Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy grass-finished beef?
Good for you. Research spanning decades suggests that grass-fed beef has increased levels of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and antioxidants. Other health benefits include elevated levels of Vitamin A & E and a higher concentration of unsaturated fats.
Good for cattle. Cattle have a unique digestive system that allows them to efficiently convert grass into energy and protein. Our cattle rotate through pastures and forages which keep their ruminant system, or “gut”, naturally active.
Good for the land. Well-managed cows can help with a host of environmental ills related to healthy soil—climate change, floods, droughts, wildfires, and desertification. Cattle grazing plays a vital role in the plant life cycle.
Will grass-finished beef taste different?
Most beef served in restaurants and in grocery stores is grain-finished. Our cattle only eat forage meaning grass and hay, so the flavor profile of the meat will be a little different than the traditional beef you may be used to.
Do you use antibiotics?
We avoid antibiotics as much as possible and only use them in life-or-death situations. While all of our beef is free of antibiotic residue, the majority of our cattle have never been given antibiotics so if this is important to you, we will select one of these animals for you.
How do you take care of your cows?
We follow a set of standards developed by the Global Animal Partnership. We are certified with GAP level 4 standards that include: cattle always on pasture (no feedlots), pasture maintained with 75% cover, 16-hr max. transport time, and specific weaning and branding requirements.
Which butcher do you use?
The butcher we send cattle to is Hopkins Packing Company. The business started in 1904—the same year our ancestors started our family's ranch. The original owners’ great-grandsons now run the business. They're located in Blackfoot, Idaho about 15 miles from the ranch. Hopkins processes about 18 cattle each week. We take five animals there at a time, and they are processed that same day—decreasing the amount of time they stand, wait, and get stressed. They provide high-quality service and call all their customers directly to talk through the "cut list" that customizes their beef order.
How do I customize my order?
If you are new to buying meat wholesale, customizing your order can be intimidating! About the week after your animal is taken to Hopkins, they will give you a call to customize your order (steak thickness, roast size, jerky, etc.). Here’s the “cut list” Hopkins Packing uses.
How will my beef be packaged?
We like to keep it simple. Your beef will be packaged with a thin plastic and paper wrapping. Vacuum-packed meat is available upon request for an added fee.