Grass-Fed Beef Certification: Verified Claims for Producers & Brands
Learn how Grass-Fed is defined, how farms are assessed, and how the label guides purchasing decisions.
What Is Grass-Fed Beef Certification?
At Where Food Comes From (WFCF), we are dedicated to ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality, verified grass-fed beef. Our grass-fed beef certification program is designed to guarantee that cattle are raised in strict adherence to the principles of grass-fed nutrition, providing transparency and trust in every bite.
Grass-fed beef certification is a standard that ensures cattle are fed only grass and forage throughout their lives, with the exception of milk consumed before weaning, as well as vitamin and mineral supplementation. This certification is crucial for consumers seeking USDA grass-fed beef that meets specific labeling guidance. The USDA provides clear definitions for “grass-fed” and “100% grass-fed” claims, and our program offers third-party verification to ensure compliance with these standards. By obtaining a verified grass-fed beef label, producers can assure buyers and consumers of their commitment to quality and grass-fed claims.
Why Certification Matters
In today's market, the importance of grass-fed beef certification cannot be overstated. It helps avoid misleading claims, protects a brand's integrity and reputation while allowing a beef producer to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Certification builds confidence with buyers and consumers who seek verified grass-fed beef. Additionally, producers gain access to the opportunity to earn premiums and export markets, making certification an essential step for producers looking to expand their reach.
Who Needs Grass-Fed Beef Certification
Cow-calf
Ensuring cattle are raised according to WFCF grass-fed standards from the very beginning, their source of origin. EID tags are required to be applied at this stage.
Feedlots, Stockers, Auction Markets and Sale Barns
Maintaining compliance with WFCF grass-fed beef labeling requirements throughout the finishing process, as well as both the salebarn and video auction market stages.
Direct-to-consumer ranch brands + retail beef brands
Building trust with customers by displaying verified grass-fed beef claims.
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Export Markets
Meeting international standards for verified grass-fed beef for export markets.
How the Certification Process Works
The journey to achieving grass-fed beef certification involves several key steps:
Application and Consultation
Producers begin by submitting an application and consulting with our team to understand the requirements as they relate to your operation.
Audit and Verification
A thorough onsite audit is conducted to verify compliance with grass-fed standards.
Documentation and Traceability
Producers must provide records that ensure traceability of the beef from pasture to plate. EID tags are required.
Approval and Renewal
Once approved, producers must maintain compliance through annual audits and updates to documentation.
Grass-Fed Beef Certification vs. Other Claims
Understanding the nuances of beef claims is essential for producers. Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and organic certifications each have distinct criteria:
WFCF Grass-fed
WFCF Grass-fed beef certification focuses on a diet of grass and forage and has stricter requirements than many third-party verified standards in the market today. WFCF Grass-fed approved cattle are also never confined during their lives, except in special circumstances like inclement weather, shipping, processing, etc.
Pasture-raised
Pasture-raised certification may allow for additional feeds, making it different from grass-fed standards.
Organic Certification
Organic certification involves strict regulations not only on feeding but also on the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Producers can bundle these claims to create additional market opportunities, enhancing the value of their cattle or beef brand.
Get Started with Grass-Fed Beef Certification
Download the Grass-Fed Certification Checklist
Talk to a Verification Expert
Request a Quote for Verification
Sign Up for Updates on Beef Labeling & Compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help.