As consumers become more conscious about the quality and sourcing of their food, the demand for grassfed and pasture based products has skyrocketed. Grassfed foods, from beef to dairy, and pastured based foods such as pork and poultry are prized for their nutritional benefits, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare standards. However, navigating the marketplace for grassfed and pasture based products can take time and effort.
Labels, certifications, and terms can be confusing, leading many to wonder how to choose grassfed and pasture based products. This guide will help you understand what to look for and how to make informed choices that align with your values.
Understanding Grassfed: What Does It Mean?
Grassfed means that the animals are raised on pasture-based grass and forage. For livestock like beef cattle, bison, dairy, sheep and goat, their diet consists of grass throughout their life, with no supplemental grains. However, the term “grassfed” alone can be vague without proper certification, which ensures that the animals were genuinely pasture-based and not finished on grain in the final months of their lives.
The American Grassfed Association (AGA) defines hogs and poultry as pasture-based, but these species are allowed supplementation to ensure their nutritional needs are met. This distinction is essential, as hogs and poultry thrive best with some supplemental feeding, though their diet is primarily rooted in natural forage from pasture.
The Importance Of Certification
When choosing grassfed and pasture based products, looking for credible certifications from the American Grassfed Association is essential. AGA certification ensures animals are raised on pasture without confinement, antibiotics, or hormones. AGA’s certification isn’t limited to beef; it covers other species, including dairy cattle, goats, bison, hogs, and poultry. AGA’s certification also ensures that the products you are purchasing are supporting American Family Farms and Farmers.
When shopping for grassfed products, it’s crucial to look for labels that reference this certification to ensure that you are getting a product that meets high standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Key Points to Look for in Grassfed Certification
- Pasture-Based: Ensure that the product explicitly mentions being pasture-based. This means the animals were raised in open pastures, not confined feedlots.
- No Grain-Finishing: To avoid misleading claims, look for labels that specify 100% grassfed. Due to lax labeling requirements, this may or may not mean the products are 100% grassfed, unless you see the AGA certification.
- Antibiotic and Hormone-Free: AGA certification ensures that the animals were raised without antibiotics or hormones.
- Humane Treatment: Products certified by AGA ensure good animal husbandry of the animals, allowing them to roam freely and engage in natural behaviors.
Grassfed Products Beyond Beef
While grassfed beef is perhaps the most well-known category, grassfed products extend far beyond beef. Consumers can find grassfed dairy, lamb, goat, bison, and pasture-based pork and poultry. Each of these products carries its unique benefits:
Grassfed Dairy
Grassfed milk, cheese, and butter are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) linked to various health benefits.
Pasture-Based Pork
Hogs raised in a pasture-based environment have access to natural forage, producing pork products with richer flavor and improved nutritional value.
Grassfed Lamb and Goat
These products offer an excellent source of lean protein and are more environmentally sustainable due to their ability to graze on diverse pasturelands.
Grassfed Bison
Bison raised on pasture provides a leaner, nutrient-dense alternative to conventional beef,bison supplemented wth grain, with a lower environmental impact.
When shopping for these products, ensure the labels reflect the pasture-based, animal welfare-centric practices established by AGA certification.
Why Pasture-Based Matters
Choosing pasture-based products has broader implications than just personal health. Pasture-based farming practices promote soil health, reduce erosion, and encourage biodiversity. The animals graze in ways that mimic natural ecosystems, which can help minimize farming’s overall carbon footprint. Supporting pasture-based systems contributes to the health of rural economies and small family farms, which is essential to sustainable agriculture.
It’s also important to note that pasture-based animals, especially beef, lamb, and dairy cows, help improve the overall quality of the land they graze on by naturally fertilizing the soil and promoting the growth of diverse plant species. Hogs and poultry in pasture-based systems also play a role in soil aeration and pest control, further enhancing the land’s health.
How To Make The Best Choice As A Consumer
To ensure you’re choosing high-quality grassfed products, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Look for Certification
Always check for AGA certifications , which provide transparency about the farming practices behind the product.
2. Check the Species
Ensure you’re considering the full range of grassfed and pasture-based products available—not just beef but also dairy, lamb, goat, bison, hogs, and poultry.
3. Know the Terminology
Be wary of misleading labels. Terms like “natural” or “organic” don’t necessarily mean the animal was grassfed or pasture-based.
4. Ask Questions
Transparency is key, and reputable producers will be more than happy to share their methods.
5. Support Local
Support local farms and producers that adhere to these pasture-based practices whenever possible. Buying directly from local farmers often ensures higher transparency and promotes sustainable agriculture.
Making A Positive Impact With Your Choices
Choosing the right grassfed products is more than personal health—supporting sustainable farming, animal welfare, and rural economies. By opting for certified grassfed and pasture-based products, you positively impact the environment and help promote ethical farming practices. Whether buying beef, dairy, pork, or poultry, look for AGA certification to ensure you make a genuinely informed and responsible choice.
To learn more about AGA certifications and how to support American family farms and ranchers, visit the American Grassfed Association today.