The majority of methane produced by a beef cow is during its “finishing” stage in feedlots where it is fed a diet heavy in corn to pack on weight quickly. Corn is not a natural part of a cow’s diet and it does a number on their digestive system, including a much lower pH and fewer beneficial microbes. On the upside, feeding them corn that ferments in their primary stomach probably makes their miserable existence in confinement a bit easier.

Cattle grazed naturally on grass take on the flavor of the grass in their area. This can be managed with crop management of grazing lands, but it is still too noticeable to be acceptable to large chain restaurants that demand a consistent product nationwide and are, far and away, the major customers of the beef industry. Processed corn-based feeds are, if nothing else, consistent. Home consumers should stick to beef that are grass fed and avoid fast foods if they are concerned with the environment. Consider it a quest to find the flavor that works with different tastes and recipes and enjoy the search.