All Wild Zora beef bars are made with 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef. We are now working on bringing the grass-fed goodness to the Paleo Meals To Go. Because the only freeze-dried beef available in the U.S. is conventionally raised, we decided to buy a freeze drier and make our own. Soon, the Paleo Meals To Go will be the only freeze-dried meals on the market using 100% grass-fed beef.

Is that a lot of extra trouble?  Umm..yes.  So why did we decide to go this route?

Why Grass-Fed Beef?

The answer is simple:  100% grass-fed is 100% better. It’s better for you, better for the cattle and far better for the planet.

We talked about the benefits of fully grass-fed beef before. With the Earth Day approaching, let's take a look at how grass-fed beef production impacts the environment.

Nutritionally, grass-fed, grass-fed beef is superior to conventionally raised. Not only because all the extra nutrients that are in it but also because of all the chemicals that are NOT in it. Grazing cows are healthier and don’t need to be pumped full of antibiotics like their less fortunate counterparts “finishing up” in crowded, filthy feedlots.

Although we are carnivores, we believe that all animals we eat should be treated with kindness and respect. We owe them as much. We are very picky about our meat suppliers. We only work with farmers who put their animals’ well-being above quick “profit”.

Grass-Fed Beef And The Climate

 Allowing cattle to graze bring in benefits that go beyond nutritional value and animal well-being. It turns out that well-managed pastures can offset many environmental issues we face today.

 Pasture and the grazing animals create a small ecosystem that impacts the global ecosystem as well. We often we forget the “system” part of the ecosystem. A pasture is a complex, precariously balanced environment.

Healthy cattle need a variety of healthy grasses for optimal nutrition and health. Grasses need healthy soil and sustainable grazing practices to provide the best possible nourishment for the cattle.

Grain-finished beef, on the other hand, requires large quantities of grain. To produce grain at a low enough cost, the conventional farmers rely heavily on practices that impact the soil health, like over-tilling.

What Makes Soil Healthy?

Rotational Grazing

Rotational grazing is crucial. It means the farmer maintains several pastures and moves the animals around, so the pasture can “rest” and grasses have a chance to regrow. Proper grazing practices require farmers to think in a long-term way, understanding the land and the soil. Mismanagement or the “quick buck” mindset can lead to overgrazing.

When the soil loses its green cover due to overgrazing, it's more susceptible to drought and erosion.

We prefer to work with farmers who practice sustainable grazing practices.

Plenty of Organic Matter

Grazing cattle provide a steady supply of fertilizer that gets absorbed gently and naturally. Unlike commercial fertilizer, "cow pie" fertilizer doesn’t pollute the water supply.

Limited Or No Tilling

Overly tilled soil loses its ability to capture carbon and retain water. It's more susceptible to drought. Soil that has been minimally tilled is more stable and healthier. 

In this video demonstration, you can see the dramatic difference between tilled and "all-natural" soil.

The beauty of the pasture eco-system is that you don't need to work the natural cow-produced fertilizer into the soil. As the cattle roam around the pasture, their hoves gently work in the organic matter. 

How does this impact climate?

CO2 Reduction

Healthy soil captures carbon. This is important because when carbon escapes into the atmosphere, it quickly pairs up with oxygen, creating CO2. CO2, or carbon dioxide, is one of the infamous greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change.

This short video explains how a healthy soil with a green cover, like a pasture, for example, help mitigate the amount of CO2.

Water Retention

As we have seen earlier, healthy soil that is rich in organic matter act like a sponge. It easily soaks up water and releases it slowly. This assures that the grasses have a steady supply of moisture, so they are not dried up nor overwatered. 

We have learned so much in our pursuit of better food. This is yet another example of how nature works the best when left alone. When you compare a beautiful, self-sustaining pasture ecosystem with the overly farmed land, you feel humbled and grateful at the same time. Nature has it all figured out. Let's try not to stand in her way.

Happy Earth Day!

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