Best place to buy bulk grass fed beef?

[Buck Murdock]

Originally Posted by Tron_fdc

My old man has been running organic/grass fed/grass finished beef for the last 20 years. He recently sold out to the Hutterites so we don't get into it anymore, but here's my info on it.

What exactly are you looking for? Grass fed and "organic" can mean 2 totally different things. Same with "grass finished" or "grass fed/grain finished".

It will be tough to get organic grass fed and finished beef. Reason being is most operations send their cattle to a feedlot before they are slaughtered to "fatten" them and increase yield (more weight=more money). They do this with grain, which is tough for a ruminant to digest, which also in turn marbles the beef and creates a better grade. However, the longer your cattle are in a feedlot eating grain, the lower the omega-3 content is in the meat, which is what people are after with "grass fed".

"Organic" is a term owned by the Canadian government that allows for a set amount of pesticides/hormones/steroids/antibiotics in the feed. Yes, it is better than generic beef, but IMO not much better (for the cost) compared to a AAA grade you can find at Costco. Being certified organic DOES NOT mean no additives to the beef.

Grass fed/Grass finished will have the highest amount of Omega 3's and will be the most nutritious you can find, but the problem with it is it does not have the fat content (no grain) and therefore is hard to grade to AAA. If you do grade that high be prepared to pay a lot of money for a side, as the yield is lower (meaning it costs more money to produce). It will also taste different (more gamey) so if you haven't had it I suggest you try it before you commit to a freezer full of meat you don't like.

There is a lot of info on the net and a few places that still offer it, but it isn't cheap. Just know what you are after before you buy it.

Thanks Tron_fdc, I threw organic in there not knowing the distinction between the two. I really just meant grass fed. I was reading up on corn fed beef and that it wasn't so good, which peaked my interest in grass fed beef. I think a group buy for something like this would be awesome. I am interested in buying alot of beef (and other meats too if available). I've seen some places with variety packs that look interesting.

[wooohooo]

Is it any cheaper to do it this way or is it just 'better' quality meats from the typical grocery store?

I'm interested to do it as it seems pretty cool, but I think I might have to buy a freezer just to store these.

[MikeN]

I have been buying from Balzac meats for years.

http://www.yellowpages.ca/bus/Albert...s/1777482.html

price is good and meat is great.

[Tron_fdc]

This is a great article

http://tkranch.com/faq/grassfed-beef.html

As a producer, grass finished beef is by far the most expensive way you can raise cattle. If you're going to price it out, keep that in mind. It's also by far the healthiest option, so in this case you're getting what you pay for.

Like the article says though; there is a BIG difference between grass FED and grass FINISHED. If you're looking into it, make sure you understand the distinction because grass fed (at least in my opinion) is no different than a steak you buy at Safeway.

[InglewoodFan]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

Is it any cheaper to do it this way or is it just 'better' quality meats from the typical grocery store?

I'm interested to do it as it seems pretty cool, but I think I might have to buy a freezer just to store these.

I'm lucky my house came with a big standup freezer, but the biggest reason we like to buy big freezer packs is trying to feed teenage boys. It's nice to not have to run out for meat a couple of times a week.

Plus it is a kick in the ass to learn to use some different cuts - what can I make with a round roast or a flank steak that the kids will eat?

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by InglewoodFan

what can I make with a round roast or a flank steak that the kids will eat?

So many things. That's becoming one of my go-tos.

[Canehdianman]

I've found flank steak has gotten way more expensive in the past 5 years or so. Used to get it really cheap, now it's much closer in price to more tender cuts.