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Grass-Fed & Finished vs. Pasture-Raised Beef

written by

Anonymous

posted on

July 26, 2025

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What’s the difference? We’re glad you asked.

We’ve had a few folks ask about the two types of beef on our website — grass-fed & finished and pasture-raised. So let’s break it down simply:

🌱 Grass-Fed & Finished

This means the animal was raised entirely on grass and forage from start to finish — no grain, ever. For most of the year, that means grazing fresh pasture. But in the winter months, when the grass isn’t growing, these animals eat hay — dried grass or legumes that we harvest and store during the growing season. It’s like preserving summer’s pasture for the colder months.

The result? A leaner, slightly more earthy-tasting beef with potentially higher omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) — both considered beneficial fats.

🌾 Pasture-Raised (Grain-Finished)

Our pasture-raised beef also lives on open pasture, grazing on grass their entire lives. The only difference? In the final 60–90 days, we supplement their diet with non-GMO grain — while they’re still on pasture and still eating grass. The grain helps increase marbling, which makes the meat richer, more tender, and juicier.

🧠 What’s the Difference in Nutrition?

Both types of beef are ethically raised, hormone-free, and full of real nourishment.

  • Grass-finished beef is typically leaner with a stronger beef flavor and higher omega-3s.
  • Grain-finished beef tends to have more marbling and a milder, buttery texture.

💬 Have More Questions?

We're always happy to share more about how we raise our animals, what we feed them, or how to choose the best cut for your family. Just ask — we’re here for it.



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