Don’t eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.

The sunlight is shining through my office window this morning, warming everything it touches. The first rays just peeked over the Eastern ridge of Joy Valley and the whole valley is bathed in soft, rosy light. Out in the pastures, the cattle are already grazing, heads down, their glossy black and brown coats soaking up the sun’s warmth.

Yes, there’s snow, and plenty of it. It’s been cold. After all, it’s winter in Michigan. It’s what we expect. Last night, the air was clear…very clear… you could see stars, stars…oh yeah, and more stars. 

That same clear sky is what makes it so darn cold the next morning. All the heat drifts away during the night.

​So, here we are…morning on the ranch!

Grass-fed beef is a popular choice if you’re seeking a more natural and sustainable option for your meat consumption. Unlike grain-fed cattle, grass-fed cattle are raised on a diet of grass and forage, resulting in beef that is reported to offer higher nutritional value and supports environmentally friendly farming practices.

While I am not passionate about backyard grilling, I do enjoy it...and I bet you do too. As we are nearing the end of the traditional “grilling season” in Northern climates, there’s no need to stop grilling just because football season has started, the kids are back in school, etc. In fact, temps have cooled slightly…and the days and nights are 100% perfection.

Who would have thought that ground beef, meatloaf, roasts and steaks could taste this amazing?

Creating great-tasting beef requires more than just grass.

Life's just too darn short for mediocre meat! 

Have you ever stopped to really think about what's lurking in those grocery store aisles?  

​Tasteless cuts pumped full of who-knows-what, from cows that live a miserable existence. It's a grim picture and it's not doing us, our planet or those poor cows any favors. 

Why settle for that mystery meat? 

In the vast landscape of American cuisine, there's an intriguing phenomenon that often raises eyebrows.

The apparent preference for processed, frozen and packaged foods over fresh, farm-to-table alternatives.

It's easy to dismiss this as a mere consequence of a fast-paced lifestyle, but it goes deeper than that.

Let’s explore a little.

A Short Journey For Improved Health For Your Family

As a parent, there are few responsibilities that weigh as heavily on your heart as ensuring the health and well-being of your children, right?

While not quite as alarming as the time you couldn’t find them at the park, thinking “Holy smokes...where is little Billy or Suzie!” ... only to be super relieved to see they were momentarily hidden behind a trash can...or they decided to go sit in the car! (Yes, both happened to me).

Good nutrition is more a longer-term, learned lifestyle and not as heart-pumping and fearful as a lost child!

Today, convenience often trumps quality, and many people find themselves troubled by the nutritional content, or lack thereof (i.e. crap!) in the typical American diet.

The Power of a Whole Food Diet in Managing Chronic Diseases

In a world where processed and convenience foods dominate the American diet, the concept of using food as medicine is gaining traction.

Research increasingly supports the idea that a whole food diet can play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases, offering a natural and sustainable approach to health.

Embracing Freshness and The Local Food Landscape

In recent years, the farm-to-table movement has experienced a surge in popularity, capturing the hearts and palates of consumers around the world.

This trend has become more than just a buzzword; it's a lifestyle choice driven by a collective desire for fresh, locally sourced food.

The basic definition of "Farm-to-Table" is that meals should be based on ingredients produced near where we live...eating locally grown food.

Let's explore the reasons behind the growing appeal of the farm-to-table movement and how it reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable, healthy and environmentally conscious choices. 

The Case For Eating Local Farm-To-Table

When it comes to nourishing you and your family, there's a compelling case for embracing local and seasonal food. Here are four great reasons to prioritize farm fresh food.

Trendy, But Still Worthwhile

Bone broth, once a kitchen staple in traditional cultures, has made a surprising comeback in the modern culinary world, often hailed as a trendy superfood.

In the days of our ancestors, simmering pots of broth were a common sight, serving both as a versatile culinary base and a preservation method before the era of refrigeration.

Let's explore why this ancient practice is regaining popularity and why you should consider adding bone broth to your diet.

Unlocking Some Grass-Fed Magic with Wine

Hey there, fellow flavor seekers! At The North Coast Ranch, we're not just about MEAT!, today we're all about trying to help you make your meals a little more joyous.

Sure, our grass-fed steaks are the rock stars here, but let's talk about another magical ingredient that can take your meals to the next level … wine! 

It’s important to remember that food impacts more than just our taste buds. Today, we answer the question: What are the health benefits of grass-fed beef?

Obvious disclaimer: we are not medical professionals and you should always consult your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet or health regimen.

Grass-fed beef has gone mainstream, and for good reason. Consumers realize that the cost of food goes beyond its price. Grass-fed beef is simply a better, healthier option than conventionally-raised beef.

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