Beef Choices
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How popular is organic beef? |
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What is organic beef? |
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I’ve seen some beef labeled “natural.” How is it different? |
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Why are feedlots used in cattle production?
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How popular is organic beef?
Although it’s still a small segment of the market, cattlemen are proud to cater to a variety of consumer lifestyles and preferences, including those who want to follow an organic lifestyle and still want great tasting, nutritious and wholesome beef. The “natural” and organic beef market segment is growing at a greater rate than other beef in retail supermarkets. However, retail sales of “natural” and organic beef comprise only about 1 percent of the total beef volume and less than 2 percent of total beef sales.
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What is organic beef?
As with all organic products, organic beef is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Beef certified and labeled as organic must meet the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) standards, which include:
- Feeding cattle one-hundred percent organic feed; cattle may be provided certain additional vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Not administering hormones to promote growth or antibiotics for any reason. Sick animals cannot be denied treatment to ensure health, however, any animal that is treated with antibiotics must be taken out of the NOP.
- Cattle must have access to pasture, although almost all cattle meet this requirement regardless of their organic status.
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I’ve seen some beef labeled “natural.” How is it different?
By definition, most beef is natural. The U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says the term “natural” may be used on a label for meat if the product does not contain any artificial flavor or flavoring, coloring ingredient, chemical preservative or any other artificial or synthetic ingredient, and the product and its ingredients are not more than minimally processed. A “natural” label on beef products generally refers to production methods, i.e. sick cattle who require antibiotics are frequently taken out of the natural programs.
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Why are feedlots used in cattle production?
Cattle spend most of their lives grazing in fields and stay in feedlots for a relatively short period of time. Still, this is an important stage in beef production that helps produce the wholesome and nutritious beef Americans love. With the help of veterinarians and animal nutritionists, the feedlot stage of grain-fed beef production provides a safe and productive environment for beef producers to care for their animals. In a feedlot setting, animals eat a carefully balanced diet that includes corn, vitamins and mineral supplements. Feedlot diets are often developed in consultation with veterinarians and animal nutritionists and take into account both animal health and beef production standards.
Top | More informationFACT SHEET: Beef Choices
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