Omega 6:3 – 2021 Update

The chart below includes the most recent result of Omega 6:3 ratio testing of our Pasture Grazed (100% Grass Fed and Finished) beef. Feel free to scroll through the numerous past blog posts related to the Omega 6:3 ratio on our website.

Omega 6:3 Trend Analysis

Based on our experience with Omega 6:3 monitoring over the past 7 years we feel confident that LOW Omega 6:3 beef can be harvested consistently using our type of management. After management, the diet of the animal leading up to harvest will create small differences from year to year. Differences in the animals diet just before harvest can be a result of:

• Seasonal Grazing Management
• Seasonal Growing Conditions

We can tweak our grazing management to address both factors, but lack of rain and excessive heat can trump our efforts.

2017 Growing Season Harvest 2.4:1 Background

Refer to the chart above. The highest Omega 6:3 ratio we have found in testing our meet has been 2.4:1 (well below grocery store corn fed beef). Here is a little background for the two results where the Omega 6:3 ratio was found to be 2.4:1.

In 2017, we had an early August locker appointment. Mid-July through late July we experienced some extreme heat on our farm that significantly shifted grass maturity into a more lignified state (difficult to digest). In addition, we were just starting our journey on how to best utilize Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands for grazing. We were on a slow move schedule through CRP grasslands, which in hindsight was an error. Each day the grass was getting more rank leading up to the harvest of the beef that tested Omega 6:3 of 2.4:1.

This experience taught us that slow moves to stretch out CRP grasslands is not the proper method to graze in our situation. Starting in 2018 we used a “flash graze” of all CRP grasslands as soon as it becomes available to graze on July 15 (program rule) in our area. A quick flash graze of all acres allows the animals to pick the best while stimulating the grass into one more re-growth for the season. Our second pass through CRP grasslands is slower and the herd takes advantage of the fresh regrowth. This extends the amount of time we have higher digestible forages on CRP grasslands.

2021 Spring Harvest 2.4:1 Background

Again, refer to the chart above. As for the Omega 6:3 results of 2.4:1 in the spring of 2021, refer to this previous blog post. As explained in this previous post, the Omega 6:3 results from the spring of 2021 documents our first time harvesting an animal from primarily grazing stockpiled (brown) forage and stored hay. The pasture did have some early spring green growth coming, but the majority of the animal’s diet was not green growing grass.

In summary

• In both cases where we have measured the highest Omega 6:3 ratios, the beef was consuming a diet with the lowest lush green growth available.
• The 2017 experience taught us how to better utilize summer available CRP grasslands for grazing and finishing grass-fed/finished beef. Note the better results for the fall of 2018, 2019, 2020 and, 2021.
• It appears harvesting beef from a diet of primarily stored forage, such as hay, while they are still grazing fresh pasture, still results in “acceptable” Omega 6:3 results.
• Will our past testing hold for future results?
  • We don’t know, but we will continue to tweak our management to ensure the final product we deliver holds true to the claim of 100% Grassfed/Finished Beef!