Nutrient Density-Integrity in Beef

In 2022 we partnered with the Bionutrient Institute by submitting samples from our farm into the “Defining Nutrient Density Beef” study. You can read some of our past posts concerning the samples and results shared by clicking this Bionutrient Beef Link.

Previously we received some preliminary data on Fatty Acids and Minerals. This month, a public “Dashboard” for the data has been released and it includes additional items such as Farm Practice, Protein, Terpenes, and Phytochemicals. The study is ongoing with Vitamin data scheduled to be available in 2025. Stay tuned to our blog as we summarize the latest data in upcoming posts.

Study Objective

From a recent email:

“The primary objective of this initiative is to build a foundational dataset that can be leveraged to create a definition of nutrient density in beef. By analyzing a range of macronutrients, micronutrients, phytochemical compounds, soil metrics, microbiome, management practices, fodder dynamics, and human health responses, the study aims to define nutrient density in the context of these environmental and human-health factors.”

If you have expertise in the stated objective, the Bionutrient Institute is seeking partners to participate in further analysis of the data. They are seeking: “those with specific expertise in the core fields of nutritional biochemistry, and ruminant microbiology, management, and agronomy”. You can contact the Bionutrient Institute via this Nomination Form.

Density versus Integrity

The term “Nutrient Density” has been thrown around for a number of years now, and here at DS Family Farm we were excited to hear something related to food “nutrition” being discussed in Agriculture. For too long agriculture has focused on Production or Yield. As Agriculture zoomed in on Yield, many farms and farmers were lost in the quest to be “more efficient”, while measuring overall QUANTITY. As we went down the path pursuing quantity, QUALITY suffered. The highest producing “Hybrid” or “Variety” or “Breed” does not necessarily result in the best quality (Nutrient Density) at harvest. In addition, resources such as soil and water were sacrificed at the alter of Yield (quantity). So changing the discussion from Yield to Nutrient Density in the food we harvest, was very refreshing. We applaud the work of the Bionutrient Food Association for their pioneering work into “Nutrient Density From The Ground Up”.

As time progresses and the discussion continues, the folks at Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA) are now promoting the term “Nutrient Integrity” with their Integrity Grown (TM) initiative. We applaud the direction this imitative takes, it brings to the table ALL relationships involved in raising, harvesting, and delivering REAL FOOD. For more info on Food Integrity, listen to this podcast from AEA.