Many consumers don’t really know if or why they should opt for organically raised grass-fed meat over conventionally raised meat. I’ve reached out to some of our very own local organic farmers to find out.
L.J. Helferty owner of Totally Natural Beef Farm, (approximately 120 km west of Ottawa) listed four important points stating what you don’t have to worry about when purchasing organic meat as opposed to conventional meat.
1. Chemical sprays and fertilizers that were used when growing the crops that were fed to the animal and the environmental impact of those farm inputs.
2. GMO crops that may have been fed to the animal. I don't think we really know the full impact of GMO foods on animal health and our health.
3. Hormone injections to increase weight gain of the animal.
4. Antibiotics added to the food that the animal consumed.
L.J went on to list the benefits of organic grass- fed animals like the cattle raised on his farm.
1. No feed lot confinement of the animal
2. Low in fat, similar to fish and chicken
3. Much higher in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
4. Higher in cancer fighting Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA's)
5. Higher in Vitamin E
6. Higher in Beta Carotene
7. Much lower risk of E Coli contamination
Linoleic acid also helps lower the risk of diabetes, allergies, depression, inflammation, autoimmune disorders high cholesterol and triglycerides. Choosing organic meat significantly diminishes the risk of being exposed to toxins, including the toxin that is believed to cause mad cow disease.
Barbara Schaefer from Upper Canada Heritage Meat Farm described the life of her pigs on the farm:
“I raise my pigs outside on pasture land where they can graze and root the soil, exercising their natural tendency. They are allowed to be social animals, roaming in herds and enjoying the sun, the rain and even the snow. My pigs receive no antibiotics. There is no need when they are outdoors in the fresh air. My pigs receive no growth hormones – they are allowed to grow slowly as nature intended. Yes, my methods take longer and are far more labour intensive than industrial pork production. But the result is pure, healthy pork with a richer flavour….”
I believe opting for organic grass fed meat is a worthwhile investment when you consider your family’s overall health, as well as the sustainability of the land for future generations to come.
Nancy Morin, PureMed Medical Receptionist
For more information on this subject please visit:
http://omafira.gov.on.ca -Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
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