Why Grass Fed

Nutrition

New Zealand grass fed beef is often called ‘Nature’s Power Pack’. That’s because it’s packed full of nutrients our bodies crave most including zinc, iron, vitamins D, B and B12. And along with the essential vitamins and minerals, New Zealand grass fed beef is naturally leaner, has less saturated fat, fewer calories and higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids. To make an even stronger nutritional case, New Zealand Springvale Grass Fed Beef delivers a healthier omega 3 to omega 6 ratio and is higher in antioxidants, vitamin A and conjugated linoleic acids versus regular grain fed beef.

Sustainability

Beef farming is often considered to be an environmentally unfriendly practice, but over here in New Zealand, we know a better, more natural way to raise livestock that is always striving to be sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Increased Productivity
While the overall livestock numbers went down in New Zealand since 1990, we were able to maintain or increase the level of productivity. This has delivered major eco-efficiency benefits including a 21 percent reduction in nitrate leaching per kg of saleable product and improved greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduced Carbon Emissions
Since 1990, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 30 percent and are on track to be carbon neutral by 2050. Farming our livestock on open pasture on a grass fed diet all day, every day, makes this goal possible.

Clean Water
Water is crucial to every step in our farming. We are committed to cleaner water that will keep our cattle and grass healthy, while also benefiting the surrounding community. Our farmers actively manage their properties by planting trees to prevent erosion and utilize riparian planting which uses native vegetation to protect waterways.

Thriving Biodiversity
In 2018, research based on satellite mapping found that nearly 25 percent of New Zealand’s native vegetation and 17 percent of New Zealand’s native forest is on sheep and cattle farms. The majority of this is regenerating native forestry which sequesters carbon, a process that slows the accumulation of greenhouse gases.

Healthy, Productive Soils
Good soil is the key to good grass and the best grass fed beef you can find. Our farmers work to closely match land use to soil potential and capability, while also improving soil health, carbon content and productivity while decreasing soil loss. All of this makes for sustainable farming practices that ensure we can continue to raise the highest quality and most natural grass fed beef on the market for decades to come.

Animal Welfare

Our cattle roams freely on open pastures, 365 days a year with a constant access to natural grass feed. Our farmers work to meet the highest standards of animal husbandry and farm management through the Farm Assurance Programme and Farm IQ.