Starting today and over the course of the next few weeks, I will begin a series of blogs highlighting our farmers, producers and products and what they are all about.
Today's pick is Richardson Farms. They are the suppliers for our beef, whole chicken and pork. They are located in Rockdale and have been farming for several generations.
They are committed to raising their animals humanely and feeding them a diet they were intended to eat.
Their chickens and hogs are pasture raised and fed a grain supplement that is grown on their farm and never fed antibiotics.
Their cattle are all grass -fed, as well as antibiotic and hormone free. And straight from their website, "Nothing is more important to Richardson Farms than happy, healthy animals"
So, why would someone want to choose grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic free meat? Is it really a healthier option? Yes it is.
Did you know that over 80% of the antibiotics produced and sold in the United States is sold to animal feed lots? When we eat the animals that come out of feed lots (conventional grown), we then ingest the antibiotics ourselves. This has led to one of the reasons that bacteria strains are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
You then factor in the feed the animals are fed. The feed will more than likely be a GMO (genetically modified organism) which again, we then ingest.
But, what makes grass fed beef superior?
- 2 to 4 times more Omega 3's
- 5 times more concentration of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which studies show helps fight cancer.
- Leaner meat
- Contains more minerals and vitamins
As for pasture raised chickens and hogs, you will have a healthier, leaner meat and the taste of all three is vastly superior to conventional feed lot animals.
Every Friday, the market receives a big order of steaks, ground beef, sausage, pork belly bacon and cutlets. Have a BBQ or special event coming up? Keep us in mind.
Would you like to know more or have other nutrition questions? Come on by the market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11-3.
To your health,
Sandra
*Sandra is the Monument Market's in house nutrition consultant, offering advice and holding workshops twice a month.*
