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.