We are very proud to be producing 100% grass-fed beef, lamb and mutton on our farm which is all sold direct to our customers through the farm shop. It’s taken many years to convert our herd and flock to thrive entirely on grass, however we believe that through this process our animals are healthier, have less environmental impact and produce a superior meat.
The majority of our animals spend their entire lives outside, grazing clover rich fields just as nature intended. In the winter we use silage (fermented grass) and forage crops to supplement their diet when the grass stops growing.
Good for you
It is widely acknowledged that beef that has been grass-fed throughout its life will have higher levels of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Trans-Vaccenic Acid (TVA). This restores the Omega 3 to Omega 6 balance and in doing so is a key factor in reducing obesity in humans. Grass-fed meat has lower total fat levels than meat from grain-fed animals and also has a lower in saturated fat content. In addition there are higher vitamin and mineral levels than meat from grain-fed animals, particularly vitamins A and E, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium.
High animal welfare
Our animals are free to express normal behaviours out in our fields, leading to easier calving and calmer animals. They thrive on a natural diet of pasture and forage which ruminants are meant to eat. This in turn creates healthier animals. Our animals are never blanket vaccinated, our incidences of diseases are incredibly low and the animals are happier out in the fresh air.
Environmental impact
The carbon footprint of producing grass is significantly less than growing cereal crops to feed animals. Grasslands are one of the major ways to capture carbon. Grazing animals return nutrients and organic matter back to the ground in the form of dung meaning artificial fertilisers are greatly reduced. In addition we are not buying in any feed for our animals, no barley or soya, everything the cattle eat (grass, silage and fodder crop) is grown here on our farm.
Taste
You can pick grass-fed beef out when hanging in the butcher shop, the spread and colour of fat is much different, more yellow. We have consistently received wonderful reviews from our customers who rave about the taste, texture and tenderness. We were delighted to host Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix in 2018 who came to our farm because they had heard how good our beef was. We were honoured that they chose to serve our beef fillet at a meal showcasing the best of Scottish produce for Lord and Lady Dalhousie and their friends.
Did you know that if you feed a cow grain for just one day, it completely alters the makeup of the meat? A lot of grass-fed meat is sold under this pretence, grass-fed however not grass-finished. This is just marketing, just like green-washing.
We are delighted to be Pasture for Life Assured. This means that we are rigorously audited every year to ensure we meet their standards.
All the Pasture for Life Assured farmers have fed their animals grass and pasture for their entire life.
This year, more than ever, it’s important to support local companies producing healthy food with low environmental impact. Make sure when buying meat, it’s Pasture for Life certified.
