I've no idea how many local-ish readers I have, but I wanted to alert those of you in Pennsylvania to an upcoming event designed to showcase sustainably raised Pennsylvania beef. The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is hosting the second annual Grass-Fed Beef Cookoff in Fogelsville on Sunday, August 2nd. I volunteered at the inaugural cookoff last year and will be doing so again this year. Believe me, this is a fun event for sustainable foodie types.
This year at least fourteen Pennsylvania beef producers who raise their animals on pasture will be competing with steaks to be judged on the basis of taste, texture and appearance. Last year's winner, Harvest Home Meats, was from Northampton county, close enough to us that we got our prime rib for Christmas dinner from them, and believe me, that was a decadent piece of beef. Cookoff attendees will enjoy a sample of beef stew and a burger, all made from Pennsylvania 100% grass-fed beef. There will be live music, local beer, and the setting at the Glasbern Inn and Farm is simply gorgeous. If you can make it, keep an eye out for me and please say hello!
More info, and ticket information, here.
I'm in PA, but unfortunately not quite close enough.
ReplyDeleteThis past weekend I had the privilege to work at a local organic farm for the PASA farm tour. It was a blast and met so many like-minded people.
Got to help clean and mill hundreds of pounds of organic grains using antique machinery.
Have fun at the cook off.
I hope there's a huge turn out. I had a local (Maine) grass fed ribeye for supper!
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ReplyDeleteWe are raising 2 steers for the first time and we are trying only grass & hay.
ReplyDeletePeople keep telling us that we need to give them grain the last month before slaughter. I wonder if that is really needed? Does the grass fed only taste good? The grain people make it sound like it will taste like shoe leather!
timekeepr, I can tell you that I sampled several of the steaks submitted last year for competition. The rules state that the animal may have eaten only milk, grass, and forbs in its lifetime. Any amount of grain in the diet disqualified the animal from competition. The steaks were, as a rule, excellent. Truly.
ReplyDeleteI know next to nothing about raising cattle. But I do know that breed, genetics, and the quality of the pasture all enter into the characteristics of the meat. Don't let the naysayers discourage you. It absolutely CAN be done.
If you're anywhere near this part of PA, I would urge you to get a ticket for this event. Almost all the contestant farmers will be there and available to talk shop. That's really the entire purpose of this event. PASA only breaks even on hosting the cookoff; they don't make any money off of it. Also, there will be free mini-seminars in the afternoon on grass-fed beef. You could probably learn a few things if you could make it.
I'm in Western Maryland and would like to go, but it's a bit far.
ReplyDeleteWe are also raising some hair sheep (no wool). We feed a little grain now and then to get them to come around so we can check on them without much stress to them and us.
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