Grass-Fed Revolution

1. Grass-Fed Revolution Veterinary Science and Ag Economics

2. How much beef do we eat? • Each person eats on average 59.7 pounds of beef per year (2010) • Compared to: • 48.0 pounds of pork • Approximately 82 pounds of chicken

3. What is a Grass-fed cow? • The grass-fed cow, which eats from a pasture and is not "finished" on a diet of grains and supplements for rapid weight gain

4. What is a Grain-fed cow? • A grain fed cow/ steer is one that has been raised in pastures, then finished on a grain and forage diet

5. Benefits of grass-fed • Said to be: • Better for the planet (less energy goes into growing grass than grain) • Better for the beef eater (less overall fat, and more omega-3s and other "good" fats) • Better for the steer (critics call feedlot practices as inhumane)

6. Benefits of grain fed • A feedlot steer can grow to slaughter weight (1200 lbs) up to a year faster than a cow fed only forage, grass, and hay • The feedlot process also enhances fat marbling, which is one factor that determines a cut of beef's USDA rating • the more fat within the red meat, the richer the taste, the higher the grade

7. Grain fed beef Grass fed beef

8. The cons • Smaller carcass • Grows slower (up to a year longer) • Less marbling • Increased cost • Higher fat and calorie content • Negative publicity • High concentration of grains in diet Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Fed Beef

9. Is grass-fed different? • As a cook, you will notice: • Sometimes a lot darker color • Often with less marbling • Yellow colored fat vs. white fat • Taste, usually non-traditional flavor

10. Omega-6 are saturated fatty acids • Omega-3 are unsaturated fatty acids

11. The Price • Ground beef: $8.49 per pound • Last year $4.99 per pound • Boneless Chuck Roast: $7.99 • New York Steak: $18.99 • Ground beef: $4.49per pound • Last year $2.69 per pound • Boneless Chuck Roast: $5.99 • New York Steak: $10.99 Grass Fed Beef Grain Fed Beef