2025

AGA NEWS & PRESS

News Archives

  • January 31, 2025

    The History Of Grassfed Farming In America: A Tradition Of Quality And Sustainability

    Grassfed and pasture-based farming in America has deep roots in the country’s agricultural history, offering a sustainable and humane approach to raising livestock. This practice focuses on raising animals in a natural environment where they graze on open pastures, aligning with both environmental stewardship and ethical farming.

    Today, the American Grassfed Association (AGA) champions these traditions while promoting innovation to support small-scale farms and rural economies.

    The Origins of Grassfed Farming in America
    Grassfed farming has its origins in early agrarian societies. Before industrial agriculture emerged, farmers relied on rotational grazing techniques to sustain their herds. This approach utilized natural pastures to feed animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry.

    By the mid-20th century, industrialized farming systems became dominant, emphasizing confinement and grain-based feeding. This shift came at a cost: the loss of biodiversity, soil health, and small-scale farming traditions. However, a growing awareness of environmental impacts and consumer interest in healthier, ethically raised food has sparked a revival of pasture-based systems in recent decades.

    Grassfed Farming vs. Conventional Farming
    The distinction between grassfed and conventional farming is significant. Grassfed animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, thrive on pasture-based systems, consuming grass and forage throughout their lives. For hogs and poultry, a primarily pasture-based approach is complemented with appropriate supplementation to meet their nutritional needs.

    Conventional farming, in contrast, often involves raising animals in confined spaces and relying heavily on grain, soy, and corn-based diets. Research shows that grassfed farming provides numerous benefits, including:

    Healthier Products
    Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Nutrition, indicate that grassfed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and antioxidants compared to grain-fed counterparts.
    Environmental Benefits
    Grassfed systems support soil health by reducing erosion and promoting carbon sequestration, as highlighted by research from the Rodale Institute.
    Animal Welfare
    Pasture-based systems align with humane farming practices, allowing animals to engage in natural behaviors.

    American Grassfed Association: Leading the Charge

    The American Grassfed Association was founded to uphold the principles of grassfed and pasture-based farming. Its certification program sets stringent standards that prioritize the following:
    1. Pasture-Based Systems
    All certified animals must be raised on pasture without confinement.
    2. No Antibiotics or Hormones
    Certified farms commit to natural animal health management.
    3. Species-Specific Care
    The certification includes diverse species such as cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry, each adhering to pasture-based practices suitable for their biology.

    These standards not only ensure product integrity but also foster trust among consumers seeking transparent, sustainable food sources.

    Grassfed Farming and Sustainability
    Grassfed farming represents a model of sustainability by integrating livestock into regenerative agricultural practices. Grazing animals contribute to nutrient cycling, enriching the soil and enhancing its capacity to store carbon.

    Additionally, grassfed systems minimize water use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with intensive feed crop cultivation by reducing the need for grain production.

    The Role of Consumer Awareness
    As more consumers recognize the connection between food production and environmental health, the demand for grassfed products grows. AGA works tirelessly to educate consumers on the benefits of grassfed and pasture-based systems while advocating for policies that support family farmers.

    Supporting Grassfed Farming in America
    Grassfed farming is more than a tradition—it is a commitment to quality, sustainability, and animal welfare. By choosing AGA-certified products, consumers can support American family farms and contribute to a healthier future for our planet.

    Visit the American Grassfed Association to learn more about certified farms and how you can advocate for sustainable farming practices.

  • January 7, 2025

    How Grassfed Farming Supports Biodiversity and Soil Health

    Grassfed farming practices have far-reaching benefits beyond providing healthier meat, milk, and eggs. These sustainable agricultural methods play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and improving soil health. 

    By prioritizing pasture-based systems for various species—including cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry—grassfed farming enhances ecosystem resilience and contributes to the long-term health of our planet.

    Biodiversity: A Keystone of Healthy Ecosystems

    Grassfed farming fosters biodiversity by creating an environment where multiple plant and animal species can thrive. Traditional monoculture farming often eliminates native species, reducing the complexity of ecosystems. In contrast, grass systems encourage the growth of diverse plant species in pastures, which in turn support a variety of insects, birds, and small mammals.

    Research by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights that maintaining pasture-based systems allows for the preservation of habitats critical to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Pollinators play an essential role in food production, and their presence underscores the interconnectedness of grassfed farming and ecological stability.

    Additionally, pasture-based grazing systems often incorporate rotational grazing, where livestock are moved between different pasture sections. This practice prevents overgrazing, allows plant recovery, and creates varied habitats that attract different wildlife species. Studies published in ScienceDirect confirm that rotational grazing enhances biodiversity compared to continuous grazing or confinement-based livestock systems.

    Soil Health: A Foundation for Sustainability

    Healthy soil is the cornerstone of agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. Grassfed farming practices actively improve soil health through natural processes that enrich the land. Livestock grazing stimulates root growth in pasture plants, which increases organic matter and improves soil structure.

    Grass systems also enhance soil’s water retention capacity. As diverse grasses and legumes flourish, their root systems create channels that help water infiltrate and reduce runoff. This is especially beneficial in preventing soil erosion, a significant problem in conventional farming systems.

