Wonder what the difference is between grass-fed and grass-finished meat? Curious to learn about regenerative farming? Interested in how the omega 3:6 ratio matters in your meat? Tune in as Anya deciphers the world of meat. Starting off with her story and how her transition from eating vegetarian to eating meat, she speaks from within as she explains what drove and still drives her passion to produce quality meat. Then, Anya explains the fundamentals of regenerative farming and how it relates to farm legacy and soil nutrients for health. Soon after, she shifts into talking about the environment and ethics, discussing her perspectives on overpopulation and the meat industry, the cheap meat paradox, as well as food wastage. Finally, she breaks down all our questions about labels, clarifying the difference between grass-fed, grass-finished, organic, cage-free, farm-raised, and pasture-raised. With that comes her top recommendation in choosing the best sources of meat, depending on ruminant versus non-ruminant animals, according to its labels. She takes pride in how Belcampo cares for the development of the animal and the health of her customers. Listen in as Anya talks you through the meat industry, and how Belcampo meat might be your best bet!
We mention Dry Farm Wines (affiliate link) in this episode. Dr. Jen & Dr. Dom love to enjoy a little bit of wine now and then, and they love Dry Farm Wine! They use organic grapes, practice regenerative agriculture, and test every bottle for herbicides and pesticides to produce vibrant, fresh, and bright wine. Buy one get one for just one extra penny! (affiliate code).
3:05 – What drove Anya’s passion
8:40 – From vegetarian to farm foods
11:54 – Food Italy
15:58 – Regenerative farming
17:30 – Regenerative farming in America
19:30 – Benefits of slow-growing meats
20:59 – Can regenerative farming feed overpopulation
22:59 – Cheap-meat paradox
25:58 – Subsidization & meat
27:30 – Battling alternative meats
28:23 – Different labels in the meat industry and what they mean
30:30 – How to source the best quality meat
36:40 – E-commerce & grocery stores for Belcampo
38:56 – Learn more & how you can order Belcampo
40:00 – Rights & meat
Anya Fernald brings 15 years of experience building and growing food businesses to Belcampo. Her first job after college was to launch a cooperative of cheesemakers in rural Sicily, from there she moved to direct international micro-investments for the Italian Slow Food Foundation. Upon returning to the US in 2005, she built and ran a produce distribution company and launched Slow Food Nation and Eat Real. Anya then developed business plans via her own company, Live Culture, where she first began working with partner Todd Robinson as a client. Anya has been a regular judge on the Food Network’s Iron Chef since 2009 and also serves as the founding board chair of the Food Craft Institute.
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