If you’ve ever tasted the difference between grass fed and grain fed beef we won’t need to explain why Grass fed is better!  But what does the science behind grass fed vs grain fed say?

Many people already know that grass-fed beef is good for them because it has healthier fats. But there are more things about it that you might not know, like its ability to make you feel full, its higher amount of minerals, and its role in preventing certain diseases in modern societies. Let's start by talking about why the fat in grass-fed beef is better for you.

Good Fats

Acknowledging the crucial role of fats in our diets is vital for overall health. Essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, play a significant role in biological processes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced intake. Our ancestral diets had a harmonious Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of around 1:1, promoting optimal health and longevity. However, modern Western diets have shifted this balance, with significantly higher levels of Omega-6. This imbalance has been linked to prevalent diseases like heart disease, cancer, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Opting for grass-fed beef becomes paramount for maintaining a healthier fat balance. Grass-fed beef offers a favorable Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio of approximately 1.5:1, mirroring the ratios found in wild game. In contrast, grain-fed beef can have ratios as high as 16:1, contributing to health issues associated with elevated Omega-6 levels. Research suggests that a diet rich in Omega-6 may lead to memory problems, Alzheimer's disease, weight gain, allergies, and depression.

Choosing grass-fed beef not only ensures a more balanced essential fatty acid profile but also serves as a preventive measure against diseases. The fat profile of animals quickly shifts to an undesirable level when they are switched to grain-based feed. Grass-fed beef, along with other natural sources like free-range meats, coconut oil, olive oil, and pasture-fed eggs, promotes a healthier Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio. Avoiding commonly used vegetable oils high in Omega-6, such as canola and soybean oil, aligns with a whole-food approach, staying true to what nature intended.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

The health benefits of grass-fed beef extend beyond its higher omega-3 fat content. Another valuable component found mainly in ruminant animals like cows and sheep, which graze on grass pastures, is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). CLA possesses notable health attributes, playing a role in preventing:

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Osteoporosis

• High blood pressure

• Inflammation

In addition to these health benefits, bodybuilders appreciate CLA for its ability to reduce body fat and promote an increase in lean body mass.

Benefits of Secondary Compounds in Grass-Fed Beef

Selecting grass-fed beef over grain-fed isn't just about primary nutrients like protein and carbohydrates; it taps into the rich world of secondary compounds or phytochemicals found in plants. Often overlooked, these include tannins, flavonoids, aromatic oils, and alkaloids, akin to nature's medicines. Despite the complexity of these compounds, their diverse array significantly contributes to the overall well-being of our cows and, subsequently, the health of those consuming our grass-fed beef.

These secondary compounds play various roles in the body, serving purposes such as antibacterial and anti-parasitic functions in the digestive tract, providing antioxidant protection, inhibiting cancer growth, stimulating circulation, preventing diarrhea, offering pain relief, boosting immunity, inducing satiety, influencing feed intake, improving fertility, and enhancing the flavor and color of foods.

To access the necessary variety of these compounds, our cows need a diverse pasture. This diverse diet not only maintains their good health but also eliminates the need for chemical treatments. Unlike animals fed on a single species crop, our cows, guided by their natural instincts, can "self-medicate" and ensure their own well-being.

This approach not only keeps our cows healthy but also allows us to avoid pesticides and undesirable chemicals. Opting for beef from cows raised on chemical-free, diverse pastures translates into clean, nutritious food for our customers. This commitment underscores our dedication to sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring you receive the associated benefits of plant secondary compounds when you choose to consume our beef.

Mineral Content

Compared to grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef boasts elevated levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies reveal heightened concentrations of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, in grass-fed beef. Additionally, grass-fed beef is recognized for its increased content of cancer-fighting antioxidants such as vitamin E, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase.

Further research demonstrates that grass-fed beef stands out with higher levels of essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin B12. These elements play pivotal roles in various bodily functions, enhancing the nutritional profile of grass-fed beef.

At Willarah Farm, we aim for our cattle to only have one bad day in their lifetime.

From day one, our cattle are handled in a way that minimises stress and anxiety. A by-product of the regenerative practices that we have adopted mean that we spend time with the cattle every couple of days, shifting them from paddock to paddock and managing their mineral supplement intake; this consistent exposure to people and vehicles means most don’t bat an eyelid to us (except for the couple that have come to expect a scratch on the rump!)

The steers we set aside for processing are weaned in a paddock alongside their mothers until the cows’ milk dries up; minimising the distance of separation aids to reduce cow and calf stress. Once the cow is no longer producing milk, the cattle are combined back into a single herd. There is plenty of evidence backing up the eating quality of meat when grown in a low stress environment. for more information click here.

Our cattle have access to a range of supplementary minerals during their life, with the intent of both maintaining their health and minimising the need for medicated drenches.

All beef produced on our farm is grass-fed and finished, and while it takes longer for the cattle to reach prime weight and condition, this time and patience translates to an enhanced eating experience for our customers.

We run a small commercial speckle park herd at Willarah Farm. Each year we select the best steer calves from that season and grow them out until around 2 years old. This allows enough time to develop that rich grass fed flavour our customers have grown to love!

When our steers have reached prime condition (around 2 years old) we send them to Radford’s in Warragul. After that they are transported in a refrigerated truck to Murphy’s meats Butchers in Trafalgar where they are hung for a minimum of 1 week. They are then packaged up and ready for collection/delivery to you.

Regenerative agriculture has proven to be a transformative approach for our beef farm, yielding numerous benefits that extend across pasture health, animal well-being, and environmental sustainability. One of the key advantages lies in the rejuvenation of pasture health. By employing regenerative practices such as rotational grazing and cover cropping, we promote soil fertility, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity. This not only ensures a more robust and resilient pasture ecosystem but also contributes to improved forage quality for our grazing animals.

The well-being of our livestock is paramount, and regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in enhancing animal health. By allowing our cattle to graze on diverse pastures and minimizing stress through rotational grazing patterns, we observe a reduction in common health issues. The varied diet, rich in essential nutrients from different forages, supports overall herd health, reducing the need for antibiotics and veterinary interventions. This holistic approach fosters a symbiotic relationship between our animals and the land they graze on, ensuring their longevity and vitality.

Moreover, the benefits of regenerative agriculture extend beyond our farm gates to the broader environment. Practices such as carbon sequestration in the soil and the reduction of synthetic inputs contribute to a lower carbon footprint for our beef production. This aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable practices that mitigate climate change impacts. By fostering healthy soils, we not only enhance our farm's resilience to extreme weather events but also play a role in promoting broader ecological balance.

In conclusion, embracing regenerative agriculture has proven to be a holistic and sustainable approach for our beef farm. From fostering vibrant pasture ecosystems to enhancing animal health and reducing environmental impact, the benefits of regenerative practices are integral to our commitment to responsible and sustainable beef production.

Our cattle are raised from birth on farm, this means the food miles are extremely low! In total, from farm to butcher shop the total food miles is 81km's.