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Local Voices

Now at New Leaf: Country Natural Beef Finish-Fed without GMO Grains

New Leaf Community Markets is partnering with Country Natural Beef (CNB) to offer beef raised without the use of antibiotics or added growth hormones, 100% vegetarian-fed, and now finish-fed without corn or other GMO grains. As of April 1, New Leaf will begin selling beef from CNB, a cooperative of nearly 100 U.S. family ranches and one of the nation’s leaders in natural beef production.

New Leaf is the first major grocer in Northern California to carry non-GMO finished beef produced by CNB, who is leading the natural beef industry in reducing GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in feed. “A key factor in our decision to partner with Country Natural Beef is that they are diligently working to eliminate all GMO feeds offered to their cattle during the animal’s entire life. Removing corn, 88% of which is genetically engineered in the United States, and all GMO grains from the finish ration is a significant first step,” said Scott Roseman, New Leaf’s co-president. “Carrying CNB products is keeping with our efforts to collaborate with suppliers to reduce and eventually replace products that contain genetically-modified ingredients,” he added.

“After fully considering the facts and emotion surrounding GMO crops, we the family ranchers have chosen to limit the use of GMO crops in the production of our animals beginning with the finish phase,” said Stacy Davis, CNB’s marketing director. During the finish phase, when the CNB cattle are 10 to 18 months old, for a minimum of 80 days they are fed a ration of non-GMO wheat or non-GMO barley, cooked potatoes grown from non-GMO seed, alfalfa hay grown from non-GMO seed, and a mineral/vitamin supplement that does not contain GMOs. The oil in which the potatoes are cooked could contain a small amount of GMO-derived products, but is less than 0.1% of the ration. “We are now looking at how to reduce GMO ingredients in growth phase feeds,” Davis added.

New Leaf’s decision to carry CNB was also based on the quality of their beef and their humane and sustainable ranching practices. Each rancher adheres to “Raise Well” standards endorsed by Dr. Temple Grandin that assure the well-being of livestock and ensures consumers receive the best natural and humanely raised beef in the marketplace today.

For more information about CNB, visit www.countrynaturalbeef.weebly.com.

About New Leaf Community Markets
A natural grocery store with eight stores, New Leaf has been serving the community for 29 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers choices that have the most beneficial impact on their health and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. New Leaf’s mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life. Connect with New Leaf at www.newleaf.com.


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