Beginning in April through the end of May, the calves are born out on the open range to ensure a clean natural environment. During calving season, they check cows every 2 hours to make sure mom and baby are doing well. For newborn calves, each calf is given an identification tag and a vaccination. This is similar to a human flu shot. This ensures a healthy start to life, which carries through to have a direct impact on the premium quality of beef we are able to offer.
The rancher works with a local veterinarian and nutrition consultant to make sure they continue to stay healthy and are receiving quality forage. They supplement with mineral 365 days a year to make sure the cows are getting their vitamins. This is extremely important for mom and baby to maintain their health and lower the risk for disease.
Every year, our cows travel 200 miles from winter range to the lush summer pastures in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. In the Rocky Mountains, they spend 6 months grazing the tall, green mountain pastures. The cows love fresh mountain water and the cooler weather. We monitor the forage and rotate the cows around to different pasture to maximize forage production and health.
Grass-fed beef, as the name implies, comes from cows that eat mostly grass.
Grain-fed cows eat a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grain-fed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a grass-fed beef program for small and very small producers. Approved producers are included on the official USDA SVS Grass Fed Program list.
A 100-gram (3.5 oz.) serving of raw grass fed beef contains:
- Calories: 198
- Protein: 19.4 grams
- Fat: 12.7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Grass fed beef is also abundant in:
- Vitamins A and E
- Vitamin B12 and B6
- Selenium
- Iron
- Zinc