The People and Practices Behind Quality Beef

Hi, Moinkers! It’s Lacey here, Moink’s official Paparazzi and Field Trip Coordinator. How did I earn those titles, you ask? Well, when I’m not chasing my three kids or meal prepping like a boss, I help our Head Hen Lucinda lead this merry gang of tender-hearted carnivores, and that means making a lot of farm visits to our partners around the country, and taking tons of farm animal photos! I also get to sample a lot of delicious meat while testing recipes. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it!

Here at Moink, we believe that with great meat comes great responsibility, and that’s why we love paying personal visits to the farmers that feed you and celebrating their ethical and sustainable practices. It’s a true privilege to meet with and share the stories of these hardworking folks, who put so much thought and effort into the care of their land and animals. Our partners go beyond the call of duty to give their animals a life worthy of their sacrifice, and in a way that preserves the air, water and soil.

After all these field trips, I’ve learned a thing or two about what goes into raising healthy and happy cattle, and I want to let you in on a little-known secret: All beef starts out grass-fed. That’s right, all cattle spend the majority of their first year of life grazing on grass like nature intended. For this reason, the term grass-fed is now open to interpretation, and is quickly becoming just another marketing claim that the big food food companies are twisting to their advantage. But when it comes to premium beef, it’s what happens during their last several months of life that matters the most. It’s not the start, but rather the finish, that makes all the difference in the world when it comes to the humane treatment of the cattle and the quality of the meat. So, when deciphering labels make sure you ask about grass-finished and confirm that your meat was never given grains. 

Cheap Meat Has a High Cost 

Traditional beef cattle spend their last 6-8 months of life in a feedlot. The purpose of this practice is to fatten them up by as much as 600 pounds before they’re slaughtered. In fact, a feedlot cow can grow to slaughter weight up to a year faster than a cow fed only forage, grass, and hay. Not only are they pumped with processed feed filled with hormones, antibiotics, genetically-modified grains, high-fructose corn syrup and byproducts, but they’re forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions. That means more disease, and therefore, the need for antibiotics. 

I can tell you this for sure, no farmer sets out to be part of an unethical food system. Just like you and me, these men and women are just trying to put in an honest day’s work to support their families. But big meat companies have backed them into a corner, and they feel like they can’t farm the way they want to and still hold on to their land. That’s why YOU are so important. Yes, you. By supporting companies like Moink and our mission to help farmers farm and people eat one box at a time, you are helping give a market place to the farmers that dare to challenge the norm. You are the solution, my friends! 

You see,  Big Agriculture, in cahoots with the chemical companies, backed by government systems, forces farming practices that speed up the process, to make the highest profit for themselves. In other words, they are for quantity not quality at the expense of the farmer, the consumer, the animals and our land.  But there’s a great price to pay for cheap meat! The animal, the farmer and the consumer all suffer. Once you know the truth about the treatment of our country’s farmers and cattle, it’s pretty tough to eat a cheeseburger with a clear conscience.

Humanely-Raised, Ethically-Sourced

That’s why we love partnering with family farmers who have found a better, kinder and just plain healthier way. Moink cattle spend their ENTIRE lives in the pasture, and never in a confinement building. We work with suppliers like the Bertolla Brothers, and the Mannix Family, who take great measure to make sure their animals receive humane treatment from start to finish. Since good meat comes from healthy land, we also love that our farmers are good stewards of the environment. If you ask our farmers, they’ll tell you they didn’t inherit or purchase their land, but rather, they’re stewarding it for future generations. 

Outstanding Quality

Moink’s grass-finished beef is NEVER given antibiotics, growth hormones or grains of any kind. It has less total saturated fat and calories, and more heart-healthy Omega-3s and cancer-fighting antioxidants like vitamin E. And you know what, it tastes amazing! Our steaks are tender, juicy and oh so delicious, but don’t just take it from me. Here are some rave reviews straight from the Moinkers’ mouths!

Moink customer India said, “We made a pot roast in our crock pot, and the difference between this and grocery store meat is incredible. No globs of fat, no gristle, no greasiness. It was just…meatier. So delicious. It was perfectly tender and didn’t even require a knife. We weren’t sure we would be able to tell the difference, but WOW could we tell!”

Sherene had this to say about her first Moink box: “It’s obvious that your team cares about your products. I was very happy with the taste and texture of my selections. The meat actually tastes remarkably cleaner and healthier than other fare.”

Are you ready to stand up for animals and farmers and enjoy ethically-sourced, grass-finished beef? Try a Moink Box today.

 

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