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Pasture For Life and why it matters
Posted Wednesday 15th July, 2026
Here at Fordhall Farm we are incredibly proud to be certified by the Pasture For Life movement and have been since 2009. Established as a way for farmers wanting to promote their sustainable farming practices from field to fork with a clear identity, we champion the benefits for all involved in pure pasture fed cattle.
I’d like to use this opportunity to explain more about what that means for us as a farm but also for you as our customers.
In short, Pasture For Life is a certification defined by one simple, powerful rule: animals must be fed a 100% grass and forage diet for their entire lives. We don’t feed any grains, soya, or additional feeds to speed up growth, all the cows and sheep born and raised at Fordhall eat only what they were born to consume—fresh pasture in the summer and conserved forage (like hay and hayledge) in the winter.
To earn the Pasture For Life stamp of approval, our farm undergoes regular independent audits. They check aspects of our operation to ensure there is:
- No use of grain or soya – our cattle never ingest cereal crops.
- High animal welfare - animals must have the freedom to exhibit natural behaviours and graze outdoors for as long as the weather permits.
- Land stewardship – we must actively manage our fields to promote soil health, biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
When you step up to our butchery counter and buy our beef or lamb, you aren't just buying dinner. You are investing in a better, more sustainable food system. Here is exactly what that brings to your table:
- Unmatched nutritional value. Purely pasture-fed meat is lower in total fat and higher in beneficial nutrients including Omeag-3 fatty acids (great for heart health), Vitamin E and Beta-carotene (powerful antioxidants), and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) which is linked to many health benefits.
- Exceptional, real flavour. Many of our customers have said they notice the flavour difference compared to meat from the supermarket.
- Peace of mind. You have the guarantee that the animals lived a good, natural life outdoors on British pastures, here in rural Shropshire!
And that is exactly why Pasture For Life certification is such a great accolade!
James
