How to Avoid Paying High Prices for Meat, Dairy, Eggs

An economist on NPR today said that organic meats, eggs, and dairy will continue to be at the top of the price list for grocery items due to the rising costs of wheat, corn, and soy - which are some of the most common feed choices for animals on farms, industrial and sustainable alike.

Although many organic and sustainable outfits do feed their animals these grains, there are a growing number of farmers and merchants who are pasture-raising their animals and switching to this way of feed. Why? In the end, costs for feeding animals go down when you are not feeding grains because the feeding of grains reduces the overall health of the animals as they are not intended by nature to consume these substances. They are intended to consume grasses and alfalfa, and similar types of plants. Grass-fed animals in natural environments will produce meat, dairy products, and eggs that are higher in lineolic acid, protein, healthy fats, and the correct balance of the Omega 3s -- essential fatty acids critical in protecting cardiovascular health, weight, and other important body functions.

When animals consume grains regularly, they become more susceptible to illness and disease, and farmers are more likely to administer medications and antibiotics. Grain feeding is also common on large feedlots where large amounts of animals are processed in short periods of time, the animals have little room to move around in a natural environment, and waste lagoons are present. All of these factors contribute to a poor quality end-product which greatly diminish health benefits of the meat as well as anyone consuming it.

To avoid paying higher prices for meat, eggs, dairy, and your health, search for organic grass-fed or pasture-raised meats, eggs, and dairy products. For more information on the benefits of grass-fed food products, visit The Sustainable Table. Also, check out Agriculture Society's articles on eating meat and dairy.