Choosing Natural, Grass-fed Meat

When the first U.S. case of mad cow disease was confirmed in December of 2003 it became clearer than ever that we need to choose a more natural, organic approach to producing meat. These articles from the Mother Earth News archive include our latest stories on mad cow disease, information about the benefits of choosing grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy products, and articles on how you can produce your own safe, healthy and delicious natural meat.

What You Need to Know About the Beef You Eat by Jo Robinson  Issue 226, February/March 2008
Supermarket beef is an unnatural, industrial product. The good news is there are better and safer options.

Mad Cow Disease Hits Home by Lindsey Hodel  Issue 203, April/May 2004
The first U.S. case of mad cow disease has finally forced the USDA to start tightening regulations on the cattle industry.

Mad Cow Timeline by Lindsey Hodel  Issue 203, April/May 2004
In 1986, Great Britain discovered a new cattle disease called BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy). See what has happened since the outbreak began.

Pasture Perfect by Jo Robinson  Issue 191, April/May 2002
This excerpt from Jo Robinson’s book Why Grassfed is Best explains the many health benefits of choosing grass-fed meat and dairy products, including lower fat content and higher levels of important nutrients.

Natural Beef

Backyard Beef by Gene Logsdon  Issue 191, April/May 2002
Raise your own grass-fed beef! All you need to get started is a small pasture, some fencing and a little know-how.

Ideal Small Farm Cows: Dexter Cattle Issue 189, December/January 2002
These little Irish cows produce rich milk and lean, great-tasting beef. They’re just the right size for single-family use on a small acreage.

Raise Grass-fed Beef by Helen Molitor  Issue 63, May/June 1980
Not only is grass-fed beef healthier and more flavorful, but raising your cattle on pasture can save you money.

More Meat and Dairy

Saving Rare Turkey Breeds by Nancy Smith  Issue 202, February/March 2004
Choose these rare livestock breeds and preserve a rich heritage of history and flavor.

Eggstravaganza by Cheryl Long  Issue 196, February/March 2003
This four-part special section tells you how to raise backyard chickens, build a portable mini-coop, and enjoy delicious eggs and exceptional pest control from rare, beautiful heritage breeds.

Want Milk? Get Goats! by Kris Wetherbee  Issue 192, June/July 2002
Say ba-a-a to buying supermarket dairy products and raise your own dairy goats. Plus: Read about the impressive nutritional properties of goat meat.

The Trying and Buying Of Your First Cow by Lisa Faulkner  Issue 130, February/March 1992
Follow these tips for purchasing and raising a milk cow and enjoy healthful milk and butter from your own grass-fed cows.

For More Information

www.eatwild.com Scientific proof of the benefits of grass-fed meat is available at the Eat Wild site, which is maintained by Jo Robinson, author of the books Pasture Perfect and Why Grassfed is Best. The site also includes a directory of producers of grassfed beef, bison, pork, chicken and dairy products.

www.localharvest.org Find local sources of organic and grass-fed meat with this directory of family farms, farmer's markets and natural food stores.