Grass fed

[TrapperMike]

Aren’t all cattle grass fed. Now before you jump the gun and say that A&W cattle are grass fed right up to the day they are slaughtered, that would not be the truth. Our neighbors has a feedlot that caters to A&W beef. They are taken off grass for three months and fattened up on grain along side the other cattle in the pens. This is just another ploy that A&W uses to trick city folks and others that don’t have any farming knowledge.
Just like when they said their cattle were not raised on antibiotics. Anyone with common sense know that antibiotics are only given to a sick animal and they are not slaughtered till the antibiotics have cleared the animals system. And if a rancher was not to treat his animal when sick it would be like you not getting medical attention for your child if they were sick.

[MountainTi]

A&W has quite the marketing scheme going, and have for quite some time.

[EZM]

I'm sure there are varying ways to raise cattle all the way from small enclosure, hay/grass/grain to free range up until the day they get slaughtered.

The reality is, grain fed beef is bigger, fatter, has mild clean white fat and generally more marbling compared to grass fed.

Grass fed, again generally, is smaller, fat content is less and is more golden in color and the beef has a different more bold flavor.

Is one better compared to the next? If I was making hamburger meat for the masses that is smothered on mustard, ketchup, etc.... and wanted the biggest, cheapest patty then does it really matter?

[Grizzly Adams]

A&W has quite the marketing scheme going, and have for quite some time.

I love the , We use cane sugar scam, no difference from beet sugar and definitely less environmentally friendly. :confused:

Grizz

[257Shooter]

Advertising aimed at the urban viewer who knows nothing about how animals are raised.
Sad

[MountainTi]

I'm sure there are varying ways to raise cattle all the way from small enclosure, hay/grass/grain to free range up until the day they get slaughtered.

The reality is, grain fed beef is bigger, fatter, has mild clean white fat and generally more marbling compared to grass fed.

Grass fed, again generally, is smaller, fat content is less and is more golden in color and the beef has a different more bold flavor.

Is one better compared to the next? If I was making hamburger meat for the masses that is smothered on mustard, ketchup, etc.... and wanted the biggest, cheapest patty then does it really matter?

Grain fed finishes faster

[ghostguy6]

I dont think its their burgers that keep them open anyways. I dont know anyone that still eats their burgers unless its the last option. Ever since they changed their onion rings to the soft mushy crap with flaked off batter there is no point going there for lunch or dinner. The only time I have seen the restaurants full is during the breakfast hours, at least that is still good.

[waldedw]

That's just good stuff man ...............:sHa_shakeshout:

[Grizzly Adams]

I dont think its their burgers that keep them open anyways. I dont know anyone that still eats their burgers unless its the last option. Ever since they changed their onion rings to the soft mushy crap with flaked off batter there is no point going there for lunch or dinner. The only time I have seen the restaurants full is during the breakfast hours, at least that is still good.

It's the coupons. :lol: That and a popular Seniors hang out.

Grizz

[StiksnStrings]

A buddy brought this up the other day. Aren't they grass fed until they get to the feed lot??? Regardless of their commercials I'll take them over McD's any time.

As a side note, passing through Barrhead recently and had the All Canadian Special breakfast. As close to real breakfast as a guy can get on the road :sHa_shakeshout:and yea, all the locals were there for coffee making for some good conversation.

[hilt134]

I dont think its their burgers that keep them open anyways. I dont know anyone that still eats their burgers unless its the last option. Ever since they changed their onion rings to the soft mushy crap with flaked off batter there is no point going there for lunch or dinner. The only time I have seen the restaurants full is during the breakfast hours, at least that is still good.

I still think it’s the best fast food burger besides DQ. Plus I’m giving them the best fast food poutine hands down!

