What is Grass Finished?
Grass-finished (also called grass-fed and grass-finished) means the animal ate nothing but grass, forage, and its mother's milk from birth to processing. This is different from 'grass-fed,' which can sometimes mean the animal started on grass but was finished on grain in a feedlot. Grass-finished is the higher standard and represents how ruminant animals evolved to eat.
Why Grass Finished matters
Grass-finished meat is nutritionally distinct from grain-finished. It tends to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vitamins A and E. Beyond nutrition, grass-finishing supports healthy pasture ecosystems, reduces dependence on commodity grain, and gives animals a life on pasture that aligns with their natural behavior.
What to look for
Ask specifically whether animals are 100% grass-finished — not just grass-fed. Reputable farms will be transparent about their finishing protocols. Look for farms that practice rotational grazing on their pastures, as this indicates a commitment to both animal welfare and land stewardship.
