Grass-fed meat is on the grow in UK – Farmers Weekly

FW Letter 201411

The Pasture-Fed Livestock Association was not surprised that food futurologist Morgaine Gaye implies grass-fed or pastured meat will take off in the UK, but would take issue with her that it hasn’t really come over here yet.

Founded by a small group farmers, we have been championing the unique qualities of beef and lamb from animals raised exclusively on pasture for more than four years, as well as the wider environmental benefits.

We now have more than 130 full members and 36 approved suppliers who are marketing meat from animals reared, raised and finished on pasture with no grain at all.

Some already have significant businesses selling through national online retailers; others run box schemes or sell through farm shops or offer home-delivery. One farmer has set up the country’s first 100% grass-fed burger bar in the centre of Southampton.

Our members discuss and share ideas on everything from seed mixtures to meat pricing. All are seeing consumer demand rise – particularly from fitness enthusiasts and those following Paleo diets, as they appreciate how much healthier this meat is.

In fact we now need many more farmers to join, so we are ready when demand really does take off.  Finishing sheep and cattle without cereals can be done and profitably – our members prove it.

Russell Carrington
Pasture-Fed Livestock Association

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