Are your cows grass fed?
This is not the number one question we get about our beef. But one worth answering. The feed given to livestock is very important. What is fed to cattle is of the highest importance to any serious cattle producer.
Our quick answer is…
Yes, all our cows are fed grass.
The cows on our farm are fed grass their entire lives.
In the summer they are grazing pastures. In the winter they are fed grass hay bales when the pastures are dormant.
But keep reading. 👇🏽
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Baling Grass Hay
Our number one summer job is putting up grass & alfalfa hay to be fed during the winter months. Usually there are 3 (maybe 4) chances in the summer to make hay.
They saying “make hay while the sun shines” means get it done while you can. Because here in the Midwest 1. we can’t bale after dusk & 2. rain is likely on the way. Rain deteriorates the quality of the hay.
Cover Crops
Usually we plant a cover crop of turnip/radish/rye in the fall. It helps to extend grazing into December if the late fall isn’t too cold.
Steers & Heifers
Our steers and heifers are all grass fed their entire lives along with oats, grain & protein mix for optimal marbeling. We have customers who raise cattle that prefer the taste of our beef.
Before they are taken to market, they are also fed a mix of protein, oats & cracked corn. Grass hay is always available for them to eat. This final ration is what gives our steaks the superior flavor & tenderness. Even other beef producers rave about our steaks.
So you get the benefits of both grass & grain fed beef. Like I said, it is superior flavor.
Square Hay Bales
But grass hay takes up most of our time and effort. It’s what carries the cows through winter. So they have enough food to eat and a full stomach that help keeps them warm.
We put up both large round bales & small squares each summer.
Beyond Grass Fed
Cows must also be given supplement along with their grass hay & pasture grass. Lick blocks are available. Loose mineral in covered feeders are put out where cattle can consume for macro & micro nutrient needs.
Are your cattle hormone free & antibiotic free?
Yes, to both.
We do not give any antibiotics in their feed. We do not implant hormones to any animal for fast weight gain. With our excellent genetics and feed, the cattle on our farm have a more than adequate growth rate to reach their optimum weight.