The fall season in Michigan offers much to enjoy: crisp weather, brilliant colors, festive gatherings and hearty seasonal foods. 

Well, it’s over. Welcome winter. Merry Christmas!

If geeky, soil and grass talk is not your thing, that's cool. Instead, put a 100% grass fed beef roast in the crock-pot, head to your sofa, read a good book or look out your window, count your blessings and enjoy a super holiday season with friends and family.

Back to my geek-talk.

​Fall is an important time on the ranch. When the grazing season draws to a close, we make careful decisions to prepare the land and livestock for winter. 

BUSTED !!!

That headline was partly to grab your attention.
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​But it’s true, I don’t buy meat at a farmer’s market… unless I personally know the person or team selling it.

I’ve had mixed experiences buying meat at farmer’s markets. It’s not that I’ve ever had anything spoiled or rancid, but I’ve bought meat that just didn’t taste good or was too tough. 

Once, a “gentleman” I knew told me NOT to buy his chicken. In his words, “it’s not good.” 

What? That’s crazy! It’s not for people you know, but you’ll sell it to strangers?  Obviously, his ethics are questionable.

This is one of the most challenging things we do at The North Coast Ranch. Animal welfare is important to all of us.

​Butchering season is here and it’s always bittersweet:

Bitter because our animals make the ultimate sacrifice for each of our families' health and well-being.

Sweet because our freezers are nearly empty, and we still have mouths to feed.

It can be difficult thinking about taking an animal's life for food. There’s a small lump in my throat when they get loaded in the trailer heading to the butcher. However, I believe the animals are here to help nourish us, and their meat helps provide what our bodies need.

Many customers have struggled with the ethical dilemma of eating meat. They know their health suffers without it, but the idea of killing an animal is sometimes hard to reconcile.

2-MINUTE READ

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.

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. 

Rotational Grazing is a Cornerstone of Regenerative Ranching

Short video rotating the cows from one area of pasture to another. Why? Rotating them keeps them on fresh pasture, away from where they previously were.

You see, cattle don't have bathrooms like humans, so where they stand becomes their bathroom. If they stand in the same place long enough, it becomes their bathroom. It's not healthy...so we move 'em!

This is how we make 100% grass-fed beef for people that prioritize farm fresh food.

Harnessing Nature’s Balance

Cattle ranches are an integral part of agriculture, but they are often associated with concerns about emissions. However, there's an intriguing aspect to this story – carbon sequestration, a natural process with potential benefits for our environment.

Let's delve into the helpful results that natural cattle ranching can and have on the environment. Please Note: We are not discussing feed lots here!

Seems the phrase "Regenerative Farming" is getting tossed around a lot in some agricultural circles and messaging to consumers and their food choices.

This post will attempt to answer the question, "What is Regenerative Farming?".

As you might imagine from the post title and the image, it's all about the soil. So, let's answer the question from The North Coast Ranch point of view.

Good Old Fashioned, Regenerative, Adaptive Grazing Practices

We raise cattle using old-fashioned, common sense, time tested, regenerative, adaptive farming practices where cattle roam free, daily, for their entire lives.

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​We treat all parts of the cattle raising process with respect and stewardship. After all, happy, stress-free cattle make the best testing beef.

What does this all mean?