Organic Beef

Having a low stocking rate on the farm is a requirement of organic farming, which means cattle have a lot more space to graze and roam the pastures. They have minimal stress allowing them to behave naturally in their environment. Since routine antibiotic use is not allowed, there is a strong focus on animal health and welfare ensuring they are in a stress-free environment with plenty of space. This allows the farmer to manage the herd’s health and help to prevent diseases. Cattle must have permanent access to organic grass and pastures whenever conditions allow. In Ireland, cattle stay outside on grass for about 8 months of the year. During the winter or when grass levels are low, organic feed such as silage (preserved grass) or organic crops such as peas, oats and barley are fed to the cattle.

Since the use of synthetic fertilisers is not allowed in organic farming, clover is incorporated into the pastures, while farmyard manure and cattle slurry (collected while the cattle are housed), are spread on the land, to maximise soil fertility.

In some European countries such as Ireland, it is possible to leave cattle out all year round if weather conditions allow, however, in the case that housing is required during the winter months, cattle require a very generous space including a dry and comfortable bedding area with straw.