The question of whether to finish cattle on grass or grain is a complex issue, and one that often produces strong opinions. A recent article by bovine (cattle) veterinarian John Maday at Drovers CattleNetwork highlighted some of the considerations in the grass versus grain debate.
The grain-finishing approach originated in the Corn Belt where it allowed cattle producers to manage financial risk by feeding corn to cattle during years when corn prices were low. A USDA policy following World War II further encouraged finishing cattle on grain. The current consumer preference for grain-finished beef developed over the decades since and continues today.
The typical system of beef production in North America involves cattle spending the first six to 18 months after weaning on pasture before being moved to a feedlot for finishing. Cattle usually spend their final four to five months in a feedlot being fed roughages plus grain. Cattle spend, on average, about 70 percent of their time on pasture and 30 percent on a grain supplemented diet.
Raising cattle only on pasture can be an option for some producers, but this approach requires the availability of pasture that can be foraged year-round, and is less efficient because it requires more time to grow cattle to slaughter weight. The limitations of adequate pasture and slower growth result in significantly higher prices for grass-finished beef. Grass-finishing all cattle would require converting a considerable amount of land from its current use to pasture.
Despite the prevalence of grain finishing in North America, there is growing consumer interest in grass-finished beef. Grass-finished cattle require a higher sale price to cover the higher costs of raising the animals and therefore result in higher beef costs for consumers. Finishing cattle on pasture does allow cattle producers to cater to a premium market for beef, but this market is limited, but some experts, including Kable Thurlow at Michigan State University Extension expects interest in this niche of the beef market to grow in coming seasons.
No matter how you finish your cattle, you should start with genetically superior, healthy livestock. At Flying H Genetics, we can help with premium animals that have been genetically selected and developed to provide the greatest benefits to our customers and consumers.. Check out our website to see our currently available herd bulls or call us today at 308-962-6500 to learn more.
