Agricultural supply chain demonstration takes place at FarmED, Oxfordshire
Pasture-Fed Livestock and Supply Chain Collaboration Discussed at FarmED Event
Last week, Pasture for Life hosted an event at FarmED in the picturesque Cotswolds, bringing together a diverse group of individuals from various sectors of the food industry. The day started with cheerful introductions over a cup of coffee, followed by a farm walk and discussions on the benefits of pasture-fed livestock and ways to collaborate across the supply chain.
The group was energized after the farm walk and discussions, which showcased FarmED's shift from a conventional system to an agroecological, holistic system with grazing animals at the center. Delicious homegrown greens from FarmED were also part of the hearty lunch served, including 100% pasture-fed meat sourced locally from Jonty Brunyee of Conygree Farm and Andy Rumming of Waterhay Farm.
Jimmy, the Executive Director, led discussions on promoting the benefits of pasture-fed livestock and their respective businesses. The discussions focused on how each part of the supply chain can work together to create a more sustainable and ethical food system.
Benefits of Pasture-Fed Livestock
Pasture-fed animals consume natural forage without grains, antibiotics, or synthetic hormones, resulting in meat that is richer in beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (like lutein and beta-carotene), vitamins A & E, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and selenium. These foods may reduce risks of chronic diseases (heart disease, inflammation-related conditions) and avoid the introduction of antibiotics and pesticides into the food chain. Additionally, regenerative grazing practices promote soil health and sustainability by avoiding chemical inputs and supporting ecosystem functions.
Collaboration Across the Supply Chain
- Farmers/ranchers can adopt and expand regenerative grazing practices and pasture-based animal husbandry, highlighting the health, welfare, and environmental benefits gained from grass-fed systems.
- Processors and distributors can support transparency and traceability to differentiate pasture-fed products, ensuring no antibiotics or hormones are used and that sustainable practices are verified.
- Retailers and foodservice can educate consumers with clear labeling, marketing the superior nutrition and ethical/environmental benefits of pasture-fed meat to increase demand.
- Consumers play a role by choosing pasture-raised products, thereby incentivizing the supply chain to prioritize these methods.
- Regulators and industry organizations can support guidelines, certifications, and incentives that encourage pasture-based systems and regenerative agriculture, helping scale the adoption and market presence.
By collaborating—producers improving practices, marketers educating buyers, and consumers demanding pasture-raised products—the entire supply chain can advance the sustainability, health, and welfare benefits associated with pasture-fed livestock.
The afternoon session at FarmED included a discussion on how to collaborate across the supply chain. The group met further during the farm walk to brainstorm ideas and strategies for promoting pasture-fed livestock and collaborating more effectively. Another brew was served during the discussions at FarmED HQ, providing ample opportunities for further collaboration and networking.
The event at FarmED was a testament to the growing interest in pasture-fed livestock and the potential for collaboration across the food industry to create a more sustainable and ethical food system.
- Recognizing the benefits of pasture-fed livestock, the group at FarmED HQ discussed strategies to collaborate across the supply chain, involving farmers and ranchers in adopting regenerative grazing practices, processors and distributors in promoting transparency and traceability, retailers and foodservice in educating consumers, consumers in making conscious product choices, and regulators and industry organizations in supporting guidelines and incentives for pasture-based systems and regenerative agriculture.
- Reflecting on the success of the day's event, the group noted the importance of collaboration, not only in creating a more sustainable and ethical food system but also in fostering lifestyle changes that encompass food-and-drink and home-and-garden choices that promote holistic health and environmental well-being.
