Misconception #2: Misleading labels: Raised w/o antibiotics, hormone-free, Non-GMO and grass fed”

Raised without antibiotics: sure that is possible, but at the same time, with withdrawal periods being monitored on processed livestock, testing is done to ensure that no residual antibiotics are left in that animal.

Hormone-free: Usually associated within poultry and growth hormones. The U.S. stopped allowed growth hormones in poultry since the 1950’s. Hormones are used in the beef industry (such as estrogen) that is used when ranchers are preparing cattle for Artificial Insemination.

Non-GMO: widely controversial topic. GMOs have proven to produce higher yield and pest resistance. I tell my class that we need to feed 10 billion people by the year 2050 which means we need to increase food production by around 170%. Along with having less farmland we need to increase our yields. There is no additional health benefits to consuming non-GMO foods/organic, generally they cost more at the grocery as well.

Grass fed: this label can be highly misleading, the misconceptions of this label is insinuating that the animal was on pasture for its entire existence only eating grasses. I would look for 100% grass fed in the grocery store if that is what you are wanting to buy. The animal could have been on a 70% grain diet, and a 30% grass fed diet but still be considered grass fed.

#nofarmsnofood #agmisconceptions #misleadinglabels 🚜🌾🥩