Pasture-Finished Beef By Matt Tiefenbrun

What is Pasture-Finished Beef? Raising Beef Cattle strictly on forages –Generally Naturally Raised or Organic –Generally Management-Intensive Grazing

History of Pasture-Finished Beef (PFB) - Beef cattle were originally raised and finished on forages -As early as the 1950s, beef cattle started to be finished on a high energy high grain diet. -The popularity of PFB is growing again

Strategies for Raising PFB Watering Systems –Tire tanks –Gravity feed systems Grazing Strategies –Management intensive –Continuous grazing –Stockpiling Health –Parasite Control –Disease Control Breed

Benefits of PFB for Farmer Conservation Profit Pride in Product Symbiosis Ethical Treatment of Animals

Conservation Keeping forages much healthier Bring back native species of grasses

Profit Higher profits if managed correctly -Hay costs -Higher price for meat -Usually directly marketed

Pride in Product If you have pride in product its easier to market and sell Feel good about selling quality healthy meat

Symbiosis Raising different species to benefit each other

Ethical Treatment of Animals A happy cow is the best kind of cow

Benefits of PFB for Consumers Health Community Ethical Treatment of Animals

Benefits to your Health PFB has 3 to 6 times more CLA(conjugated linoleic acid) than conventional feedlot cattle PFB is also higher in Omega-3 fatty acids compared to omega-6 fatty acids Lower in fat Usually there are no antibiotics or growth hormones Cows lead much healthier lives

Benefits to the Community The community can get quality fresh product Gives people jobs Keeps small farms around Connects consumers with the source of their food

Benefits for Animals Cows live natural lives

Environmental benefits Can bring back native grass species Evenly distributes manure and urine over field

PFB Challenges For Farmer –Marketing Can be hard to find reliable buyer –Land Expensive Need high quality pasture

Challenges for Consumers Palatability –Tenderness –Stronger flavor Price –More expensive Availability –Can be hard to find

Different techniques based on PFB Grain supplementation –Giving grain supplements while still on pasture Feeding whole corn plants –Put cheap gains on cattle but still keep a healthy cow

Conclusion Healthy alternative to conventional feedlot beef Brings communities together Gives back to the environment instead of taking away from it

Questions?