While visiting with a large landowner, I noticed he showed great enthusiasm for beef production. Judging by his spending habits, I concluded that he has the financial ability to jump in with both feet. He began to talk about planting corn, chopping silage and building a feedlot. My question is, why would anyone want to do that today? Our resources in western Colorado are much better suited to grass-fed beef. In fact, with the strength of our grass and the natural beef market, I can’t imagine why you would do anything else.

Grass-fed beef has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Citing health benefits for humans, the environment, and our soil, many consumers will have no other. The grass-fed beef market continues to grow at a rate of 25-30% each year. In our home, we switched to grass-fed beef 10 years ago and never missed a beat. The tenderness remained and flavor actually improved.

From a production standpoint, grass-fed is as low-cost as it gets, and fits well alongside a cow/calf enterprise. We find that our odds and ends, culls, etc. grow like crazy in a rotational grazing system.

The only thing you need (besides grass) is grass-based genetics: Moderate frame, early maturity and fleshing ability. These are all standard equipment in bulls from Pharo Cattle Company®. You’ll find that all those traits greatly benefit your cowherd as well. If you already have PCC® genetics, there’s nothing left for you to do but try it for yourself. I’ll see you next time on the Herd Quitter® Minute.