FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What breed of cows do you have?

All animals in our beef program are beautiful Charolais cross with Black Angus. We select the best bulls from around the country and constantly improve our herds genetics to provide you with the best beef possible!

• Are all of your animals born on the ranch?

Yes - we are very proud to announce that all animals in our beef program are born and raised on the ranch. Currently, the only animals we bring in from outside are our bulls, in order to continually improve our herd genetics.

As we grow and demand increases beyond our current production, we may partner with neighboring farms to meet demand.

• Do you process the beef yourselves?

No - we have personally selected local processors to partner with to process and pack our beef. 

• Is your beef grass-fed

Our cattle live on pasture 365 days a year and have access to fresh grass during the grazing season and local harvested hay in the winter. Cattle in our beef program are no different other than having access to free choice grain for 110 days prior to harvest.

 

• Why do you grain finish?
  Grain finished beef is preferred because it results in a higher level of marbling (intramuscular fat) within the meat, leading to a more tender, juicy, and flavorful steak due to the high-energy grain diet that cattle are fed in the final stages of their life before slaughter, which promotes muscle growth and fat deposition; this is considered the primary reason for choosing grain-finished beef over grass-fed beef by many consumers and chefs.  Marbling: The most significant benefit, as the grain diet leads to increased fat deposition within the muscle fibers, creating a desirable marbled appearance and enhancing tenderness. Flavor profile: Grain-fed beef often has a milder, more buttery flavor compared to grass-fed beef.

• Is grass finished an option? 

Yes, absolutely. Please email us for details. 

 

• What grain do you feed?

Our cattle's finishing ration is sourced locally, established in 1892 by its founder Amos Lawrance Gilbert in Oakdale California.  A blend of Steamed Rolled Barley, Steam Flaked Corn, wheat Millrun, Molasses, Ground Ry Grass, Rice Bran, Magnesium, Crud Protein, Selenium, Soybean Meal along with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. We can not guarantee that the feed is non-GMO or organic.

 

• Can I order an organic feed finisher?

Yes, we can do this. Please email us to start this process. 

 

• Do you vaccinate your cattle?

Yes, we follow best practice and use live and modified live vaccines. We do not use MRNA vaccines - they are not available commercially, and no, the government does not mandate we vaccinate our cattle with anything.

 

• Do you treat cattle with antibiotics?

Yes, but on an as-needed basis only. Any animal that is in the beef program and is treated with antibiotics, is removed from the beef program and sold commercially.

 

• Do you ship?

Not yet, please stay in contact for shipping updates.