Grass Fed vs Corn Fed

Let me begin by saying, I have nothing against grass fed cattle.  It has been a growing trend in America and it has its place in the meat industry.  BUT, I would like those on the grass fed side of the equation to be more careful how you talk about grain fed cattle. Remember Beef Consumers, grass fed proponents are trying to sell you their product and what better way than to put a negative spin on grain fed beef. Don't believe everything you read!

 

I am certain people can argue about taste on both sides of the fence. I, personally, believe there is a fairly significant difference between the two. Grain fed beef has more marbling in the meat while grass fed beef tends to be less marbled, leaner and in general, tougher. Leaner isn't always better when it comes to taste and tenderness. Rarely will you find a grass fed beef in the high choice or prime category. Much of the flavor in beef comes from the fat and marbling and there is a difference between the two. I am well aware that not every grain fed beef is high quality, but in general the above statements are true.

Grass fed proponents like to play the "cows are genetically made for grass" card. True, the anatomy of a cow's stomach (or multiple stomachs) is geared to handle grass much better than other animals. But,that does not mean they can not or should not eat grain. (Horses and Rabbits ought to lay off the grass - they only have one stomach. Actually, God made their digestive system unique, too, but this is not the time or place for that.) I am in agreement, it is dangerous to take cattle directly off grass and move them into a full grain diet. It is also dangerous to let a cow eat green alfalfa (oh no, a green plant) which is very important to the dairy industry. Both of them when mismanaged can cause the animal to bloat and die.

Grain has been fed to cattle as far back as bible times, so the argument that all cows in ages past were grass fed is just not true. We read in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4, 1 Corinthians 9:9, 1 Timothy 5:18). "Do not muzzle an ox while he is treading out the grain."  This certainly indicates that grain was a part of the oxen's (cattle) diet way back then. (I am in no way trying to explain those verses but only trying to make the point - cattle have been eating grain for a long, long, long time.)

I live in Iowa where feedlots are a major part of the landscape. I believe there is a place for large feedlots as well. Grain (not grass) is plenty in the Midwest, and it can produce more pounds of meat with less feed. We need this for the ever increasing population around the world. If all cattle were grass fed, people around the world would go without beef, because it would be unaffordable for the majority of the population.

WHAT THEN? What is a good option?

     22 Cattle Company's grain and hay fed Miniature Hereford Beef!  Grain fed beef without the hormones and antibiotics often found in feedlot cattle (given to these cattle to help them grow faster and more efficiently). No implants and specialty growth hormones. These miniatures grow well on a mixture of grains, proteins, and grass hay. Managed well to keep the health of the animal in mind.

WHY 22 Cattle?  Why 22 Cattle Company's Miniature Hereford Beef?

1. No sacrifice when it comes to taste!  Just the right amount of marbling for that incredible taste!
2. Miniature Herefords are naturally lean and tender - shorter muscle length.  Although it is not yet scientifically proven, many Miniature Hereford advocates believe that this beef is more tender because of the shorter muscle length. In addition, it only has to carry weight of up to 750-900 lbs as opposed to 1400-1500 lbs. This in turn keeps the meat more tender.
3. The price is right! Miniature Herefords are impressively efficient in converting feed into quality meat. They may cost a bit more than your average feedlot steer, but they are hormone/antibiotic free. They are also much cheaper than your typically grass fed beef because of the shorter length of time to feed them.

By the way, those who only want grass fed beef - you should consider raising Miniature Herefords.  My cows rarely get any grain and they are well conditioned on grass and roughage. I truly believe Miniature Herefords will grow faster on grass than their larger counterparts which is a huge saving to you, the producer.

Feel free to contact me anytime if you are interested in trying some or starting a herd of your own (grass or grain fed)! dhfarms@frontiernet.net