Ranchers Putting Cattle Out to Pasture

In this photo provided by the Nick Ranch, cattle graze freely on certified organic pastures Saturday, May 13, 2006, near Santa Margarita, Calif. Fred Nick is one of a small but growing number of ranchers who are bucking convention by letting their animals graze on grassy pastures until they're slaughtered. (AP Photo/Juanell Nick) (Juanell Nick - AP)

SANTA MARGARITA, Calif. -- Fred Nick has always served his cows a pretty bland menu: grass, grass and more grass.

Then, a few years ago, he learned that meat from exclusively grass-fed animals was gaining popularity among consumers for its reported health benefits. Now his steaks and burgers are showing up for sale at a health food store near his 1,300-acre ranch along California's central coast.

"We didn't even know we had a health product," the 72-year-old Nick said.

Nick is one of a small but growing number of ranchers who are bucking convention, letting their animals graze on grassy pastures until slaughter.

About 45,000 grass-fed head of cattle were produced in the United States in 2005, livestock marketing consultant Allen Williams said. That's a pittance next to the roughly 30 million animals that spend their final months in feedlots, getting big and juicy on a diet of grain.

Still, the current number of grass-fed cattle represents a huge increase over the roughly 5,000 produced 10 years ago, Williams said. He expects the nation's yield of grass-fed beef to more than double, to about 100,000 head, in 2006.

The growth comes as more consumers buy into the belief that grass-fed beef is better for consumers' health, ranchers' financial well-being, and even the cows themselves. And producers are picking up on the demand, said Matt Byrne, executive vice president of the California Cattlemen's Association.

The niche grass-fed beef market is showing signs of growing into something bigger.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is due to issue regulations for labeling beef as grass-fed after a public comment period on its proposed rule ends Aug. 11, agency spokesman Scott Cox said.

The Whole Foods Market chain, which has been selling pasture-raised beef from Australia and New Zealand for several years, could soon start buying from U.S. ranchers as part of an initiative to promote local farmers and ranchers, spokeswoman Amy Schaefer said.

Much of the growing interest in grass-fed beef follows research showing potential health benefits.

Meat from animals raised on grass is generally lower in fat and often contains higher levels of omega-3 and other fatty acids that could reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, said Dr. Kate Clancy, a nutritionist with the Union of Concerned Scientists.