The term grass-fed gets used a lot in the food world, but it’s often misunderstood. Cattle are naturally grazing animals, and they do spend most of their lives eating grasses and forage. However, in most climates, cattle can’t survive on fresh pasture alone year-round. Seasons, drought, and winter slow grass growth, so farmers rely on stored forage like hay or silage—both of which are simply preserved grasses.
Because of this, the idea that cattle eat fresh grass every single day of their lives isn’t entirely realistic. Instead, responsible pasture-based farmers raise cattle on a forage diet and finish them on grass, meaning their final stage of growth happens on pasture rather than grain.
At Old Union Tallow, we value transparency about where ingredients come from. Cattle raised on pasture and finished on grass reflect a more natural approach to animal agriculture—one that works with the rhythms of the land rather than against them.