Where to Buy Grass Finished Beef

Grass finished beef has become increasingly popular in recent years as more consumers learn about the health and environmental benefits of 100% grass fed cattle. But with so many options now available, where is the best place to buy high-quality grass finished beef? In this article, we’ll compare three top grass fed beef producers—Beam Family Farms, Mariposa Ranch, and White Oak Pastures—to help you find the right source for truly pasture-raised beef.

Overview of Grass Finished Beef

Before diving into specific vendors, let’s first understand what exactly “grass finished” means. Grass finished beef comes from cows that have been raised on pasture their entire lives, grazing on grass and other forages. They are never confined to feedlots or fed grain. This represents the most natural diet for cattle.

Grass finished beef is praised for its superior nutritional profile compared to conventional grain-fed beef. It has:

• More omega-3 fatty acids
• Increased vitamins A and E
• Higher levels of antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase
• A better ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids

Since the animals are not administered antibiotics or hormones, grass finished beef is free of these additives. The enriched pastures also eliminate the need for pesticides, fertilizers, and GMO feed crops. For all these reasons, grass finished beef is better for human health and the environment.

Where to Buy Grass Finished Beef Online

Fortunately the growing consumer demand for grass finished beef has led to more family farms offering it directly to customers. Here are three of the top national suppliers that deliver 100% grass fed grass finished beef right to your door.

Beam Family Farms

Based in upstate New York, Beam Family Farms has been raising cattle for 150 years over four generations. They offer beef from 100% grass fed Gelbvieh cows free of antibiotics and added hormones.

Beam Family Farms has a variety of boxed beef packages available, including half cow (200 lbs), quarter cow (100 lbs), and eighth cow (50 lbs) selections The bundles come nicely portioned with an assortment of steaks, roasts, and ground beef Shipping is $20 per box.

25 lb ground beef bundles and 100 lb lean hamburger packs are also available. Their convenient online ordering and shipping to most states make Beam Family Farms a great choice for high-volume grass finished beef.

Mariposa Ranch

Family-owned Mariposa Ranch in California has provided grass fed beef since 2006. Their cattle are raised year-round on open pastures to produce beef that is 100% grass fed and grass finished. No pesticides, chemicals, antibiotics, or hormones are used.

Mariposa Ranch offers individual cuts of grass finished beef like ribeyes and NY strips, along with bulk ground beef and combo boxes. Custom whole, half, and quarter cows are available as well. Orders over $150 ship for free within CA, AZ, and NV. Mariposa Ranch also provides monthly subscription boxes delivering an assortment of steaks, roasts, organs, bones, and ground beef.

Their convenient online store and shipping across most of the country make it simple to get delicious grass finished beef delivered straight from small family ranchers.

White Oak Pastures

Based in Bluffton, Georgia, White Oak Pastures is a family owned farm and one of the largest USDA certified organic operations in the state. They have been grazing livestock in SW Georgia for over 150 years.

White Oak Pastures offers individual cuts of grass finished beef like filet mignon, ribeye, brisket, stew meat, and ground beef patties. They also sell variety packs and monthly subscription boxes. Free shipping is included on orders over $249.

Their on-farm abattoir means the grass fed cattle are processed right on the farm and the beef is butchered by hand. White Oak Pastures ships their humanely raised, grass finished beef nationwide. The assortment of cuts and consistent quality make them a terrific choice.

How to Choose the Best Source for Grass Finished Beef

When deciding where to purchase grass finished beef online, here are some key tips:

• Look for 100% grass fed and grass finished – This guarantees no grain or feedlots.

• Choose family owned & operated farms – Small family farms are most committed to quality and humane practices.

• Consider the duration farming grass fed – Farms with generations of experience produce better grass finished beef.

• Review shipping options – Choose vendors that ship nationwide and include free shipping over a reasonable order total.

• Compare portioning – Look for specific steak, roast, and ground beef amounts rather than total poundage.

• Read online reviews – Check third-party sites to learn what real customers say about quality, service, delivery, and more.

While the farms noted above all offer excellent grass finished beef, there are many other small producers across the US to discover. Don’t be afraid to try a local farm or rancher to find the best grass fed beef for your family.

Health Benefits of Eating Grass Finished Beef

Switching to grass finished beef provides some great health advantages:

• Lower Fat & Calories – Grass finished beef has lower overall fat content and fewer calories than conventional grain-fed beef.

• More Omega-3s – Levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are significantly higher.

• Fewer Heart Disease Risks – The improved nutritional profile reduces cardiovascular disease risks.

• No Added Hormones – Grass finished cattle are not given dangerous steroid hormones common in industrial beef farming.

• No Antibiotics – Grass finished beef is antibiotic-free, unlike feedlot cattle routinely given antibiotics.

• Higher Antioxidants – Important antioxidants like vitamin E and glutathione are increased.

• Better Iron & Zinc – Grass finished beef provides more bioavailable iron and zinc to promote blood health.

Switching even some of your beef consumption to grass finished options can make a big difference for your health.

Is Grass Finished Beef Really Better?

Some consumers are skeptical that grass finished beef actually lives up to the hype. Here’s a look at some common concerns:

Myth: Grass finished beef is tough and dry.

Fact: When properly raised and butchered, grass finished beef is just as tender and juicy as grain-fed. The superior marbling also enhances taste and texture.

Myth: It’s too expensive.

Fact: While prices are often higher than conventional beef, many grass finished beef suppliers offer boxes and bulk packages that keep per pound costs very reasonable.

Myth: It won’t taste as good.

Fact: The rich forage diet actually produces more robust, complex flavors. Once you try it, the more pronounced taste of grass finished beef becomes preferred.

Myth: There’s limited availability.

Fact: Online ordering from farms around the country provides easy access. Variety box subscriptions also guarantee consistent monthly delivery.

The proof is really in the pasture-raised pudding. Those who try grass finished beef from reputable sources find the rave reviews are well-founded.

Grilling Grass Finished Beef

One concern when cooking grass finished beef for the first time is proper grilling technique. Here are some tips to achieve the best results:

• Grill at slightly lower heat than grain-fed to prevent overcooking the leaner meat.

• Only flip steaks once and don’t press down with spatulas for juicier results.

• Allow meat to rest 5-10 minutes after grilling before serving to redistribute juices.

• Try marinades and rubs to boost flavor, but go easy on salt due to the robust taste.

• Cook a little more rare or medium-rare to prevent drying out and enjoy the distinctive flavor.

With a bit of practice, you’ll master cooking your grass finished beef just the way your family loves it.

Discover Delicious Grass Finished Beef