Have a chance to get some grass fed beef from a guy and don't want to ruin it smoking it the same as the stuff from the store. I am supposing it's a bit leaner and afraid of drying it up or out into a small red brick.

Any pointers on how I should adjust from smoking a normal beef brisket?

Bladerunner2 -- 90% of my beef is grass fed (and free). I love it! Some here will dispute the benefits, taste & flavor, etc. I have been working indirectly with a man who is pioneering a "Back to the Basics" beef program and have reaped many wonderful benefits!

Whether or not your beef will cook like ordinary corn-fed, grain-fed beef depends on the amount of back-fat on the animal at harvest time. If the critter was allowed to finish with 1/4 - 3/8 plus back-fat it should cook like any other beef. Less than that and the too lean and too dry issue will come into effect.

If your brisket looks well marbled and has about as much fat as a regular brisket you'll be ok. If not, I would cook it like any other brisket but would consider basting / mopping it a time or two - may even lay a strip or two of fatty bacon on the flat to compensate.

Hope this hepls. Post again if you have other questions.

Like Wheez says,

Much of what you get is essentially grass fed.

The inexpensive programs may finish lightly in feeder lots,but a lot of it is still auction sold.

Could be dairy,brahma,dry cows,old,bulls,etc.

When you get to talking choice,CAB,etc,you are moving up some.

A brisket is still a crapshoot.

Just cook it.

Thanks guys. I will be interested to see what it looks like when it shows up. This guy's family is raising them. He's gonna give me some burger as well as whole meat. Just depends on what his family hands him.

Best way to smoke grass.....fed beef brisket, hehe. This post kinda tickled me. I thought I could tell you the best way, but somehow I cant remember. Just joking guys. But the Brisket, it shouldnt be a problem. GO SOONERS!

It will probably look alot like grain-fed beef.

Sorry, but sarcasm seems to be in the air tonight.

GLH, I said I was just joking. I only take in the smoke that my cookshack blesses me with from time to time. Bladerunner,If youre not sure about the quality of youre Brisket, soak it in a marinade. I reccomend Claudes marinade, Ive found it to be real good.