What Breeds of Cattle Make the Best Grassfed Beef?

Not all cattle are the same — and when it comes to grassfed beef, genetics play a huge role in the eating experience.

Most cattle in the U.S. are bred for grain finishing. They’re designed to grow fast in feedlots and put on weight with corn and soy. On pasture alone, those genetics don’t perform as well. The result can be leaner beef that’s tougher and less satisfying.

At Tyner Pond Farm, we’ve taken a different path. We’ve selected genetics that thrive on grass — cattle that finish well without grain. Our herd is built around South Poll cattle and carefully chosen crosses, with some Corriente influence.

Why South Poll?

South Poll are known for:

• Finishing on grass – They marble naturally on forage without needing grain.

• Smaller frame size – Instead of pushing for massive animals, we focus on cattle that efficiently convert grass into beef.

• Tenderness and flavor – Customers consistently tell us our beef is more tender and full of flavor — a combination of both genetics and how we raise them.

• Adaptability – They thrive in Indiana’s climate and respond well to rotational grazing.

Why Corriente?

Corriente cattle are smaller-framed, hardy animals with genetics that go back centuries. They bring important qualities to a grassfed herd:

• Efficiency on forage – Corriente genetics allow for excellent conversion of grass into beef, without the inefficiencies of larger grain-focused breeds.

• Leanness and durability – These cattle are athletic, disease-resistant, and built for longevity, which supports our regenerative system.

• Crossing value – When combined with South Poll genetics, Corriente influence produces cattle that finish well on grass while maintaining tenderness, flavor, and efficiency.Of course, genetics are only part of the story.

The way we manage pasture — moving cattle daily with simple tools — is just as important. See how in The Modern Grazier’s Toolkit

Genetics and Animal Health

The right cattle genetics make a big difference in health as well as beef quality. Because our herd is bred to thrive on forage, they don’t need the interventions common in industrial systems.

• We never use antibiotics or vaccines — our cattle stay healthy by design.

• Their natural hardiness makes them resistant to pests like flies that cause problems in other herds.

• Smaller-framed, efficient cattle handle heat, weather shifts, and pasture-based living without stress.

Why It Matters

Great grassfed beef doesn’t come just from moving cattle on pasture. It comes from matching the right breed with the right system. Genetics, forage management, and grazing all work together to produce beef that is nutrient-dense, flavorful, and raised the way nature intended.

That’s why when people ask us what makes our beef stand out, we always point to genetics as one of the biggest factors. We’ve built our herd carefully over years to make sure every animal thrives on grass alone — no grain, no vaccines, no antibiotics.

If you want to experience the difference that genetics and regenerative grazing make, shop our grassfed beef here.