Do most NEFF producers finish their cattle on grain or grass? Why?
NEFF cattle are born and raised on pasture, weaned naturally from their mothers and continue to graze on pasture during the growing season with some grain and mineral supplement during the winter until they are 16 to 18 months old. This is over twice as long in a pure grazing environment than most industrial feedlot fed beef. When the cattle are around 16 months old they are usually finished on a higher energy diet with a higher percentage of grain. However, the requirements are no less than 50% forage. Most producers finish the cattle around 75% forage and 25% grain. The grain is locally produced and natural as well. This allows more biodiversity as some farms can produce grain but not livestock and some grains can be grown on land that is not suitable for grazing. This biodiversity is critical to build strong agriculture communities. Typical rations in industrialized CAFOs in the Midwest can be up to 95% grain. Return to List Throughout the animals life NEFF cattle are fed a vegetari
