Health conscious consumers are looking more and more to eating organically-raised beef according to Washington State University. The meat of livestock fed an organic diet of greens has less saturated fat and fewer calories than grain-fed animals. Organic beef also contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which only adds to the appeal.
Identification
Under the premise of organic beef production, all livestock require provisions that adequately meet their health and behavioral needs. Organic living conditions include shelter, plenty of room to exercise and roam, fresh water, fresh air and bright-green pastures. The Organic Trade Association also says that all organic livestock require feed that is 100% organic.
Potential
An animal raised for organic beef purposes must be born to a mother fed an exclusive organic diet at the very latest during her third trimester, if not before, according to Idaho Land and Livestock. The organic beef market bans the use of antibiotics and growth hormones. Livestock can neither consume a plastic pellet diet, nor feed on formulas that contain manure or urea.
Expert Insight
Organic feed contains no animal byproducts. NY Medical Nutrition explains that by nature, cattle are herbivores. So, livestock raised for organic purposes must receive a diet that adheres to their natural tendencies. An organic diet for livestock consists mainly of grass. In fact, organically-raised cattle eat grass from the day they are born up until the time of slaughter. Even the grass is organic---completely free of pesticides.
Prevention
To prevent fraudulent claims, organic beef producers must set in place a system of checks and balances, which includes impeccable record keeping. A 100% claim of organic beef must be traceable through a detailed paper trail. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic Program requires organic beef farms to undergo onsite inspections, and a USDA agent must be assigned to the farm prior to retail sale. The National Organic Program also requires the segregation of grass-fed and pellet-fed livestock.
Time Frame
An organic pasture must undergo certification at least one year prior to the birth of the organic calves according to Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Services. No certification is retroactive. Inspection of the land must occur during the growing season in order for the inspector to make a proper assessment. In most cases, paperwork should be issued for inspection in the late winter. The inspection should be conducted by the beginning of the summer that same year.
References
- Washington State University: U.S. Grass-Fed Beef: Marketing Health Benefits
- Organic Trade Association: Facts Concerning the Production of Organic Beef
- Idaho Land and Livestock: Idaho's Organic Program
- NY Medical Nutrition: Grass Fed Beef vs. Factory Produced Beef
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Organic Program: National Organic Program
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