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Is Force of Nature 100% Grass-Fed? A Definitive Guide

3 min read

Based on their official website, Force of Nature explicitly states that their beef and bison products are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished. This practice is part of their broader commitment to regenerative agriculture, which prioritizes holistic land management and animal welfare.

Quick Summary

Force of Nature confirms its beef and bison are 100% grass-fed and finished, but other products like elk, venison, and chicken have different diets and finishing protocols.

Key Points

  • Beef and Bison are 100% Grass-Fed: Force of Nature confirms that its beef and bison products are fed a diet of 100% grass and are also grass-finished.

  • Other Meats Have Different Diets: Not all Force of Nature meats are 100% grass-fed; elk and venison may have up to 5% non-GMO grain supplements, while chicken is pasture-raised with certified organic feed containing corn and soy.

  • Regenerative Agriculture is Key: The company’s core mission is regenerative farming, which prioritizes holistic land and animal management over standard practices.

  • No Feedlots: Force of Nature animals, including beef and bison, are never raised in feedlots and have year-round access to pastures.

  • Nutritional Benefits: Due to their regenerative, pasture-based diet, Force of Nature's meats can be more nutrient-dense, with a healthier fat profile, compared to grain-finished alternatives.

  • No Unnecessary Additives: The company states that its meats are free from antibiotics and added hormones, with therapeutic antibiotics only used for severe illness and treated animals segregated.

In This Article

For health-conscious consumers, discerning the true sourcing and feeding practices behind meat products is paramount. The term 'grass-fed' has gained significant traction, but the nuances between products can be considerable. A key question for many is: is Force of Nature 100% grass-fed across all its offerings?

The 100% Grass-Fed Standard for Beef and Bison

According to the company, their beef and bison are both 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, with no grains ever being included in their diet. This is a crucial distinction. The animals are raised on pasture year-round, which is a core tenet of their regenerative farming philosophy. Force of Nature emphasizes that their cattle and bison have unrestricted access to diverse, living, and healthy pastures, mimicking natural grazing patterns. This process not only contributes to the animals' well-being but also improves the land by sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity.

What "Grass-Finished" Means

While "grass-fed" simply means an animal was fed grass at some point in its life, "grass-finished" signifies that the animal remained on a grass-only diet right up until its final processing. This is why Force of Nature highlights this detail for its beef and bison. It provides assurance that no grain finishing, a common practice used to fatten up livestock quickly, was used.

Divergence in Sourcing for Other Meats

It is important to note that the strict 100% grass-fed and finished claim applies specifically to Force of Nature's beef and bison. Their other products, such as chicken, elk, and venison, follow different, though still ethically-sound, feeding protocols.

  • Chicken: These animals are given 100% Certified Organic feed. This diet is supplemented by the forage they find on the pasture, which includes berries, nuts, and insects. The organic feed, however, does contain corn and soy, which are excluded from the beef and bison diets.
  • Elk and Venison: These are grass-fed and pasture-raised, spending their lives grazing on diverse pastures. In contrast to the beef and bison, their diets may include up to 5% of a grain mix, consisting of non-GMO sources such as maize, oats, barley, and triticale.

Regenerative Farming vs. Standard Grass-Fed

Force of Nature's commitment extends beyond just feeding. The company is a leader in regenerative agriculture, an approach that focuses on restoring and improving land health. This differs from standard grass-fed operations in several ways:

  • Ecosystem Harmony: Regenerative farming mimics natural ecosystems, using rotational grazing to create a healthier, more resilient environment.
  • Soil Health: It actively works to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and sequester carbon, rather than simply maintaining the status quo.
  • Supplier Vetting: Force of Nature rigorously vets its ranching partners, who must adhere to the company's Land Steward Index, a commitment to regenerative principles and year-over-year improvement.

Force of Nature vs. Competitors: A Nutritional Comparison

Feature Force of Nature (Beef/Bison) Standard Grass-Fed (Not Finished) Conventional (Grain-Fed)
Diet 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Primarily Grass-Fed, Grain-Finished Grain-Finished (often corn/soy)
Sourcing Regenerative, Year-Round Pasture May involve feedlots for finishing Primarily Confined Feedlot Operations
Omega-3s Higher Concentration Moderate/Lower Lower Concentration
Nutrient Density Higher levels of B vitamins, copper, zinc Variable Generally Lower
Environmental Impact Carbon-Sequestering Can be variable; often less impactful than conventional Higher carbon footprint

Conclusion: Is Force of Nature 100% Grass-Fed?

The answer to the question "Is Force of Nature 100% grass-fed?" is both yes and no, depending on the specific product. For their highly touted beef and bison, the answer is a resounding yes, as they are both 100% grass-fed and finished. However, consumers purchasing their chicken, elk, or venison should be aware that these animals are raised differently, with diets that may include organic feed (for chickens) or a small amount of non-GMO grains (for elk and venison). The company's unique value proposition lies in its overarching commitment to regenerative farming, a practice that goes beyond standard grass-fed definitions to promote ecosystem health and sustainability.

Learn more about regenerative agriculture on the company's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while their beef and bison products are 100% grass-fed and finished, their chicken is fed a certified organic diet and their elk and venison may be supplemented with small amounts of non-GMO grains.

Grass-fed means the animal was fed grass at some point. Grass-finished means the animal's diet was exclusively grass and forage up until harvest. Force of Nature's beef and bison are both, but the distinction is important for consumers seeking a completely pasture-based diet for their meat.

Force of Nature states its meats are free from antibiotics and added growth hormones. They do allow for therapeutic antibiotics if an animal is facing a life-threatening illness, but treated animals are segregated from their supply chain.

The company's chicken is Certified Organic, but the rest of their meat is not marketed as 'organic.' They instead emphasize their adherence to regenerative agricultural practices, which they argue often exceed the environmental and animal welfare standards of organic certification.

Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that aims to reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity. Force of Nature implements practices like rotational grazing to achieve this, making their farms more sustainable.

Force of Nature partners with family-owned ranches in the US (including California, Montana, and Oregon), as well as Land to Market or Regenerative Organic certified ranches in Australia and New Zealand, all practicing regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative practices, like rotational grazing used by Force of Nature's ranchers, improve soil health and allow the land to sequester more carbon from the atmosphere. This helps to reduce greenhouse gas levels and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.