Doubled Gifts: Every Contribution is Matched
In the realm of sustainable farming, the debate between grass-fed and grain-fed beef has gained significant attention. A North English mentee, inspired by the work of the Pasture-Farming Learning (PfL) organisation, has expressed optimism that farming can be a force for good. As PfL seeks public support to accelerate its work with farmers, it is essential to understand the differences between these two farming methods.
Pasture-raised cattle, while producing about 20% more methane due to their slower growth and roughage digestion, have the potential to support grassland ecosystems that sequester carbon in soils. However, cattle grazing can contribute to deforestation and land use change, particularly where forests are cleared for grazing or feed production. Grain-fed systems, on the other hand, often rely on significant feed crop production, which can involve deforestation, monocropping, and fertiliser use impacting soil and water health.
Nutritionally, grass-fed beef tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and some antioxidants like vitamin E. In contrast, grain-fed beef tends to have higher total fat and marbling, which may have a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, considered less ideal nutritionally.
From a flavour perspective, pasture-raised beef is often described as having a more robust, “gamey” or earthy flavour, while grain-fed beef is typically more tender with a richer, buttery flavour preferred by many consumers.
The choice between these systems involves trade-offs, balancing environmental impacts, nutritional outcomes, and consumer taste preferences. PfL, a leading organisation in the pasture-based farming movement, supports farmers to move towards profitable, pastured farming through on-farm events, evidence, a community, online learning, and one-on-one mentoring.
This week, donations to PfL will be doubled as part of the Big Give's Green Match Fund. A £40 donation offers 1 hour of one-on-one mentoring, while a £400 donation funds a farm walk for 30 attendees. A £4 donation provides learning resources and materials for farmers.
It is crucial to note that farming is at a critical point due to depletion of nature, climate change weather extremes, media misinformation, supermarket monopoly, and government policy. The benefits of pasture-based livestock farming extend beyond environmental and nutritional aspects, contributing to a low-input future, biodiversity, and land-use debate.
For more information on the benefits of pasture-based livestock farming and its role in the future of farming, visit PfL's website for multiple webinars, podcasts, and news articles. Together, we can support PfL in its mission to transform farming for a sustainable future.
- Pasture-raised cattle, despite producing more methane, can contribute positively to soil health by supporting grassland ecosystems that sequester carbon.
- Grass-fed beef, nutritionally, tends to have higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and vitamin E compared to grain-fed beef.
- Support for the Pasture-Farming Learning (PfL) organisation can help farmers transition to pasture-based farming, contributing to a low-input future, biodiversity, and land-use debate.
- Donating to PfL during the Big Give's Green Match Fund can provide various benefits, such as funding farm walks, one-on-one mentoring, or learning resources for farmers.
- Embracing pasture-based livestock farming is essential for a sustainable future, considering the environmental, nutritional, and lifestyle benefits it offers, as well as its potential impact on personal-finance and food-and-drink industries.
