Small farms have been vanishing across America as competition from huge agricultural concerns makes it hard for the little guy to make a living. However, there are ways for savvy owners to make a respectable income. Running a grass fed beef farm is one proven way to get ahead.
The idea of producing meat for the market on grass rather than on grain fits very well with modern economic factors and preferences. Since they can't win a price war with giant enterprises, small farmers realized they needed to find a niche in which they could succeed. The methods that successful entrepreneur farmers have come up with have spread across the industry and brought new life to families that want to live off the land.
If the product on offer is truly superior, the fact that it might be more expensive does not deter consumers. Many people are concerned about the quality of food produced on 'factory farms' or by 'mono-culture', and they want to patronize little local growers to get healthier meat, eggs, and produce. This is why Farmers' Markets are becoming more and more popular across the country.
Not everyone agrees that natural methods of farming are better for the environment, make for healthier food, and are more humane. However, a large part of the population does think this way, and they are willing to pay more for organic and local products. Science does tell us that conventional foods contain pesticide and herbicide residues that make them less than ideal.
Research has shown that meat from animals fed only on grasses, with no grain at any stage of their life, has a rich supply of essential fatty acids not found in conventional meats. The direct marketing of meat and produce, from farmers to consumers, means that foods should be fresh, should never have been subjected to radiation or chemicals that are used to retard spoilage, and should still provide vitamins that can be lost during a lengthy stay in cold storage.
A savvy farmer can save money by raising cattle on grass and then creating and supplying a market for his output. The elimination of the costly, labor and time-intensive, and hazardous-to-your-health raising of grain (farming is among the least healthy ways to make a living) means a larger profit margin. Improving pasture and controlling grazing makes the land richer year by year, ensuring future success.
As well as saving money on production and vet care (feedlots are known to be unhealthy for the cattle that are crowded into them), a farmer raising cattle on pasture has a product that the huge producers cannot match. The fact that it takes more land and more time to raise cattle this way discourages factory-farm managers. By raising consumer awareness of the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed meat (pastured poultry is also popular), farmers can establish a secure niche in the local market.
There are big ranches out west that sell this kind of naturally-raised meat to large grocery chains. However, almost every grass fed beef farm is run by a single family wanting to make a good living and provide a quality product to their customers. They deserve our support.
The idea of producing meat for the market on grass rather than on grain fits very well with modern economic factors and preferences. Since they can't win a price war with giant enterprises, small farmers realized they needed to find a niche in which they could succeed. The methods that successful entrepreneur farmers have come up with have spread across the industry and brought new life to families that want to live off the land.
If the product on offer is truly superior, the fact that it might be more expensive does not deter consumers. Many people are concerned about the quality of food produced on 'factory farms' or by 'mono-culture', and they want to patronize little local growers to get healthier meat, eggs, and produce. This is why Farmers' Markets are becoming more and more popular across the country.
Not everyone agrees that natural methods of farming are better for the environment, make for healthier food, and are more humane. However, a large part of the population does think this way, and they are willing to pay more for organic and local products. Science does tell us that conventional foods contain pesticide and herbicide residues that make them less than ideal.
Research has shown that meat from animals fed only on grasses, with no grain at any stage of their life, has a rich supply of essential fatty acids not found in conventional meats. The direct marketing of meat and produce, from farmers to consumers, means that foods should be fresh, should never have been subjected to radiation or chemicals that are used to retard spoilage, and should still provide vitamins that can be lost during a lengthy stay in cold storage.
A savvy farmer can save money by raising cattle on grass and then creating and supplying a market for his output. The elimination of the costly, labor and time-intensive, and hazardous-to-your-health raising of grain (farming is among the least healthy ways to make a living) means a larger profit margin. Improving pasture and controlling grazing makes the land richer year by year, ensuring future success.
As well as saving money on production and vet care (feedlots are known to be unhealthy for the cattle that are crowded into them), a farmer raising cattle on pasture has a product that the huge producers cannot match. The fact that it takes more land and more time to raise cattle this way discourages factory-farm managers. By raising consumer awareness of the health and environmental benefits of grass-fed meat (pastured poultry is also popular), farmers can establish a secure niche in the local market.
There are big ranches out west that sell this kind of naturally-raised meat to large grocery chains. However, almost every grass fed beef farm is run by a single family wanting to make a good living and provide a quality product to their customers. They deserve our support.
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