What Does the "100% Grass Fed" Label Mean?

The American Grassfed Association has a rigorous set of standards, which are verified at least every 15 months by an independent third party.

To start with, animals must be fed only grass and forage from weaning until harvest.  That means that they haven’t eaten anything besides grass and their mother’s milk for their entire life spans.  If grass isn’t available due to weather conditions or other natural causes, the animals are fed hay.

However, the American Grassfed Association’s standards go above and beyond what the animals are eating.  AGA-certified animals must be raised on a pasture without confinement—this allows them to graze freely and follow their natural behaviors.  In addition, the animals are never treated with antibiotics or added hormones.

Finally, all AGA-certified animals must be born and raised on American family farms.  Producers are required to keep records that uniquely identify each of their animals and trace their lives from birth to harvest.

Learning what all of these labels mean seems like a lot of work—why does all of this matter?  -- See the answer on the next blog entry coming soon titled, "Because grass fed beef is a truly healthier alternative for consumers, animals, and the planet.  Because grass fed beef is a truly healthier alternative for consumers, animals, and the planet. "