We sell individual vacuum-sealed cuts of beef directly from our on-farm store. Please look at our “PRICE LIST” page for details. Soon, we will also offer beef “boxes” which are comprised of all the cuts of beef from a quarter or half cow. We’re still working out the specifics of quantity and price so please check back soon or call or email for more info.
WHY Grass?
Grass-fed beef is better for human health than grain-fed beef in ten different ways, according to the most comprehensive analysis to date. The 2009 study was a joint effort between the USDA and researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina. Compared with grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef was:
- Lower in total fat
- Higher in beta-carotene
- Higher in vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
- Higher in the B-vitamins thiamin and riboflavin
- Higher in the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Higher in total omega-3s
- A healthier ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (1.65 vs 4.84)
- Higher in CLA (cis-9 trans-11), a potential cancer fighter
- Higher in vaccenic acid (which can be transformed into CLA)
- Lower in the saturated fats linked with heart disease
S.K. Duckett et al, Journal of Animal Science, (published online) June 2009, “Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: III. Tissue proximate, fatty acid, vitamin and cholesterol content.”
How are the cows raised?
Our cows roam the hills of the farm eating grass and soaking in the sunshine. In the Winter they eat hay that we bale ourselves from our own fields. We never feed any grain – ever. This makes our beef 100% grass fed so it’s the best beef you can eat. Most of our beef cows are Belted Galloways (belties). Calves are born here on the farm and are raised for almost 2 years. At that time they are taken to a USDA certified organic butcher for slaughter and cutting.
What about the pastures?
We practice management intensive grazing. This means that our fields are as healthy as our cows. We move the cows’ electric fencing perimeter very frequently so that they always have access to fresh grass and do not need to retrace their previous grazing area to find more food. This is great for the pasture because manure is spread evenly, the grass is never eaten too short, and the soil is not compacted by excessive roaming (among many other reasons). This is a highly sustainable model of grazing that ensures maximum forage for the animals and regrowth of field vegetation. Our lush pastures improve in quality every year instead of declining.
How does it taste?
Pasture raised beltie meat is succulent and delicious. Often, it requires less cooking than other beef because it is a bit leaner. Check back soon for more info on the science behind grass-fed meat and specific nutritional details.
