grass fed alternative raises cattle on grass, eating forage, until they are physically mature and ready to be slaughtered. This is a slower process, giving the cattle a longer life and allowing their muscles to grow and marble naturally. The diet adds more flavor and even produces a different color fat (yellow) compared to corn-fed beef (white)! You can see the difference with our four halves in the foreground compared to the animal on the far right of the hanging beefs.
Pastured Eggs
Fun
Pastured eggs are fantastic fun. The chickens are a joy to watch and interact with (usually). Collecting eggs is a family activity. And by selecting the right breeds, we produce a bouquet of eggs in shades of brown, blue, and white.
and Healthy
Pastured eggs are different from the first with their exciting shell colors. It continues on the inside with their improved nutrition. A PSU article shows similar health benefits to the grass fed beef. The difference is visible – the egg on the left is from our pastured poultry while the one on the right is from a grocery store.