As you probably know, modern food-production is focused on maximising production and lowering food prices. To keep up with the demands, farmers will often attempt to produce meat and milk as quickly as possible. This means keeping animals indoors and feeding them on grains and even imported soya.

The natural diet of cows is pasture containing grasses, wildflowers and herbs. Keeping cattle out at pasture for as long as possible leads to happier, healthier cattle, and has the following benefits:

Health Benefits

• Lower levels of fat
• Higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has supposed anti-cancer properties
• Proven to have higher levels of vitamins and minerals than grain-fed beef
• Higher levels of Omega-3, important for brain function and development

Better Welfare Standards

• Pasture-fed animals are more free to express natural behaviours and herd dynamics
• Natural diet
• Require less veterinary intervention and antibiotics than grain-fed animals

Better for the Environment

• Lower carbon footprint than growing and feeding cereals
• Reduced soya use. Soya growth is often associated with environmental damage.
• Pasture-fed animals can graze nature reserves and wildflower meadows, benefiting habitats and the wildlife they support

And last but not least, a better taste!

Just more reasons to love conservation grazing!

Want to know more? Head over to the Pasture for Life website and get in touch for advice on conservation grazing.