1. ABCs of Raising Animals for the Freezer: A Primer

2. Types of Beef and Pork

3. Some Definitions Conventional – Raised and marketed in the manner the majority of the species is handled For beef that will be fed a high concentrate diet the last 100 to 200 days of their lives For swine that will be fed in confinement on a corn/soy diet until reach 230-250 lbs

4. Some Definitions Conventional USDA Organic – Any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced must adhere to the national organic standards. – http://www.ams.usda.gov/ AMSv1.0/nop Livestock Organic Standards – Animals for slaughter must be raised under organic management from the last third of gestation – Livestock feed must be 100% organic (exceptions vitamins and minerals) – No hormones to promote growth, or antibiotics for any reason. – Preventive management practices, including the use of vaccines, must be used to keep animals healthy. Producers must not withhold treatment from a sick or injured animal; however, animals treated with a prohibited medication may not be sold as organic. – All organically raised animals must have access to the outdoors, including access to pasture for ruminants.

5. Some Definitions Conventional USDA Organic Natural USDA defines Natural as: – Product is minimally processed – Product cannot contain any artificial ingredients – Product cannot contain any preservatives. – USDA has no specific restriction on management practices during the life of the animal. Most branded products: no growth implants, antibiotics or ionophores http://www.fsis.usda.gov/facts heets/Meat_&_Poultry_Labeli ng_Terms/index.asp

6. Some Definitions Conventional USDA Organic Natural Grass or Forage Fed USDA defines Grass or Forage Fed as: – Grass and forage shall be the feed source consumed for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning. – The diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass, forbs, browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state. – Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season. – Hay, haylage, baleage, silage, crop residue without grain, and other roughage sources may also be included as acceptable feed sources. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5063842

7. Some Definitions Conventional USDA Organic Natural Grass or Forage Fed Pasture Raised – No regulatory standard for the term exists – Indicates a dairy, egg, meat, or poultry product came from animals provided with continuous access to pasture and natural vegetation for a significant portion of their lives.