1. Natural is Not Organic
Be careful of the "natural" label. When looking for beef, choose organic meat labeled as "never" receiving growth hormones. Some "natural" beef suppliers provide growth hormones during much of the raising process, and then wean them off the hormones shortly before they go for processing. You also might want to call the manufacturer and ask what they use for cattle feed. Some beef cows eat feed laced with processed animal parts, which is how mad cow disease got started. The USDA requires certain testing for those farms that choose to go organic, which means the testing is already in place. Also look for the "grass-fed" label, which ensures the beef you eat hasn't eaten the brains of other cows.
2. Buy Local, Save Big
Choose organic meat from a local supplier and you will find you save on both time and money. Although stopping at the local Whole Foods market for your package of frozen burgers may seem convenient, but instead just plan ahead. Buy a freezer, order a side of beef and you'll reap the benefits. Buying in bulk like this saves a ton of money and you get the freshest cuts of meat. Locate an organic meat farmer in your area by looking online at "Eat Wild" (http://www.eatwild.com), which lists a directory of grass fed beef producers, chicken and egg suppliers and vegetable and dairy farms. They list farms by state and each listing has contact information with an address. When you choose a local supplier, you also have the benefit of being able to take a drive past the farm and check out the works.
3. A Peck in the Right Direction
When you choose organic meat, you not only benefit yourself, you also benefit the living conditions of the animal you are purchasing. Many local chicken farmers raise free range chickens, which means they roam and are able to scratch and peck where they like. Their varied diet consists of more than simply corn meal. The chickens not raised free range might be grown in small cages, fed by conveyor belts and may possibly have their beak removed. This is because the close quarters cause them to peck at one another, so they remove the chickens' beaks so they don't injure each other. These close quarters also create a breeding ground for disease, which makes regular doses of antibiotics necessary. Choose your chicken wisely by looking for "free range" on the label. The chickens will thank you.
