Organic, Grass-fed and Humane

Why Organic?

Organic methods are healthy for you, healthy for the animals, and healthy for the environment

Our pastures were “certified organic” by the Washington State Department of agriculture in 1998. To qualify we have met stringent guidelines that prohibit the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, or animal by-products. Livestock must be born and raised on organic fields, and any grain used must be certified organic.

Although it is allowed within organic standards, our animals do not receive vaccinations. After studying the research on formaldehyde and aluminum mold inhibitors in the vaccines, we made the choice to do everything possible to maximize the heath of our livestock naturally – with grass, legume and herb pastures, organic mineral supplements with sea kelp, and frequent pasture rotation. This approach not only promotes healthy metabolism and strong immune system function, it increases the vitamins and minerals in our products.

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 food 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 typical of most grocery stores. In addition, grass-fed beef is almost void of Omega-6 – the saturated fat that clogs arteries.

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 linoleum acid (CLA), another anti-oxidant with anti-carcinogen properties found in high amounts only in beef and dairy cows that are grass-fed.

At Skagit River Ranch we only butcher our beef from May 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. (These become larger and some people like to order them for July 4th barbeques.)

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 meat.

Humane Treatment

All of our animals are field-raised, healthy, and treated humanely. They 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.