Why is 100% Grass-fed Beef more expensive than conventionally raised beef?
The short answer because it’s better for you and it’s not mass produced.
HEALTH BENEFITS. Conventionally raised beef means that the cows are fed grass for the first 6 months and then sent to feedlots where they consume genetically modified (GMO) corn and grains for the rest of their lives. This unnatural diet often leads to inflammation and acidosis. Feeding a cow corn and grain is akin to you eating cake and doughnuts, three times a day for seven months.
“100% Grass-fed Beef” means that the animals are fed only grass and forage for the duration of their lives (never grain), are raised on pasture, and are never treated with antibiotics or hormones. A diet of grass is important because grass is what cows are designed to eat. Much like you thrive when you eat in alignment with your body’s needs, so do they. Properly fed cows are healthy, happy and the precursor to a high-quality product and nutrient-dense meal.
Grain and corn are the diet of choice for conventionally raised cows not because they nourish the cows, but because they fatten them up quickly. This means big bucks for those who profit. Adding insult to injury, the frequent illness that results from this unnatural diet must then be controlled by a steady dose of antibiotics. Roughly 70% of the total United States antibiotic production is fed to our farm animals just to help keep them alive. Studies have also shown that these antibiotics are passed on to the consumer, who is eating conventionally raised beef, which can cause hormonal, reproductive and developmental issues. They have even been linked to certain cancers.
PRICE. 100% Grass-fed Beef represents a small, but significant portion of the beef industry that appeals to a growing consumer base. However, marketing issues can be challenging. Some of the primary obstacles of growing the industry include year-round production and supply, market confusion and consumer understanding of grass-fed labeling and price premiums of up to 70% over conventional beef. Further, because of the general lack of regulation and standards, lower-quality products labeled as grass-fed can confuse consumer expectations and satisfaction.
Overall, production costs are simply higher than conventional beef due to lack of a nationwide infrastructure enjoyed by other livestock products. Most current growers, processors and retailers are relatively small and lack the capacity to expand the industry quickly. Larger facilities, while able to produce more product, often lack the controls that meet core consumer desires (such as a grass-fed feedlot that relies on pelleted forage or other foodstuffs and animal living conditions not consistent with consumer expectations). About 81% of grass-fed cattle are sold through branded programs, while the remainder are direct marketed by smaller-scale producers. Often, those selling into branded programs only receive about 25–30% of the roughly 70% premium often associated with grass-fed products.
Another key challenge is processing and marketing constraints, as most in the grass-fed industry rely on the infrastructure already in place for conventionally raised beef. For perspective, the grass-fed industry currently slaughters about 230,000 head, or less than 1% of the total conventional slaughter. However, the demand for grass-fed beef steadily increases, while the overall demand for beef declines as it competes with other sources of protein.
So, as you can see, 100% Grass-fed Beef means:
- Healthy cows
- Higher nutrient density
- Healthy consumer diet
Does this cost more? Yes, but only in the short term.
For example, if you consume the average intake of beef each year in America (approximately 67 pounds), then one year of grass-fed beef will only cost you $300 additional dollars. While this may seem like a significant amount, it's important to remember that what you eat has a huge impact on the state of your health. The $300 you spend this year is likely to save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in prevented doctor’s bills, medications, and other health care costs down the road. We can either pay the farmer or we can pay the hospital.
That is precisely the issue. Many people worry about the cost TODAY, instead of seeing the benefits TOMORROW, and for the rest of your healthy, happy life.
PRICE OF GREAT WISCONSIN STEAK COMPANY BEEF. Having presented the argument on price, the Great Wisconsin Steak Company pushes the value proposition higher. Because of the lower fat content, healthier meat, the more difficult our meat is to cook properly. So, we take this hassle on ourselves and only supply 100% Grass-fed Beef that is perfectly seasoned and prepared to medium rare before it gets to your home. Since it arrives frozen and has an unrestricted shelf life in the freezer, when you want a healthier choice, maybe not all the time, all you need to do is thaw the meat. Not too difficult, right? Once thawed you can cut it up for a sandwich or salad. But if you prefer your beef hot for a dinner, then in less than 4 minutes our beef can be finished with a simple sear. To get a sear, use a broiler, cast iron pan or a very hot grill. Simply Sear & Savor. So tender and juicy, it melts in your mouth. Now that’s easy!
So, now you can see, Great Wisconsin Steak Company 100% Grass-fed Beef means:
- Healthy cows
- Higher nutrient density
- Healthy consumer diet
VALUE ADDED - Conveniently shipped to your door
- No brainer; just thaw and finish
- Enjoy perfectly seasoned, perfectly medium rare, 100% Grass-fed Beef every time!
- SIMPLY SEAR & SAVOR
Thanks for reading,
GWSC
