In truth, no studies have confirmed that all grass-fed beef is better for you than regular beef - the majority of which is "finished" on a diet of other grains, like corn, and soybeans. There are two things that make grass-fed beef appealing, though: the flavor and the idea that the cow is living a healthier, happier life in some field, not crammed onto a feed lot.
Under current regulations, any beef can be labeled "grass fed." The cattle industry says that the diet of most cows is about 75% grass, more than likely consumed as they are growing and before they are shipped to a feed lot. Farmers who raise their cattle entirely on grass and natural forage want to implement a labeling system that recognizes beef that is at least 99% grass-fed. This beef is not necessarily organic, though it can be.
Legislators and food scientists don't necessarily agree with this, wanting something concrete - like a specific health benefit - to justify this action. "Whatever we do, we want to be science-based, we want to be factual, and we don't want to contribute to consumers being exploited in any way when people market beef or any food product," said Gary Weber of the National Cattleman's Beef Association.
But what about the cows? Organic beef is as popular for its perceived benefit to the life of the animals, not just the health of the consumer. Grass fed beef fits into the same category. People want to know where there food comes from and, when it comes down to it, that place isn't a feed lot.
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