The cows calve between May and June so the calves get a good start with warmer weather and nutritious milk from grazing cows. They will spend all of summer and fall on the vast range with their mothers (approximately 160’000 hectares). When the snow flies, most of the herd naturally turns toward home though there are always some who need to be rounded up.
In late fall/early winter, we wean the calves from their mothers. They spend the winter/spring on the ranch eating mostly home-grown hay (although some years we do need to bring in extra hay from other local producers, always spray and fertilizer free). The following summer/fall the now yearlings spend on range grazing and developing their frames. Once again they winter on the ranch. At 2 years of age they are separated into the breeding stock (which join the cattle on summer range) and the ‘fat herd’ which stays behind to graze on our ranch on the more lush, irrigated pastures. The beef we sell is selected on a bi-weekly basis from the ‘fat herd’. Animals are selected based on their ‘finish’. Because of varying genetics and individual tendencies, our cattle reach a proper finish between 24 and 36 months of age. Note that in the commodity beef market, most are harvested at only 12 months old. This ensures that the beef you receive is nutrient dense and has been allowed to grow at a natural pace.
Our herd is nourished exclusively on pasture and range throughout most of the year. The herd is hay-fed for 60-90 days each winter as well as fodder (sprouted certified organic grains grown to about 4 inches tall; these are exceptionally nutritious and boost the immune system). When weather is exceptionally harsh (just a few weeks in winter), the fat herd and at times the pregnant cows will receive 2% of their daily food intake in certified organic heirloom grains. This boost of energy helps them stay healthy through really cold spells and ensures they do not ‘drop off’ during harsh weather when they need most of their energy to stay warm. All our animals are free from vaccinations, antibiotics, parasite controlling chemicals and growth promoting implants.
Once our poultry have developed enough feather growth, they are moved onto irrigated pasture where they can seek shelter under portable coops and gorge themselves on lush forage, insects and grains. We provide feed and fresh water and they in turn enrich our soils with their potent manure.
Once our poultry have developed enough feather growth, they are moved onto irrigated pasture where they can seek shelter under portable coops and gorge themselves on lush forage, insects and grains. We provide feed and fresh water and they in turn enrich our soils with their potent manure.
Fodder is grown for the animals on the ranch during the cold months to supply them with some fresh greens. This is a great way to naturally support their immune systems while also keeping up the high nutritional value of the meat and eggs. Growing fodder is much like growing sprouts at home in your kitchen, only we do it on a large scale. Organic seeds and grains are first soaked, then spread on growing trays. When the sprouts have grown into young plants and are several inches tall, they are fed fresh to the animals.
1420 Commercial Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9
Phone: 604-215-0050 | View Map
9391 Highway 20, Redstone BC, V0L 1S0
Phone: 250-394-4000 | View Map
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