March 7, the “Union of Concerned Scientists released the first comprehensive study that confirms that beef and milk from animals raised entirely on pasture have higher levels than conventionally raised beef and dairy cattle of beneficial fats that may prevent heart disease and strengthen the immune system.”
Weston Price was warning the department of US Agriculture about factory farming long ago. In the 1940s he wrote prolifically about the value of eating fat from grass fed animals. His works disappeared from public view quickly because the greed of certain agribusiness conglomerates called for other recommendations be made to the American public. Non foods such as vegetable shortening and margarine began to be included in their diets in the guise of prudent nutrition, to avoid heart disease: the fastest growing disease at the time. Did it work? No, heart disease is still one of the biggest killers in the Western World.
“When you eat grass-fed meat, you’re getting beef with benefits,” said the Union of Concerned Scientists report author Dr. Kate Clancy, a nutritionist and senior scientist in the Food and Environment Program at UCS. “There are no losers in producing cattle entirely on pasture. Farmers win, consumers win, the environment wins, and even the cattle win.”
It’s not easy to find grass fed animals. Lamb is probably the most likely in Australia to be grass fed. Make sure they are organic though, or they will have been dipped in insecticide and fed on fertilised pasture (You don’t want to be eating these poisons). Pigs raised in Australia, by law, must be fed grains. If, however, those grains are sprouted, this would make a difference. If you know of any butcher who supplies grass fed meat, let us know, leave a comment.
About the Author...
Joanne Hay, Editor of Nourished Magazine, Chief Nourisher and Mother of three is very grateful to live in Byron Bay and be able to share all she has learned about Nourishment. She has trained as an Acupuncturist (unfinished), Kinesiologist (finished) and parent (never finished). She serves the Weston A Price Foundation as a chapter leader. She loves sauerkraut, kangaroo tail stew, home made ice cream, her husband Wes and her kids Isaiah, Brynn and Ronin (in no particular order…well maybe ice cream first).
Apr 19th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
We raise grass fed beef without drenches, insecticides,pesticides, vaccinations, etc.
We are finding it hard to obtain interest in our beef which we sell in 7 & 15 kg packs. Is there a buying group in Melbourne or SW Victoria
May 2nd, 2006 at 2:43 pm
Hi there Graeme
Glad to hear you are one of our passionate farmers in Australia who are making the time and taking the effort to grow REAL FOOD!! In Brisbane, we have a similar connection with a cattle farmer in the Darling Downs and we certainly enjoy his meat.
I have referred your name and details to someone who may be able to help you. Her name is Jenni and hopefully she will be in contact with you soon. You only need ONE good contact to progress your business. My first sale was for 14 quarters and I had people in and out of the house - talking with farmer and sharing stories and swapping recipes etc - it was a great day. I call myself the City Cousin and am the drop off point for the meat. My farmer lets me know a week before how much each quarter each, I collect the money beforehand and pay him on the day. Everything worked really well.
Because we are Weston A Price devotees, we wanted all the organ meats, bones and suet and wanted more fat in our mince and sausages - We are still educating the butcher!! Good luck for the future……
Judy
May 8th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I am looking for grass-fed organic meat (beef, lamb, poultry) in Victoria. We live in Melbourne. Home delivery would be good. I am interested in buying organ meats, as well as bones too.
Thanks,
Tatiana
May 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Where does one find grass fed beef on the consumer side, in Brisbane? Beef that I can take home not from a restaurant.
May 11th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Tatiana,
You can buy organic lamb on-line from Taroona Farm in NSW (www.taroonafarm.com.au ) but whether they will deliver to Victoria or not you’ll have to contact Wendy Muffett (wendy@taroonafarm.com.au). The lambs are only available from February to October as hot weather does not agree with them and are fed classical music (as well as grass) to have a calming effect on them. I have it on authority from Wendy that while the lambs like the music, the shearers don’t! By the way, the lamb is very, very tender.
Jul 21st, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Hi, I am also from Melbourne Western Suburbs and looking for grass fed lamb and beef as well as dairy products. Has anyone found somewhere in Melbourne where I can buy from either a direct dealer or have home delivery?
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 8:34 pm
This company is currently establishing a home delivery business in Melbourne. The business has been successfully operating in Perth for a while now. Lots of useful info on website and is a great tasting meat. Doesn’t have the aroma, or aftertaste of convential lamb.
Jul 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
The website is http://www.dorperlamb.com.au
Jul 23rd, 2008 at 10:46 am
Thanks so much Steve, I will give them a call and find out how we go. If they are any good in Melbourne I will leave another blog to let others know.
Jul 25th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Hi, I’m another in Melbourne looking for grassfed beef/lamb…
Can anyone tell me about Polkinghorne’s meat? I believe their cows are fed grain their last month. I don’t want any grain, however…Is there a farmer around Melbourne that will sell a 1/4 a cow? I’m interested in splitting a cow with other families then deep freezing my meat. Thanks!
Jul 30th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Hello Graeme, Judy, Tatiana, Steve, Rob, Mary, Cathy, Twyla,
Here are a few websites you can look at to get grass fed meat. Hope this helps.
http://www.organicdirect.com.au
http://www.organicmeatsupply.com.au
http://www.rutherglenlamb.com.au
I am happy to see more people requesting the healthy alternative of grass fed.
warm regards
olga szewczuk
Jul 31st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I can highly recommend a farmer in Gippsland who is biodynamic and raises and finishes beef and lamb on grass. Home delivery is weekly or second weekly into Melbourne. Prices are excellent for bulk lots. You can also request bones, organs and saturated fat. Email me on aicoaching@bigpond.com
Sep 14th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Please feel free to visit our website.
By cutting out the middle men we have managed to make Organic meats available at less than half the average price, passing on a substantial saving to you.
Sep 20th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Hi Colin, what is your website?
Oct 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Hi
I am also from Brisbane and looking for grass fed beef and lamb but cannot buy the 20 and 25kg lots from
Mitchells …way too much for one person .
Is there anywhere I can obtain these meats in smaller quantities ??
thanks Annie.
Oct 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Try Farmer Dave for lamb. He will deliver all kinds of packs to you and he comes to the Gold Coast FArmers markets and now has a shop at Ashmore