Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef “The Debate”

Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef“The Debate” By: Jordan Cress

Cattle Lots… • It takes cattle that are fed corn about 12-15 months to make weight. Produced more frequently. • 97% of beef in the market is grain-fed • Feed lot cattle are protected from predators • Any animal that is sick is removed from pens and treated by the vet • Cattle lots are kept as clean as possible for the cow’s and worker’s health • $2.50/lb • Average cattle lot is 25-80 acres depending on how many cows there are

Feed lots are kept clean and animals are fed twice a day.

Pasture Beef • It takes cattle that are fed grass about 20-24 months to make weight • Higher nutritional value • Less fat • 3% of beef in the market is pasture fed • $9/lb • Average size of pasture needed is 2.5-30 acres depending on the quality of land

Pasture raised cattle are kept on pasture.

What They Agree On… • Feed the world • Produce good quality meat • Keeping animals healthy • Reduce emissions from cattle farming • Feed cows forage • A lot of land is needed

Middle Grounds… • Create a diet that is both grass and corn fed • Keep a safe environment that will protect cattle from both predators and weather • Produce quality beef products for consumers at a reasonable price • Composting manureto better environment

Sources… • FAO.org • USDA.gov • About.com/Animal Rights • MagnumFeedyard.com

Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef “The Debate”