Where to Buy Grass-Fed Beef: A Guide to Quality Sources

Grass-fed beef offers many health and environmental benefits over conventional beef. It has a higher omega-3 content and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) levels which can promote heart health. Grass-fed cattle also enable sustainable grazing practices that benefit the ecosystem. But where can you buy quality grass-fed beef? Here’s an overview of some top sources to get you started.

Online Direct from Farms

Ordering grass-fed beef online directly from farms that practice regenerative grazing methods is a great option to get high-quality meat. Here are some of the top U.S. farms offering mail order grass-fed beef:

White Oak Pastures (Georgia)

• Humanely raised, grass-fed and grass-finished beef
• Ships frozen cuts, ground beef and specialty items nationwide
• Also offers complementary meats like lamb, pork, chicken and rabbit

Crowd Cow (National Suppliers)

• Online marketplace for beef, pork, chicken and seafood
• Sources from small, independent farms around the U.S.
• All beef is grass-fed and grass-finished

Bastrop Cattle Company (Texas)

• Grass-fed and grass-finished beef from family ranch in Texas
• No hormones or antibiotics used
• Ships frozen steaks, roasts, ground beef and specialty boxes

Butcher Box (National Suppliers)

• Delivers curated monthly boxes of 100% grass-fed beef
• Also offers heritage breed pork and free-range chicken and turkey
• All products are antibiotic and hormone-free

Joyce Farms (North Carolina)

• Provider of ‘all natural’ meats like beef, poultry, lamb and game
• Grassfed-for-life beef line with stringent standards
• Ships individual cuts or mixed quarter boxes nationwide

Meyer Natural Foods (Colorado)

• Provider of premium all-natural meats
• Grassfed beef line raised under humane protocols
• Ships individual cuts, value packs and Ground Beef Club boxes

When ordering grass-fed beef online, look for farms that clearly explain their animal welfare policies, grazing methods, processing facilities, and use of growth hormones and antibiotics. This helps ensure quality standards.

Local Butcher Shops or Markets

For fresh-cut options, local butcher shops and farmers markets are excellent sources to find locally raised grass-fed beef. Benefits of buying direct from butchers include:

• Ability to see and select specific cuts or parts
• Custom cutting options like thickness of steaks
• Support small local farms and businesses
• Reduce environmental impact of long-distance shipping

Tips for finding grass-fed beef at local butchers:

• Check if they carry grass-fed beef and source from local farms
• Ask about the specific farm(s) where the beef is coming from
• Inquire about the cattle’s breed, diet and slaughter process
• See if any growth hormones, antibiotics or GMOs were used

When speaking directly with your butcher, you can learn more about the source and standards behind the grass-fed beef to ensure quality.

National Retailers

Major grocery store chains like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Kroger have expanded their offerings of grass-fed meat. What you can find varies by location, but here are some tips for shopping retail:

Whole Foods

• Year-round options from family ranches around the U.S.
• All beef is grassfed and grass-finished, non-GMO, and antibiotic- and hormone-free
• Look for “Grassfed” label on cryovac packs

Trader Joe’s

• “Grass Fed Beef” cryovac packs with variable availability
• Sources from New Zealand and Australia
• Meat is grass-fed and finished, no antibiotics or added hormones

Kroger

• “Simple Truth Grass Fed Ground Beef” in fresh and frozen sections
• Varying selection of grass-fed steaks and roasts depending on location
• Meat is sourced from Australia and New Zealand

No matter where you buy, check labels closely and do additional research on the company’s grass-fed standards. Origin, breed specifics and the finishing diet are key for quality.

Grass-Fed Beef CSAs

Another approach is to join a CSA (community supported agriculture) program specializing in grass-fed beef. Here are some top programs available:

ButcherBox Share

• Monthly and bimonthy boxes of 100% grass-fed beef cuts
• 8-11 lbs of beef per monthly box
• Customize box contents as desired

FarmFoods CSA

• Weekly, biweekly or monthly grass-fed meat boxes
• Pickup locations in NJ, PA, DE or nationwide shipping
• Beef plus options like pork, chicken, lamb, turkey

Joyce Farms Meat Club

• Monthly boxes with 5-7 pounds of grass-fed meats
• Choice of all beef, all poultry, or combo box
• Ships frozen nationwide

Texas Grassfed Beef CSA

• Monthly boxes of fresh grass-fed beef cuts
• Local pickup locations in Texas communities
• Inventory varies monthly based on whole animal

CSAs provide convenience, freshness and tailoring to personal preferences. Do your research to find a trustworthy provider that meets your needs.

Considerations When Buying Grass-Fed Beef

Here are some important factors to consider when sourcing grass-fed beef:

• Origin – Where are the cattle being raised? Buying local supports regional economies.

• Diet – Were cattle 100% grassfed for their whole life or “finished” on grains? Grain finishing changes the nutrition profile.

• Processing – How are the cattle slaughtered and processed? Look for humane, low-stress methods.

• Certifications – Is the producer officially certified by organizations like American Grassfed Association? This ensures standards were met.

• Hormones & Antibiotics – Were any artificial growth hormones or antibiotics used in raising the cattle? These are prohibited for certified grass-fed beef.

• Environmental Impact – Does the farm use regenerative grazing practices that benefit the ecosystem? This aligns with grass-fed principles.

The Bottom Line

Finding locally raised, ethically produced 100% grass-fed beef may take a little extra sleuthing and cost more than conventional beef. However, the nutritional density, environmental benefits, and support of family farms make it a wise investment for many consumers. With a range of purchasing options now available, from direct online stores to CSAs and local butchers, quality grass-fed beef is becoming increasingly accessible. Vote for positive change with your dollars and work it into your routine. Your body and the planet will thank you.