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rganic, Grass-fed and Humane
Why Organic?
“Certified Organic” by Washington State Department of Agriculture in 1998, our pastures and our animals have met stringent guidelines that prohibits the use of chemicals, pesticides or herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, nor animal by-products. Livestock must be born and raised on organic fields and any grain used must be certified organic as well. Organic methods are healthy for you, healthy for the animals, and healthy for the environment .
During spring and summer our animals are moved to fresh pasture almost on a daily basis. By working with a soil consultant, we are able to ensure that conditions are optimum for pasture growth. This method of “rotational grazing” requires extra work, but helps break the parasite cycle while allowing our livestock to graze the most nutrient rich part of the grass. Since we are in the Skagit River flood plain, we have an exceptionally nutrient-rich soil. The occasional flood in our fields ensures an endless supply of natural minerals.
Benefits of 100% “Grass-fed” Beef
Organic, 100% grass-fed beef is rich in healthy nutrients and disease fighting properties. Studies have shown that grass-finished beef has almost 6 times more Omega-3 fatty acids than the grain finished beef and recommended level of Omega 6 to Omega 3 ratio of 3:1.
Omega-3’s properties to fight cancer and lower the risk of heart disease are well documented, but did you know that grass-feed beef is also high in beta-carotene (Vitamin A), another cancer fighting vitamin? The fat on our beef is a natural yellow-cream color due to this beta-carotene and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), another anti-oxidant with anti-carcinogen properties found in high amounts only in beef that are grass-fed.
At Skagit River Ranch we butcher the majority of our beef from April through December when pasture grasses are at optimum nutritional levels. Cattle that are too small for fall butchering are kept over and finished on the spring grass.
More nutritional information on grass-fed beef, poultry and eggs can be found at Jo Robinson’s website: www.eatwild.com. Robinson is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Omega Diet” and “Why Grass-fed is Best”. These books opened our eyes and encouraged us to continue organic farming that produces healthy food.
Humane Treatment
We have three guiding
principles on our farm. The humane
treatment of animals is on the top of that list (the other two are sustainable farming and being chemical-free, organic). All of our
animals graze and roam in beautiful pastures near the river and are always
handled with care. We believe that this environment helps to produce gentle,
contented and healthy livestock, and that caring for the animals and the land
in this way is a farmer’s main job.
28778 Utopia
Road Sedro Woolley WA 98284 |
