Where Can I Buy Grass-Fed Beef Near Me? Your Guide to Local Grass-Fed Beef Sources

Grass-fed beef is growing in popularity for good reason – not only does it taste better in the opinion of many beef-lovers, but it also offers a range of health and environmental benefits compared to conventional, grain-fed beef. If you’re looking to make the switch to grass-fed, you may be wondering: where can I buy grass-fed beef near me?

The good news is that you have more options than ever when it comes to finding local, grass-fed beef regardless of where you live. Here’s your complete guide to sourcing grass-fed beef in your area.

What is Grass-Fed Beef?

Before we dive into where to buy it, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page when it comes to what grass-fed beef actually is. Grass-fed beef comes from cows that have spent their entire lives eating grass on open pastures. This contrasts with conventional beef, where cows are often given grain and soy-based feeds for much of their lives, especially in the months leading up to slaughter.

Only allowing cows to eat grass their whole lives changes the nutritional profile of the beef itself. Grass-fed beef tends to be:

• Higher in omega-3 fatty acids
• Higher in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have cancer-fighting properties
• Higher in certain vitamins like vitamin A
• Lower in total fat

Grass-fed cows are also able to live more natural lives. And because grass-fed beef is often local and grass doesn’t require as many resources to grow as grain, many people see it as a more environmentally sustainable choice as well.

Where to Buy Grass-Fed Beef

1. Local Butcher Shops

My first recommendation for finding grass-fed beef is always to check out your local butcher shop. Many independent butcher shops now carry grass-fed beef options to meet growing customer demand. When you buy from a local butcher, you’re getting beef that is usually:

• From a regional farm you can easily research
• Hand butchered for quality
• Fresh – animals are often slaughtered right before being butchered

Local butcher shops are also great because you can get customized cuts For example, if you want specific steak thicknesses or amounts of certain cuts like roasts or ground beef, just ask! Building a relationship with a butcher you like is a great way to get access to high quality grass-fed beef.

2. Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets are another excellent option for finding grass-fed beef. Like butcher shops, farmer’s markets give you the chance to connect directly with and learn from local farmers. When you buy beef at a farmer’s market, it often can’t get any fresher – some ranchers even sell meat from cows they slaughtered that same week.

Farmer’s markets are also the perfect chance to try small amounts of different cuts and find the grass-fed beef you like most before buying in bulk, Be sure to arrive early in the morning for the best selection at busy markets

3. CSAs

CSA stands for “community supported agriculture program.” Joining a grass-fed beef CSA or buying a share is a unique way to source local beef. How CSAs work: you pay upfront for a “share” of beef from a specific farm or rancher. You then receive a box of beef (often 10+ pounds) on a regular schedule such as monthly or quarterly.

CSAs are a great option because they connect you directly to a ranch, give you access to ultra-fresh beef all year, and allow farmers to better plan their production. Look for beef CSAs at farmer’s markets or search online directories like LocalHarvest.org.

4. Online Retailers

Online retailers provide unparalleled convenience when it comes to buying grass-fed beef. With just a few clicks, you can order beef from respected ranches around the country – and have it conveniently delivered to your door.

When ordering beef online, look for ranches that:

• Are certified grass-fed by organizations like American Grassfed
• Practice regenerative farming methods
• Are fully transparent about their practices

Two of my favorite online sources for grass-fed beef include Mariposa Ranch, which sells individual cuts a la carte, and Liberty Delight Farms, which offers custom box options.

5. Chain Grocery Stores

Large grocery store chains have also gotten on board with grass-fed beef – though quality can be hit or miss. When buying grass-fed beef from a big retailer, check:

• The specific labeling. Beef that just says “pasture raised” may not fully meet grass fed standards. Look for 100% grass-fed.
• The specific farms/ranches where the beef is coming from. Research their practices.
• The freshness. Grocery store beef often isn’t as fresh since it has to be shipped. Opt for a local butcher or farmer’s market if freshness is a priority.

While not ideal, grocery chains can be an accessible starting point for trying grass-fed beef if other sources aren’t available near you. Just do your research to ensure quality.

Grass-Fed Beef Delivery Services

One of the most convenient ways to get grass-fed beef is to order it online and have it delivered through a beef delivery service. These companies ship frozen grass-fed beef from partner farms straight to your door. Here are some of the most popular national delivery services to check out:

• ButcherBox: Custom boxes with 100% grass-fed/grass-finished beef, free-range poultry and heritage breed pork.

• Crowd Cow: A la carte cuts from farms around the country. All beef is grass-fed and grass-finished.

• Porter Road: Retailer specializing in meat from Kentucky & Tennessee. Grass-fed beef offerings.

• Holy Grail Steak Co.: Specialty retailer focusing on ultra-high end grass-fed Wagyu beef.

• Omaha Steaks: Traditional steak company now offering grass-fed beef options.

• Snake River Farms: Known for American Wagyu beef, also have some grass-fed options.

These services vary widely in pricing and level of quality, but can ship grass-fed beef nationwide. Do your research to find the best fit for your budget and preferences.

Tips for Buying Grass-Fed Beef

Follow these tips to make the most of sourcing grass-fed beef near you:

• Talk to your farmer/rancher: Ask about their practices, farm location, animal breeds, slaughtering, etc. to ensure quality.

• Understand portion sizing: Grass-fed cows are typically smaller than conventional cows, so expect smaller cuts. A 12oz grass-fed steak may deliver the same satisfaction as a 16oz conventional steak.

• Start with cheaper cuts: Try more budget-friendly cuts like ground beef and sirloin first before splurging on pricier options like steak.

• Focus on flavor: Grass-fed beef is all about that deep, nutty grass-fed taste. Embrace simple preparations and seasoning that let the flavor shine.

• Plan ahead: Fresh grass-fed beef is a more delicate product with a shorter shelf life. Buy what you’ll use in the next 1-2 weeks and freeze the rest.

Following these tips will help you make the most of sourcing the best grass-fed beef regardless of where you find it. Happy grass-fed beef hunting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is grass-fed beef better for you?

Yes, most research indicates grass-fed beef contains a healthier nutritional profile compared to conventional, grain-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3s, CLA, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Is all grass-fed beef local?

Not necessarily. Some online retailers ship beef from large grass-fed beef producers around the country. However, buying from local butchers, markets, and CSAs ensures your beef comes from small regional ranches.

Is grass-fed beef always organic?

No. Grass-fed means the cows eat only grass. Organic means the beef meets USDA organic standards, which govern aspects like pesticides, antibiotics, and the openness of pastures. Organic beef is always grass-fed, but not all grass-fed beef is certified organic. Always check specific labeling.

Does grass-fed mean no hormones or antibiotics?

Not automatically. To ensure beef is raised without hormones or routine antibiotics, look for labels that specifically make this claim in addition to being grass-fed. Talk to your rancher for clarification on what standards they follow.

Is grass-fed beef more expensive?

Yes, grass-fed beef tends to be more expensive than conventional beef in most cases. However, many feel the bump in price is worthwhile given the range of benefits that grass-fed beef offers. Plus, prices become more competitive the more local sources you can find.

The Bottom Line