Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Organic, natural and grass-fed beef: Profitability and constraints to production in the Midwestern United States

Project ID: M2005-30

Abstract

Farmers considering a transition from conventional beef production to one of several alternative production systems (such as organic, natural, or grass-fed) need to be well informed about the possible challenges and constraints of making this shift.

Key Question: What are the options for farmers interested in beef production alternatives?

Findings: Iowa farmers need to produce organic or grassfed beef at lower costs of production than those modeled and/or receive higher price premiums for their niche beef to be profitable. Before converting to grass-fed or organic production systems, growers need to improve their forage base and develop highly productive and efficient grazing systems. In addition, beef genetics that enable animals to efficiently produce meat on forage-base or limited grain diets are needed for these systems.

Lead investigator: Margaret Smith, ISU Extension, et al

Year of grant completion: 2008

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Marketing Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Farmer profitability, enterprise budgets