Why is our grass-fed beef more expensive than conventional beef at the supermarket?

 Are you curious about why Heartstone Farm 100% grass-fed beef costs more than conventional beef? We believe that the benefits of our grass-fed beef are worth the slightly higher price tag.

After they are weaned from their mother's milk, conventionally raised cows are fed grass for the first year of their lives and then switched to a diet of genetically modified corn and grains for the rest of their lives. This diet is unnatural and often leads to inflammation and acidosis in the cows, which can cause frequent illnesses that require antibiotics.

In contrast, 100% grass-fed beef is raised on pasture and fed only grass and forage for their entire lives, resulting in healthier cows that are never treated with antibiotics or hormones.

Grain and corn are the diet of choice for conventionally raised cows not because they nourish the cows, but because they fatten them up quickly.

Our beef costs more because:

• Our cattle are not slaughtered until they are at least 20 months old - as opposed to slaughtering as young as 14 months for conventional cattle
• Our labor costs are higher because it costs more to move the cattle every single day to a new pasture. We have to move water, fencing, and minerals. Contrast that with a feedlot where cattle are in inhumane conditions, never moved, and feed is dumped in troughs.
• As a small, family-operated farm, our processing costs are higher because we are not processing hundreds or thousands of cattle each day.

This means big profits for those who produce conventional beef. In contrast, grass-fed beef is more expensive because it takes longer to produce, requires more land and labor, and has a smaller infrastructure compared to conventional beef. However, we believe the higher price is worth it for the superior quality, taste, and health benefits of grass-fed beef.

At Heartstone Farm, we are committed to producing high-quality grass-fed beef that is sustainably raised and ethically sourced. We believe that the extra cost of grass-fed beef is worth it, both for the superior taste and for the health and environmental benefits.

Our grass-fed beef is lower in fat and higher in nutrient density than conventional beef.

While grass-fed beef may be more expensive than conventional beef, it offers unique benefits that make it worth the price for many consumers. At Heartstone Farm, we are proud to offer our customers high-quality, sustainably raised, and ethically sourced grass-fed beef that reflects our values and dedication to sustainable farming practices.