Cattle Lot Beef Vs. Pasture Beef“The Debate”

By: Jordan Cress

The Debate

• There has been an ongoing debate on whether cattle lot beef or pasture beef is a better option.

• To make a decision on which one is for you, middle ground must be found.

Cattle Lots…

• 97% of beef in the market is grain-fed• It takes cattle that are fed corn about 12-15

months to make weight. Produced more frequently.

• Feed lot cattle are protected from predators• Any animal that is sick is removed from pens

and treated by the vet

Cattle Lots…(continued)

• Cattle lots are kept as clean as possible for the cow’s and worker’s health

• $2.50/lb• Average cattle lot is 25-80 acres depending on

how many cows there are

Feed lots are kept clean and animals are fed twice a day.

Pasture Beef…

• 3% of beef in the market is pasture fed• It takes cattle that are fed grass about 20-24

months to make weight • Higher nutritional value• Less fat• $9/lb• Average size of pasture needed is 2.5-30 acres

depending on the quality of land

Pasture raised cattle are kept on a vast array of grassland.

What They Agree On…

• Feed the world• Produce good quality meat • Keeping animals healthy• Reduce emissions from cattle farming• Feed cows forage• A lot of land is needed

Middle Grounds…

• Create a diet that is both forage and corn fed• Keep a safe environment that will protect

cattle from both predators and weather• Produce quality beef products for consumers

at a reasonable price• Composting manure to better environment

Sources…

• FAO.org• USDA.gov• About.com/Animal Rights • MagnumFeedyard.com• Cartoonstock.com

Questions?