Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef “The Debate”

Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef“The Debate” By: Jordan Cress

The Debate • There has been an ongoing debate on whether cattle lot beef or pasture beef is a better option. • To make a decision on which one is for you, middle ground must be found.

Cattle Lots… • 97% of beef in the market is grain-fed • It takes cattle that are fed corn about 12-15 months to make weight. Produced more frequently. • Feed lot cattle are protected from predators • Any animal that is sick is removed from pens and treated by the vet

Cattle Lots…(continued) • Cattle lots are kept as clean as possible for the cow’s and worker’s health • $2.50/lb • Average cattle lot is 25-80 acres depending on how many cows there are

Feed lots are kept clean and animals are fed twice a day.

Pasture Beef… • 3% of beef in the market is pasture fed • It takes cattle that are fed grass about 20-24 months to make weight • Higher nutritional value • Less fat • $9/lb • Average size of pasture needed is 2.5-30 acres depending on the quality of land

Pasture raised cattle are kept on a vast array of grassland.

What They Agree On… • Feed the world • Produce good quality meat • Keeping animals healthy • Reduce emissions from cattle farming • Feed cows forage • A lot of land is needed

Middle Grounds… • Create a diet that is both forage and corn fed • Keep a safe environment that will protect cattle from both predators and weather • Produce quality beef products for consumers at a reasonable price • Composting manureto better environment

Sources… • FAO.org • USDA.gov • About.com/Animal Rights • MagnumFeedyard.com • Cartoonstock.com

Questions?

Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef “The Debate”