Is Open Nature Grass Fed Beef Also Grass Finished?

Grass-fed beef has become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers learn more about the health and environmental benefits of cattle raised on pasture. Major grocery chains like Safeway have started offering grass-fed beef options under their store brands, like Open Nature. But when you see a label that just says “grass-fed” does it also mean the cattle were grass finished – meaning they ate only grass their whole lives and not grain? Let’s take a closer look.

What Does “Grass Fed” Actually Mean?

In 2007 the USDA established a voluntary standard for companies that want to use the “grass fed” claim on their labels. To be considered grass fed under this standard, cattle must meet the following criteria

• Eat only grass and forage after being weaned from their mother’s milk. They cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts at any point.

• Have continuous access to pasture during the growing season, which is defined as the period between the last spring frost and first fall frost.

• Can be given mineral and vitamin supplements. Other supplements have to be documented as non-routine.

One thing the standard does NOT require is that cattle be 100% grass fed for their entire lives. It just requires grass feeding during the growing season, which leaves open the possibility of grain feeding or confinement during the winter.

The standard also allows farms that were using the term “grass fed” before 2007 to continue doing so without formally adopting the rules. So seeing “grass fed” on a label does not guarantee the beef came from cattle that were exclusively grass fed start to finish.

Does Open Nature Say Their Beef is 100% Grass Fed?

After reviewing Open Nature’s grass-fed ground beef on the Safeway website, I could not find any claim that the cattle are 100% grass fed for life or grass finished. The label and product details state it is:

• Grass fed
• No antibiotics or added hormones
• Humanely raised and sustainably farmed
• USDA inspected and passed

There is no mention of being grass finished or grain free for life. Searching the Open Nature website provided no further clarity. They emphasize sustainable practices and animal welfare, but again do not claim 100% grass feeding start to finish.

I contacted the Open Nature customer service line to ask if their grass-fed beef is also grass finished. The representative I spoke with said the cattle are grass finished and eat only their natural diet of grass. However, without this being clearly advertised on the label or website, it is difficult for consumers to confirm.

Why Grass Finished Matters

Requiring cattle to be grass finished – not just grass fed for one season – makes a significant difference in terms of health and ethics. Here are two main reasons grass finishing is preferred:

1. Improved nutrition. Beef from grass finished cattle has a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and more antioxidant vitamins like vitamin E. Why? Because cattle evolved to eat grass, not grain. Feeding them their natural diet results in more nutritious beef.

2. Avoiding feedlots. Most grain finished cattle spend the last few months before slaughter in crowded feedlots. By requiring 100% grass feeding, it ensures the animals do not end up in these intensive confinement systems.

For consumers seeking both nutritious and humanely raised beef, grass finished is the gold standard.

How to Get Truly Grass Finished Beef

When looking for beef that is guaranteed to meet grass finished standards, here are a few things to look for:

• Third-party certification. USDA Organic or Animal Welfare Approved are trusted certifications that require 100% grass feeding for life. The American Grassfed Association logo also specifies grass finish.

• Stated on label. Some farms will state “100% grass fed for life” or “grass finished” clearly on the label or online. Don’t just rely on “grass fed.”

• Buy direct from farmer. Purchasing beef directly from a local farmer is the best way to confirm their practices. Ask if they grass finish or grain finish.

While Open Nature’s practices seem promising, without clear communication to customers that their cattle are grass finished for life, it’s difficult to guarantee. Look for the confirmations above to really know your beef meets the grass finished gold standard. The extra specificity helps empower conscious consumers.

The Bottom Line

So, is Open Nature grass fed beef also grass finished? It’s possible, but not clearly advertised on packaging. To ensure you are getting beef from cattle fed only their natural grass diet from start to finish, look for grass finished statements on labels, third-party grass finished certification, or buy direct from local farms you can communicate with. Grass finished beef offers optimal nutrition and avoids feedlots, making it the ideal choice for many consumers. Vote for better beef with your dollars by supporting ranches that grass finish.