I’ll be honest I don’t particularly care which way the cow was fed when I’m getting fast food. Unless one means a cheaper deal😅

[skain11]

My brother is a beef feed specialist and gets wound up when you get him talking about beyond meat and veggie burgers and the like. I told him that the Beef Council of Canada should be marketing that their cows are vegetarians

[338Bluff]

Grass Fed = Old Crock Cows that spent a minimum amount of time (or no time) in a finishing lot. It could also mean that maybe it ate grass once in its lifetime??

True grass fed beef is almost an artisanal product that required pretty special management to raise. It commands a pretty good Premium and I find it unlikely the A&W would want to spend the extra cash for it or find a big enough supplier.

It's all marketing that is probably based more on the substance coming out of the south bound end of a north bound cow.

Little cynical.

[308 man]

My cousin raises grass feed beef I have noticed that it has a test some what like moose, not quite as strong as moose good thou as I like moose also.

[slopeshunter]

Grass Fed = Old Crock Cows that spent a minimum amount of time (or no time) in a finishing lot. It could also mean that maybe it ate grass once in its lifetime??

True grass fed beef is almost an artisanal product that required pretty special management to raise. It commands a pretty good Premium and I find it unlikely the A&W would want to spend the extra cash for it or find a big enough supplier.

It's all marketing that is probably based more on the substance coming out of the south bound end of a north bound cow.

Little cynical.
I read that grass fed means that they were fed grass at some point during their life. Whereas grass finished means they were fed grass throughout their life (only). Who knows. I agree with Grizz. It’s all in the coupons. lol

[Geraldsh]

When I was a kid on the farm we ate “dry cow” beef; if a cow failed to produce a calf for a couple years she became next year’s burgers.

[EZM]

Grain fed finishes faster

That makes sense.

I have had certified grass fed from the butcher on the corner here (Popowich) and the steaks are definitely bold, full of flavor, more colorful, it's truly a different product for sure (and far more expensive).

If I was making burgers, even for home, I would pick the lean beef (ground chuck) and not worry too much about grass fed vs. conventionally raised beef. You would likely not see much of a difference by the time you dress out your burger anyways with all those condiments and toppings.

The Alberta organic free range lamb (from Popowich) is also amazing ..... completely different compared to other lamb (not sure why but it's like two different meats altogether).

[Sleddawg]

I still think it’s the best fast food burger besides DQ. Plus I’m giving them the best fast food poutine hands down!

I’ll be honest I don’t particularly care which way the cow was fed when I’m getting fast food. Unless one means a cheaper deal😅

How can anyone take your comment seriously after you start it with you think A&W and DQ are the top two options of fast food burgers. Good lord. I am beside myself right now.

[Reeves1]

Haven't been to ANY fast "food" place in 30+ years.

I think the last time was in 79 ?


Edit: Opps ! Lied ! LOL

Last time I was working in PG /BC. I walked through the drive through in I think 97(ish) & asked the young girl for a gallon jug of A&W Rootbeer (remember the ones with a finger loop ?)......she had NO IDEA what a "gallon" was :sHa_sarcasticlol:

I did this knowing a young person would have no idea :sHa_shakeshout:

[Redfrog]

I really do not remember the last time I had a burger from a fast food place. The A&W commercials are simply insulting to a person's intelligence. Not that you need a certain IQ to gag down a dirt burger. The onlyiest time I eat a fast burger is when I can get Harvey's. It's not much different than the others but is nostalgic for me. I had my first one over 50 years ago and it was delish. No doubt a different product today, but in my mind MMMMM. Teen burgers were great too when I was a teenager. Last one I had about 10 years ago was barely holding together.
At one time I had a little burger drive through in Hanna. Not to brag but the Hutterites would come from Drumheller for my burgers.:)

[MountainTi]

I really do not remember the last time I had a burger from a fast food place. The A&W commercials are simply insulting to a person's intelligence. Not that you need a certain IQ to gag down a dirt burger. The onlyiest time I eat a fast burger is when I can get Harvey's. It's not much different than the others but is nostalgic for me. I had my first one over 50 years ago and it was delish. No doubt a different product today, but in my mind MMMMM. Teen burgers were great too when I was a teenager. Last one I had about 10 years ago was barely holding together.
At one time I had a little burger drive through in Hanna. Not to brag but the Hutterites would come from Drumheller for my burgers.:)

