Since the 1980's a series of acquisitions and mergers have resulted in 4 large corporations holding 85% of the cattle U.S..  Most beef is grain fed, although cows are natural grass grazers.  Grain feeding and factory farming have contributed to a wide variety of environmental issues, as well as concerns for human health.

Beef production, especially in factory or battery farm settings, is extremely resource-intensive. It can take seven or more pounds of grain to produce one pound of beef.  This disparity results in a net loss of protein, which also occurs on a global scale and has been attributed to a 25% annual loss of protein.  And because livestock consumes 70 % of America's grain, eliminating beef from one meal each week would save the 840 gallons of fresh water it takes to produce a single serving.

Organically raised, free-range, grass fed beef is a a better alternative, still cattle grazing has been linked to habitat destruction, particularly in the Western and Southwestern United States.  Grass fed does not necessarily mean organic and vice versa, so it's important to read labels and check with your supplier to ensure you are recieving a high quality product.