Do us a favor. Take a minute to think about the best steak you’ve ever eaten. Was it perfectly seared with a rich, brown crust? What did it smell like? Think about the texture. Did it seem to melt in your mouth? Was it rich, juicy, and perfectly tender?
We might be biased, but we think that a good cut of beef, seasoned, seared, and served is one of the most delicious things in the world. But saying that all steaks are created equal would be like comparing gas station sushi to good sashimi.
We’ve built our entire operation on the idea that beef lovers can’t afford to skimp on high-quality, organic, grass-fed beef. Pound-for-pound, our beef costs less in the long run. And we’re here to show you how.
How Much Meat Do We Eat?
From burgers on the grill to holiday briskets and pot roasts, people are eating more beef than ever before. It’s become such a staple that it’s even worked its way into food challenges across the country. From the 72 oz. steak challenge to giant burgers, beef is no longer a staple. It’s an obsession.
And with this shift in perspective, we’ve seen drastic changes in consumption habits. According to NPR, Americans eat about 270.7 pounds per person a year. That’s more meat per person than almost any other place in the world.
As Americans eat more beef, the industry has scrambled to keep up with demand. The result? They’re producing more meat, faster, for cheaper. And that’s not necessarily a good thing. Not for the ranchers, the animals, or for consumers like you.
How Do You Raise More Beef at a Lower Cost?
It’s a question the beef industry has spent the last few decades answering. The solution was twofold: reduce the cost of raising an animal and make sure each animal produces more meat. In 1921, the average dressed weight of cattle was 541 pounds. In 2009, they averaged 784 pounds. What changed? We saw a massive shift from pastures to feedlots and the addition of growth hormones during that time.
Today, beef animals are raised on cheaper feed, slaughtered earlier, and kept in tighter quarters—all to keep up with the demand for cheap, plentiful meat. As a result, conventional ground beef runs from $4.99 to $6.99 a pound on most grocery store shelves. Compared to the $13.99 price tag on a pound of Oreganic™ ground beef, that conventional beef sure looks more wallet-friendly. But what costs are you paying in the long run?
Is Organic, Grass-Fed Beef Actually Expensive?
A 2018 article by the Seattle Times predicts that meat consumption (pork, chicken, and beef) is set to hit an all-time high:
“While the government recommends that adults eat 5 to 6.5 ounces of protein daily, the USDA forecasts the average person will down almost 10 ounces of meat and poultry each day in 2018.”
And according to health experts, we should limit red meat consumption to about three portions a week, totaling 12-18 ounces of red meat each week. And that’s the maximum, not the baseline.
An Oreganic™ Steak Lovers Sampler includes at least 112 ounces of organic, grass-fed steaks. And not just any steaks. These premium cuts include filet mignon, ribeye, New York, and top sirloins. If you follow recommended dietary guidelines and eat no more than 12-18 ounces of red meat per week, that’s at least ten weeks of steak for $239.
Sure, organic, grass-fed steaks are expensive. If you treat yourself to a ribeye every night. But, realistically, how often do you eat steak? Once a week? Twice a month? Your meat’s annual cost will vary based on how much and how often you’re eating it.
Cost Comparison: The Breakdown
According to new stats from the US Bureau of Labor, Americans spent an average of $961 on meat in 2018. Using the numbers above, a year’s worth of Oreganic™ steaks costs about $1,250. The difference? Less than $300.
That’s $300 that you’re investing in your health while supporting a family business and our sustainability mission. Plus, you know exactly where and how the animals were raised. You know they were raised humanely and without antibiotics or hormones. Plus, you get our traceability guarantee—something you can’t get from a package of grocery store beef.
Eat Better Beef with Oreganic™
Stop asking yourself if you can afford to eat organic, grass-fed beef. It’s time to ask if you can afford not to. In the long run, there’s just a small price difference between conventional meat and all of the benefits of our certified-organic, 100% grass-fed beef. Ready to taste the better beef difference? You can shop our premium steaks, ground beef, and roasts now.