Last week we took a trip to Julian, NC to visit Clear Springs Farm a grass-fed and finished cattle farm run by Laurie Scotton and her husband David Scotton. The proprietors of this farm are veterinarians who have a love for farming and the humane treatment of animals.
Their calves are born and raised on their farm, feeding off of native forages from start to finish, and are never given added hormones or antibiotics. Most other cattle are grain-finished, meaning, towards the end of their life, they are shipped away to a feedlot where they are fed grain to fatten them up, but "grass-finished" cattle are finished on the fields.
Hearing the perspective of veterinarians in regard to how we consume meat and how important the treatment of the animals is when it comes to the taste, nutritional profile, and overall quality of the meat, was extremely refreshing.
Laurie was very adamant that we only consume beef twice a week and no more than 8 oz/serving. She spoke about how unsustainable it was for not only Americans to eat red meat every day but the fact that we have carnivores as pets that also need to be fed protein. She knows that it is impossible for the rest of the world to eat like Americans. She was very frank about the reality of our future grandchildren and their pets eating insects for protein in order to sustain our dietary needs.
We also do not live in a reality where everyone can eat a strictly plant-based diet. It is very important that each person and family do their own research when it comes to their needs. And we are here to help! Protein is such an important macronutrient for the health and development of our bodies and brains. We appreciate the work of small farmers like Laurie and David Scotton strengthening our local food system. This is no small job!
Find their products in our local meat case on aisle 5!