    Furthermore, livestock manure in pasture-based systems contributes to natural fertilization. Unlike the concentrated waste of feedlots, manure dispersed across pastures introduces essential nutrients back into the soil without overwhelming it. Research from the Rodale Institute indicates that pasture-based systems have the potential to sequester carbon, helping mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

    Notably, the life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted at White Oak Pastures demonstrates the significant potential of grassfed farming to sequester carbon. White Oak Pastures’ regenerative practices, including rotational grazing and diverse pasture management, have been shown to result in carbon-negative beef production. According to the LCA, these practices sequester more carbon in the soil than the entire beef production process emits, highlighting how grassfed farming can actively combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

    This research underscores that grass systems not only sustain but enhance soil health, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

    Pasture-Based Systems for All Species

    The benefits of grassfed farming extend to all species certified by the American Grassfed Association (AGA). While beef cattle are commonly associated with grass systems, it’s essential to recognize the inclusion of sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry.

    Hogs and poultry in pasture-based systems primarily rely on grazing but can be supplemented as necessary to meet their nutritional needs. This distinction ensures animal welfare while promoting environmental benefits. Pasture-based systems for these species still support biodiversity and soil health by encouraging natural behaviors such as rooting and foraging, which aerate the soil and contribute to plant diversity.

    Scientific Backing for Grassfed Practices

    Multiple studies provide evidence supporting the positive environmental impacts of grassfed farming. For example, a study in Science of The Total Environment demonstrated that diversified pasture systems can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to grain-fed livestock operations. Similarly, the Savory Institute has documented how holistic grazing management can reverse desertification, further emphasizing the role of pasture-based systems in ecosystem restoration

    .

    Supporting a Sustainable Future

    Grassfed farming is more than a sustainable agricultural practice—it is a path to healthier ecosystems, enriched soil, and thriving biodiversity. By choosing products certified by the American Grassfed Association, consumers directly support farmers and ranchers dedicated to these environmentally responsible methods.

    Ready to explore how grassfed farming can transform your understanding of sustainable agriculture? Visit the American Grassfed Association to learn more about certification, advocacy, and how you can contribute to a sustainable future.

     

  • January 1, 2025

    The Health Benefits of Consuming Grassfed Products: What the Research Says

    Grassfed products are gaining recognition for their potential health benefits, but what does the research say? Grassfed beef, dairy, lamb, and pasture-based poultry and pork offer unique nutritional profiles that set the

    m apart from conventional counterparts. Let’s explore the health advantages these products provide and why they’re worth including in your diet.

    Understanding Grassfed and Pasture-Based Standards

    The American Grassfed Association (AGA) ensures that certified products meet strict standards, including being raised on pasture and never confined to feedlots. For species like hogs and poultry, the pasture-based model allows supplementation as needed to support their dietary needs while maintaining animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. These transparent, rigorous standards contribute to the exceptional quality of AGA-certified products.

    1. Enhanced Nutritional Profile

    Grassfed products are often richer in essential nutrients compared to conventionally raised livestock. Research highlights several key differences:

    Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Grassfed animals, particularly beef and lamb, are known to have significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are essential for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. A study published in Nutrition Journal found that grassfed beef contained up to five times more omega-3s than grain-fed beef. Omega-3s are also present in pasture-based dairy products like milk and cheese.

    Improved Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio

    The balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is critical for reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Grassfed products typically have a more favorable ratio, helping to combat inflammation and associated conditions like heart disease and arthritis.

    Higher Levels of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)

    CLA is a type of fatty acid linked to weight management, improved immune function, and reduced cancer risk. Research published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that grassfed dairy had up to 500% more CLA than conventional dairy products.

    2. Rich in Antioxidants and Vitamins

    Grassfed and pasture-based products are excellent sources of vitamins and antioxidants, offering additional health benefits:

    Vitamin E

    Grassfed beef contains higher levels of this antioxidant, which supports skin health and immune function and reduces oxidative stress.

    Vitamin A

    Found in higher concentrations in pasture-based dairy and egg yolks, Vitamin A supports vision, reproduction, and cell health.

    Beta-Carotene

    Grassfed beef and lamb also show elevated levels of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A and a powerful antioxidant.

    3. Lower in Harmful Fats

    Studies suggest that grassfed beef and lamb have lower levels of total fat and harmful saturated fats compared to their grain-fed counterparts. A diet lower in saturated fats has been associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases and better overall heart health.

    4. Free from Hormones and Antibiotics

    AGA-certified products are free from added hormones and unnecessary antibiotics. This assurance benefits your health and addresses growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and the potential side effects of synthetic hormones in food.

    5. Benefits for Gut Health

    Pasture-based poultry and pork provide diverse dietary nutrients that can positively influence gut health. Eggs from pasture-based hens, for example, are rich in choline, which supports brain and liver health while aiding digestion.

    6. Sustainability and Animal Welfare

    While the primary focus here is health, it’s worth noting that grassfed and pasture-based farming systems promote environmental sustainability and animal welfare. These practices ensure healthier ecosystems, which ultimately contribute to healthier food.

    Scientific References

    Another study:

    https://www.facebook.com/grasslandag/posts/research-by-dr-stephan-van-vliet-from-utah-state-university-found-that-grass-fed/459728735916496/

    Elevate Your Plate with Grassfed Products

    Switching to grassfed and pasture-based products is not only a step towards better health but also supports sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. By incorporating grassfed beef, lamb, dairy, and pasture-based pork and poultry into your meals, you can enjoy enhanced nutritional benefits backed by science.

    Discover the difference between AGA-certified grassfed and pasture-based products by exploring the resources and certifications at American Grassfed Association. Together, let’s make informed choices for our health and our planet.

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