Grass-fed cattle at Matheson Farms in Bellingham enjoy grazing native grasses in open fields. The farm’s philosophy is to “make holistic decisions that are socially, ecologically, and economically sound and balanced—and to help others do the same.”

Cows are ruminant animals, naturally adapted to digest grass, yet most American cattle are fed a supplemental diet of corn and soy. When presented with a grain-fed diet, cattle can face serious health problems, including the development of harmful bacteria. As a result, they are often administered antibiotics, and lots of them. Grass-fed cattle, on the other hand, live a much healthier, more natural life, and are much less likely to experience bacterial infection as they graze on native grasses in open fields that are generally pesticide free.

grass-fed beef is leaner and is much higher in omega-3 fatty acids

Feedlot cows are fed grain and soy in order to develop more marbled fat in their meat. In contrast, grass-fed beef is leaner and is much higher in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote better cellular and cardiovascular health, just to name a few of the many health benefits of choosing grass-fed beef. For omnivorous people who are avoiding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), eating grass-fed meat is a great way to go, as the vast majority of feed contains GMO corn and soy.

The Community Food Co-op is proud to carry two excellent local options for grass-fed beef that would be a great addition to your summer grilling line-up.

For a great summer burger try ground beef from Matheson Farms, located on Smith Road in Bellingham. In addition to their delicious ground beef, we also carry a number of steak options from Matheson Farms in our freezer section.

No summer barbecue would be complete without a juicy beef frank. 3 Sisters Family Farms, located on Whidbey Island, has been providing the Co-op with juicy grass-fed beef hot dogs for the last two years. They come in both regular and quarter-pound sizes.

When you light up the grill this summer, remember to do your taste buds, your body, and the environment a favor and go grass fed.

Learn more about the farms at: mathesonfarms.com and 3sistersbeef.com.