Health Benefits of Grass Fed Beef

Unlike grain finished beef that is found in most grocery stores, Lemieux Creek Ranch grass-fed beef is raised without hormone implants, antibiotics,  grain or any feed derived from GMO products.

In the Bulkley Valley we can produce top quality forages for our animals due to our growing season. In the middle of summer we have about 18 hours of sunlight per day, which allows for plants and grasses to grow and  photosynthesize for a much longer time period than in other regions. Because of this our cattle are able to grow at a comparable rate to the mainstream beef industry without the use of grains, corn silage, or extra additives. Our animals get the best feed in summer grazing and stored winter hay. We believe that what you put in is what you will get out, we believe that it is best for animals to grow on a diet how nature intended. This is why we are confident that our beef is a cut above the rest!

Grass-fed beef offers these health advantages compared to cattle finished on grain:

  • A nearly ideal ratio in the occurrence of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Studies indicate that diets with a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio are health-promoting. A recent Canadian study into the effect of grass species on fatty acid composition in beef concluded that that consumption of grass-fed, and especially pastured beef, may be a tasty and wholesome way to enjoy the benefit from health promoting fatty acids.

  • A higher percentage of CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a potent anticancer fatty acid produced in quantity only by pastured ruminants. CLA has also been shown to inhibit obesity and prevent diabetes. According to Dr. Tilak Dhiman of Utah State University, “CLA is the only compound of animal origin that has shown in research trials all over the world to inhibit cancer.” *

  • Recent research has shown that lean beef is superior to free amino acid supplements in stimulating muscle protein synthesis in humans. Translation: by eating lean beef, our bodies are increasing muscle protein synthesis by 51 percent, regardless of age.
  • Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat, as much as 35% lower in New York Strip Steaks and 65% lower in ground beef **

* Dr. Dhiman’s remarks were made at a conference on grass-fed meats and milk, and are reprinted here as they appeared in the February 2001 Stockman Grassfarmer.

**Source: Time Magazine, June 11, 2006

Hay under cover to preserve nutritional quality over the winter.

Hay under cover to preserve nutritional quality over the winter.