West end of town? Trying to remember one

[Smokinyotes]

I quit going to A&W when they started serving beyond meat. I would imagine that their grass fed beef is just old crock cow from lakeside or cargill that came from the auction mart 3 days prior to get their head chopped off. Myself I only eat grain fed beef with the more fat the better. :)

[calgarychef]

How can anyone take your comment seriously after you start it with you think A&W and DQ are the top two options of fast food burgers. Good lord. I am beside myself right now.

Heyyyyy the DQ $7.00 meal is my go to! Don’t dis’ DQ.

[TrapperMike]

Wendy’s still my favourite burger, and McDonald’s my favourite fries.

[antlercarver]

If you buy beef from countries that have no winter, you can have cattle on grass all year. Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela ,ect.

[stubblejumper01]

Heyyyyy the DQ $7.00 meal is my go to! Don’t dis’ DQ.

I get the 2 double cheeseburger for $7 once in awhile. Not too bad. As my buddy says “It’ll make a turd”

[Gerald J]

Heyyyyy the DQ $7.00 meal is my go to! Don’t dis’ DQ.

Ditto. I can't eat a double anymore. Can't go wrong with this then.

[Johnny G1]

DQ make absolute garbage cheese burger's here in Clearwater and with new canadian's owning it has gone nowhere but downhill, used to be a good burger joint a one time, Just my thought's.

[Mr Flyguy]

I really do not remember the last time I had a burger from a fast food place. The A&W commercials are simply insulting to a person's intelligence. Not that you need a certain IQ to gag down a dirt burger. The onlyiest time I eat a fast burger is when I can get Harvey's. It's not much different than the others but is nostalgic for me. I had my first one over 50 years ago and it was delish. No doubt a different product today, but in my mind MMMMM. Teen burgers were great too when I was a teenager. Last one I had about 10 years ago was barely holding together.
At one time I had a little burger drive through in Hanna. Not to brag but the Hutterites would come from Drumheller for my burgers.:)

Tim's are just as bad. They have recently "discovered" the fresh cracked Canadian egg for their breakfast sandwich, and a few years ago they discovered another game changer, "steeped tea"! :confused:

[Big Grey Wolf]

I like A & W Buddy burger for $2.50 at Niton Junction. When coming back from trap line, I then spring for one for my Springer dog. Great burgers, believe they have special local baked bun, makes big difference in taste.

[Dean2]

Grass fed beef, Hormone free beef, fresh cracked eggs by Rotten Ronnie's and Tims, all Canadian whatever (Packaging that is), ethically raised chickens (someone prayed they wouldn't all die in their pens), meatless burgers, 9 out of 10 doctors recommend Pal Mal and on it goes. The depths of deceit and depravity companies will go to is endless. Personally, I no longer take offense at companies treating consumers like gullible idiots, most of them are, otherwise how does Trudeau and Biden get elected.

For any restaurant/fast food I focus on which tastes best and buy that.

For fast food

Breakfast A&W or Ricky's
Burgers - DQ, A&W, then Fat Burger
Fried Chicken - Mary Brown's

[58thecat]

and yet many buy into it.....marketing...one upmanship!

[Positrac]

Can’t beat a good teen burger. It’s my go-to if I’m on the road.

DQ Ultimate comes a close 2nd but they are not as consistent.

Haven’t been to another fast food joint in years. I’ve got to be sitting on the can if I’m going to tempt eating anything from Rotten Ronny’s...

[oldgutpile]

Grass fed "at some point" is right up there with "Canadian Beef" which by law requires "up-to" 15% Canadian content to be labelled that way.

