How to Raise Organic Beef

Organic beef cows are reared from day one with great attention to detail and careful planning. Through strictly maintained USDA standards, organic cattle are fed and brought up from infancy in a low stress environment, without the presence of pesticides, fertilizers, growth hormones or antibiotics. The result is a healthier, leaner cow that provides consumers with a more nutritious, less fatty end product.

Things You'll Need

  • Organic pasture
  • Spacious outbuildings
  • Organic grains
  • Yearlings from an established organic beef farm
  • USDA guidelines for organic certification
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Instructions

    • 1

      Establish an organic pasture. The areas where the cows will graze cannot be treated with any sort of chemical fertilizer, pesticide or insecticide other than those that are certified "organic" or known to be organic in nature, such as the application of all natural compost or spraying with garlic water to keep certain pests at bay.

    • 2

      Design appropriate and spacious housing, offering protection from the elements while allowing unlimited access to fresh air, fresh water and sunshine.

    • 3

      Determine which feeding program is most appropriate for you. In a grass-fed program, cows eat nothing but certified organic grass and hay for the duration of their lives. In a grain-fed program, they are given a selection of organic grains as well. A grain-fed program often leads to a more slightly fatter cow and a more flavorful end product. Include winter planning, which traditionally relies on organic silage and hay.

    • 4

      Purchase only organic feed such as grain mixtures, corn and oats and dietary supplements such as flax seed. Purchase certified organic yearlings. These are young calves that have been weaned from their organically reared mothers and given nothing but certified organic feed since then.

    • 5

      Contact your local certification agent. The agent will inspect your property and feeding schedule. He will examine your records and make recommendations where he sees fit. When you have met all standards, she will award you with organic certification. Make sure you have read the USDA guidelines prior to making the call and setting up the appointment. Third party verification is a requirement for marketing a product as "organic."