Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef: What Actually Changes

"Grass-fed" gets used loosely — most cattle in the U.S. start on pasture, then move to a feedlot and finish on grain. "Grass-finished" means the animal ate only forage its entire life, which is what actually determines flavor and fat composition.

Flavor: grass-finished beef develops a richer, more mineral flavor from the diverse forage the animal eats. Fat profile: it tends to have a healthier ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, plus more CLA and antioxidants like beta-carotene. Leanness: it's generally leaner, with fewer calories and more protein and iron per serving.

At Fairway Farms, our Angus cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished — never grain-finished — from birth to processing.