[raab]

Well I can tell you that the A&W cattle have to be handled using low stress techniques. And they're mostly good looking steers from what I've seen. Some of them might even be mistaken for 4H steers. They're definitely not old auction cows. FTR I buy most of my burgers from A&W as they're accessible and in lots of small towns. In saying that their Chubby Chicken Burger is probably one of the best fast food chicken burgers you can get.

[EZM]

Interesting article on this ........

https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/features/a-deeper-look-into-aws-grass-fed-canadian-beef-initiative/

[wally338]

The old cowboys got mad at A&W and quit eating there , not that it matters they rarely eat out anyway. The young cowboys see a business opportunity and get on board with A&W.

[Mulehahn]

In more populated countries with much less land available cows will spend their entire lives in what amounts to feed lots. The simple truth is, in Canada, and inexpensive access to crown land or pasture, most cows are "grass fed" because it is just cheaper. They can walk around feeding and watering themselves. It is not altruistic, it is basic finances.

[wally338]

In more populated countries with much less land available cows will spend their entire lives in what amounts to feed lots. The simple truth is, in Canada, and inexpensive access to crown land or pasture, most cows are "grass fed" because it is just cheaper. They can walk around feeding and watering themselves. It is not altruistic, it is basic finances.

You obviously don't understand the question at hand

[pikergolf]

At our local A&W the burgers are always made to order, fries are always hot, not thrilled about the no ice policy in their drinks and the straws suck, but I can live with it. Hot tasty food, whats not to like, good coffee as well.

[raab]

You obviously don't understand the question at hand

He obviously doesnt know anything about the industry. Probably never heard of Joel Salatin or the importance of Regenerative farming either.

[coyotecaller]

I’ve worked at a feedlot that had antibiotic free and hormone free pens of cattle. No implants, no ionophores, just silage and grain. If the animal got sick, it was treated and moved out of the pen. It didn’t hit that market. And the majority of those cattle were angus influence. Takes longer to finish but they definitely taste different, and in my opinion, better. Now grass fed beef are fed hay/grass their entire lives. Takes longer to finish? Maybe, but I’ve seen em butchered at 1000 lbs, as opposed to 1650 lbs at the lots. So really, you could probably sell 2 by the time it takes to finish one.

[justsomeguy]

Grass fed, grass finished beef is what sells as a premium, it spends its entire life eating only grass, never grains and never sent to a feed lot. The real stuff you have to get directly from an individual ranch. Southern AB is peppered with them.

Besides the above mentioned differences in fat and taste the big selling point is a higher omega 3 fat compared to grain fed, which has more omega 6 fats. Omega 6 has a whole bunch of health issues, including being a massive inflammation issue for some people. The same knock I’d made against the grain oil family (canola, corn, etc).

If a cow is grass fed but then grain finished you lose all the claimed health benefits.

Having bought real grass fed/finished beef and knowing the prices I’d be shocked if any fast food joint was offering the real deal, and it’s just marketing.

[Cigarguy]

I'm holding out for glacial water fed beef. Meat is clear and has that beautiful turquoise color to it. C'mon A&W it would go well with root beer.

[Grizzly Adams]

Grass fed, grass finished beef is what sells as a premium, it spends its entire life eating only grass, never grains and never sent to a feed lot. The real stuff you have to get directly from an individual ranch. Southern AB is peppered with them.

Besides the above mentioned differences in fat and taste the big selling point is a higher omega 3 fat compared to grain fed, which has more omega 6 fats. Omega 6 has a whole bunch of health issues, including being a massive inflammation issue for some people. The same knock I’d made against the grain oil family (canola, corn, etc).

If a cow is grass fed but then grain finished you lose all the claimed health benefits.

Having bought real grass fed/finished beef and knowing the prices I’d be shocked if any fast food joint was offering the real deal, and it’s just marketing.

