We’ve heard the question asked time and time again when we talk about our 100% Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb:
“Don’t all cows/sheep eat grass?” We’ll give you a comprehensive answer.
Grass-Fed beef and lamb is expected to come from cattle and sheep that eat grass (and other green forage) while grazing in open pastures for their entire life. This seems straight forward, but there can be some confusing messages out there that seem to lack transparency.
Confusion starts with use of advertised claims such as “grass-fed, grain finished” which can trick a person into thinking the meat they are eating is something it is not. In a nut shell, “grass-fed, grain finished” is conventionally raised, the same meat as you'll find at your local super markets.
Currently, over 90% of beef and lamb consumed in Canada is grain-fed (typically corn or barley); because grain finishing is a more financially rewarding system when it comes to raising meat animals in North America. The cost is lower, and grain adds weight much faster than grass-feeding. This allows farmers to get their animals to market much faster.
In recent years, there has been some dietary discussion about red meat being unhealthy to eat. The reality of what makes red meat potentially unhealthy has a lot to do with the artificial fattening of these animals. Not only do grain finished animals eat food that has not been a traditional part of their diet, but feedlot cows and industrially raised lamb also have more antibiotics and added growth hormones than those that grazed on grass and forage for their entire lives. Studies have discovered that grain-fed (or grain finished) meat does not have the same nutritional profile as grass-fed/finished. Studies show that cattle and sheep fed grain lack many good omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) compared to grass-fed. Both of these essential fatty acids have some excellent health benefits for consumers.
When it comes to our products, we promise transparency with no confusion and quality without surprises. Our Maverick Farms 100% Grass-Fed/Finished Beef and Lamb is in the upper echelon of premium grass fed product – please try it and know for yourself!
Do your cows ever get grain?
Never. Our cattle is raised on grass either in the form of pasture/grazing or hay in the winter time. They are not supplemented with ANY grains, making our beef a top choice for gluten free/celiac diets, as well as all around health.
How do you raise sheep without grain?
Our sheep are raised on pasture, and in the winter they are fed hay. We get some pretty rough winters here in the Interior of BC but we have chosen our breeds appropriately. Sheep are already extremely hardy and can easily thrive in our rough winters. However we do like to give them a little boost, especially the pregnant ewes. Instead of immediately going to grain, we choose to use alfalfa. Alfalfa has a higher protein content than other grasses and have proven to be an effective choice for use here at Maverick Farms. Our sheep are happy with their treat and we know that whats going in is quality product ensuring we can produce a quality product for our customers.
What do you mean ethical handling techniques?
Maverick Farms cows and sheep are handled with the most care we can realistically give them. Unlike commercial farms our cattle and sheep:
Why do I have to order in advance?
Due to our low number herds, our meat sells out very quickly. We focus on quality over quantity. We send beef and lamb to butcher once a year so most customers have a recurring annual order. If you'd like to put your name on some it is very important to let us know ASAP before it is all sold out. For the price of our beef and lamb, its very difficult to find comparable product on the market!!
How do I order?
Check out our Meats page for information about orders.
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