Understanding Force of Nature's Sourcing Philosophy
At the heart of Force of Nature's operations is a deep commitment to regenerative agriculture, which dictates their high standards for animal welfare and land stewardship. This holistic farming approach prioritizes restoring the land's health, which in turn leads to a healthier, more nutrient-dense product. Unlike conventional farming that can be extractive, regenerative practices aim to mimic natural ecosystems, with animals playing an integrated, beneficial role. This foundational principle directly informs why and how all of their animal products, whether beef, pork, or poultry, are raised on pasture.
The 'Pasture-Raised' Standard Across Species
While the label 'pasture-raised' broadly applies to all Force of Nature meat, the specific details differ depending on the animal's natural biology and diet. For ruminants like cattle and bison, their diet consists exclusively of forage, while non-ruminants such as pigs and chickens require some supplemental nutrition.
- Beef and Bison: These products come from animals that are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, meaning their diet is made up entirely of pasture grasses and forages from birth until harvest. They enjoy unrestricted, year-round access to pasture, never seeing a feedlot. This results in meat that is rich in nutrients and flavor, as supported by research showing the benefits of pasture-finished animals.
- Pork: Force of Nature's pork is also pasture-raised, with heritage breed pigs foraging on grasses, roots, and insects. They are also provided a supplemental, organic, non-GMO ration that includes corn, soy, and barley to meet their nutritional needs. This practice acknowledges the omnivorous nature of pigs while maintaining a pasture-based system that supports their natural behaviors.
- Chicken: The company's chickens are raised on biodiverse pasture and are also supplemented with a 100% organic, traceable feed. They are heritage breeds, chosen for their slow growth and resilience, and are given unrestricted outdoor access. This allows them to express natural behaviors like foraging and dust bathing, resulting in higher quality meat compared to industrial poultry.
- Elk and Venison: For wild game like elk and venison, animals are pasture-raised and primarily grass-fed. The venison is sourced from both wild-harvested and farm-raised animals in New Zealand, all of which live in natural environments and consume a diverse, grass-based diet.
Comparison of Sourcing Practices
| Feature | Beef & Bison | Pork | Chicken | Elk & Venison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pasture-Raised | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diet Type | 100% Grass-Fed & Finished | Pasture + Supplemental Organic Feed | Pasture + Supplemental Organic Feed | Primarily Grass-Fed |
| Feedlot-Free | Always | Always | Always | Always |
| Regeneratively Managed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dietary Supplementation | No Grains | Yes (Organic, non-GMO) | Yes (Organic) | Yes (Non-GMO, up to 5%) |
| Outdoor Access | Unrestricted, Year-Round | Unrestricted, Year-Round | Unrestricted Outdoor Access | Unrestricted, Year-Round |
Beyond Pasture: The Role of Regenerative Agriculture
It is important to note that Force of Nature's practices extend beyond simply allowing animals to graze. Their adherence to the principles of regenerative agriculture includes:
- Soil Health: Practices like rotational grazing improve soil health, increase water retention, and help sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
- Biodiversity: Mimicking natural grazing patterns helps to promote biodiversity on the land, creating a more resilient and healthy ecosystem.
- Animal Welfare: Animals are raised in environments that encourage their natural behaviors, reducing stress and improving overall health.
A Different 'Force of Nature'
Consumers should be aware that the name 'Force of Nature' is also used by a company that sells non-toxic cleaning products. The cleaning product company operates completely independently and should not be confused with Force of Nature Meats. The two brands have entirely separate missions and product lines. When searching for meat products, it is important to verify you are looking at the correct brand to ensure the sourcing standards you seek are being met.
Conclusion
In short, is Force of Nature pasture-raised? Yes, across all of their meat categories, their animals are raised on pasture as a cornerstone of their regenerative farming philosophy. While the specific diets differ between species—with ruminants being 100% grass-fed and non-ruminants receiving supplemental organic feed—all animals benefit from unrestricted access to diverse, regeneratively managed pastures. This commitment goes beyond just being 'pasture-raised', aiming to produce high-quality, nutrient-dense meat while actively improving the health of the planet.
Summary of Force of Nature's Sourcing
- Regeneratively Sourced: All Force of Nature meats come from regeneratively managed farms.
- Pasture-Raised: All animals, including beef, bison, pork, and chicken, are raised on pasture.
- 100% Grass-Fed Beef & Bison: Ruminants are exclusively grass-fed and finished with no grains.
- Organic Supplementation: Non-ruminant animals like pigs and chickens receive supplemental organic feed.
- No Feedlots: Animals are never confined to feedlots.
- Animal Welfare: The company is committed to raising animals with dignity and in environments that promote natural behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between pasture-raised beef and Force of Nature's beef? A: Force of Nature's beef is not only pasture-raised but is specifically 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, living its entire life on pasture without any grain supplementation.
Q: Is Force of Nature chicken 100% pasture-raised? A: Yes, Force of Nature chicken is pasture-raised, meaning the chickens have unrestricted access to pasture. However, they are also provided a 100% organic, supplemental feed to meet their dietary needs.
Q: Do Force of Nature animals receive hormones or antibiotics? A: No, Force of Nature's meats are free from added hormones and antibiotics. In rare cases of illness, a therapeutic dose might be necessary for the animal's well-being, but the animal is segregated from the supply chain.
Q: Where does Force of Nature source its meat? A: Force of Nature sources its meat from a network of family-owned ranches and farms across the US, as well as partners in New Zealand and Australia, all committed to regenerative practices.
Q: Is 'pasture-raised' the same as 'regenerative'? A: 'Pasture-raised' refers to how the animals are raised (on pasture), while 'regenerative' describes the farming management practices that aim to restore ecosystem health. Force of Nature combines both, ensuring animals are raised on regeneratively managed lands.
Q: How does Force of Nature's meat compare nutritionally to conventional meat? A: Meat from regeneratively raised, pasture-finished animals tends to be more nutrient-dense, with studies suggesting higher levels of beneficial compounds like omega-3 fatty acids.
Q: Does Force of Nature use certified humane practices? A: Yes, for their pork products specifically, Force of Nature has been Certified Humane, in addition to being Non-GMO Project Verified and Land to Market Verified.
Q: How can I tell the difference between Force of Nature Meats and Force of Nature Cleaning? A: Always check the company's URL or product packaging. Force of Nature Meats will have a focus on meat products and regenerative agriculture, while the cleaning brand promotes its non-toxic cleaning solution.