In the end, it just fills a niche market, created by some Business school graduate. :lol:

Grizz

[Mulehahn]

I have several family members who ranch. Some use crown land. Some use pasture. Some are in the States where they run twice as many head on half as much land. It impossible to have "grass fed" let alone "grass finished" beef in that scenario. Try that in Canada and the cost of feed would bankrupt you before you could get your first herd to auction.

In most of BC almost every herd I know is grazed on crown land and brought back in in the fall because ranchers need there fields for hay production all summer because they could not afford to buy enough to feed there cattle all winter. The cattle can have the fields after last harvest. In Alberta it is a bit different and yes grass fimished is a possibility but still not that common. Why? Because it costs too dang much.

And this is not even getting into other countries with populations how ever many times the population of Canada in an area half the size of Alberta. Grass fed only works in very select scenario's and Alberta has it. And cost is still the limiting factor

[Grizzly Adams]

. Some are in the States where they run twice as many head on half as much land. It impossible to have "grass fed" let alone "grass finished" beef in that scenario.

I've seen cattle in the dessert , where you would have to search to find a blade of grass.

Grizz

[sask]

Aren’t all cattle grass fed. Now before you jump the gun and say that A&W cattle are grass fed right up to the day they are slaughtered, that would not be the truth. Our neighbors has a feedlot that caters to A&W beef. They are taken off grass for three months and fattened up on grain along side the other cattle in the pens. This is just another ploy that A&W uses to trick city folks and others that don’t have any farming knowledge.
Just like when they said their cattle were not raised on antibiotics. Anyone with common sense know that antibiotics are only given to a sick animal and they are not slaughtered till the antibiotics have cleared the animals system. And if a rancher was not to treat his animal when sick it would be like you not getting medical attention for your child if they were sick.

My god , Logic 😂

Have not been inside an A&W in 10-12 years....

[hunterngather]

Idk, double teen burger tastes pretty damn good to me.

Could care less how they market.

Taste is king.

[1899b]

So does grass fed beef still get finaplix injections?

[EZM]

Having bought real grass fed/finished beef and knowing the prices I’d be shocked if any fast food joint was offering the real deal, and it’s just marketing.

I understand that perspective and was highly skeptical myself, but UPON researching it (see my article as one example) ........ A&W says it's grass fed - and if they advertise it, they must uphold to it as there are very strict laws for food as opposed to other industries (so you can't play around here) and all of their suppliers in Canada, the US, and Australia are fully certified.

The claim is 100% legit.

Also consider the economics of this beef - as ground beef is made from trim - not primal cuts. And grass fed producers are targeting these primal cut high end consumers and that market. That's where grass fed demands a premium - on ground and trim - not so much. So it benefits both producers and A&W.

[Dean2]

I find this very funny. When I was a kid, Ponderossa and Bonanza Steak House sold Australian and New Zealand grass fed beef. They were a really inexpensive steakhouse, set up cafeteria style for ordering with fresh cooked steak but buffet style sides. We would go there once or twice a month because my parents could actually afford to feed themselves and three boys, for 1/3 what it would cost to go to a regular steak house. Everybody liked to make fun of Bonanza because they served cheap grass fed beef that had a bit of a gamey flavour but there were an awful lot of families that ate there because of the price. Now people think it is a premium product. Marketing at its best.

[mooseknuckle]

I find this very funny. When I was a kid, Ponderossa and Bonanza Steak House sold Australian and New Zealand grass fed beef. They were a really inexpensive steakhouse, set up cafeteria style for ordering with fresh cooked steak but buffet style sides. We would go there once or twice a month because my parents could actually afford to feed themselves and three boys, for 1/3 what it would cost to go to a regular steak house. Everybody liked to make fun of Bonanza because they served cheap grass fed beef that had a bit of a gamey flavour but there were an awful lot of families that ate there because of the price. Now people think it is a premium product. Marketing at its best.

Bonanza!! lol. I was 9 years old when dad took me there 170st west edmonton. Thats when he told me he was leaving my mom. Bonanza divorce. Went over easier with 58 chicken nuggets.