Frequently Asked Questions About Verde Farms and Grass-Fed Beef

Organic vs Natural; what's the big beef all about?

The term “natural beef” often misleads people into assuming it’s the same as “organic beef”. Far from it. "Natural" beef allows of the use of antibiotics, hormones, fertilizers, pesticides, irradiation, carbon monoxide, and other harmful additives. Additionally, “natural” beef does not require third-party certification.

All stages of production and processing of Verde Farms beef are certified to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards by accredited 3rd-party agencies.

What does Verde Farms USDA Organic Certification mean?

As the world’s highest standard for organics, certification to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards ensures that all stages of our production and processing are accredited by third-party agencies. While this organic certification takes additional time and expense, it ensures you receive a high quality product that you can trust. Uruguayan production is certified by SKAL and American processing by NOFA-NJ, Bay State Organics, and GOA.

Why Uruguay and where the heck is it?

Uruguay is a quiet little country bordering Argentina in South America. The ranchers of Uruguay have long raised cattle using traditional methods that were used by American farmers before the industrial agricultural complex rose post-WWII. With well-suited climate and grassy plains, the land in Uruguay is ideally suited to beef production.

Does Uruguay have the same food safety standards as the U.S?

You betcha. All Uruguayan facilities are required to meet the same level of requirements as facilities in the US and are even inspected by the USDA. Uruguay has not experienced a single case of FMD (foot & mouth disease) or BSE (mad cow disease) because of strict raising protocols and traceability capabilities.

What else is better about Uruguayan methods?

Uruguayan cattle roam on the open range throughout their entire lives. Since they do not receive growth hormones, cattle typically live a healthy 20-30 months in a stress-free environment which results in a great tasting, tender product. In comparison, in the US typically cattle begin their lives on small farms but then are quickly transported to massive factory feedlots of 50,000-100,000 cattle where they are rushed to slaughter in less than 15 months on a steady diet of antibiotics, hormones, and grains. Just like a tomato can look bright red and shiny, if it grows too quickly it is just flavorless and full of water; the same is true for cattle.

How can the beef be shipped fresh?

Verde Farms beef is shipped fresh from Uruguay in vacuum-packed, refrigerated containers which maintain product integrity at the highest quality. This is the same method used for New Zealand lamb, Chilean fruits, and much of the fresh products that Americans enjoy every day.

Is it loco not just to buy local?

Verde Farms fully supports pasture-based farming methods whether domestic or international. Since domestic supply of pasture-based product has been extremely limited, the main alternative until now has been conventional, factory-based raised beef. By creating demand for pasture-based farms, Verde Farms intends to shift demand back to local farmers, wherever they exist, as an alternative to the corporate giants who currently dominate the industry.

How does the flavor and texture of grass-fed beef compare to grain-fed beef?

We like to use the analogy of it’s like comparing a Budweiser and a Samuel Adams. Huge difference. You’ll find that 100% grass-fed beef has a clean, refined flavor not found in grain-finished beef, the current standard in 99%+ of American supermarkets today. You don’t have to be a food connoisseur to notice the unique and robust flavor of grass-fed beef.

How is grass-fed beef healthier for me than grain-finished (corn-fed, factory-raised American) beef?

Grass-fed beef is 20% lower in calories than grain finished beef and has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, CLA's (conjugated linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid that fights cancer and inhibits body fat), and Vitamins A and E. It is also easier on the environment and the animals since the cattle are not subjected to life in a feedlot, which also creates a waste management problem. Finally, feeding cattle grain, a food source that nature did not intend for ruminant animals like cattle, leads to conditions requiring antibiotics to keep the animals "healthy". There you have it.

What’s the skinny on the taste of such lean beef?

Many chefs consider grass-fed beef to have a taste profile equal to or superior to that of prime. And because grass-fed beef averages 91% lean meat, you taste the flavor of the meat, not the fat.

If there are so many problem with grain-finished meat, why is it so popular?

Okay, this is like a bad fairytale. Once upon a time, after WWII, the U.S. had excess chemical production capacity. This capacity was converted into the production of fertilizers and pesticides which, in addition to massive federal agricultural subsidies for the corn industry, greatly increased chemical and corn production at very low costs. The cattle industry uses this corn in combination with the feedlot system to produce beef in the fastest time and lowest cost possible while sacrificing taste, health, and environmental sustainability. Nobody is living happily ever after except some massive agribusiness corporations. And most Americans are none-the-wiser.

Where's my T-Bone?

The USDA does not allow the importation of any meat cuts that still include the bone due to potential health concerns. This means that there will be no t-bone steaks, porterhouse steaks, bone-in prime rib, short ribs, etc.

How is Verde Farms Beef packaged?

Verde Farms ensures that its packaging selection is consistent with the theme of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring food safety. We believe that you, the consumer, should know all the facts and then let you make the appropriate decision. And if you have any ideas for how we can reduce our environmental footprint, please let us know.

I know you don’t use carbon monoxide in your packaging, right?

No. Carbon Monoxide is prohibited by organic regulations and will never be used in Verde Farm's products.

  Click here for additional info on recycling of materials (PDF).