A Cut Above: Local Beef & Bison

By: Pam Cooper | September 16 2009
Posted in Rogue Valley - Find It - Rogue Valley

We’ve come far from the days when organic and natural foods were the exception instead of the norm. Consumers now insist on and get “clean” wholesome foods, including meats. Shop ‘n Kart grocery store in Ashland states that 60% or more of their meat sales are now organic and natural meats.

In Southern Oregon, there are approximately 20 ranches and dairies that produce organic and natural meats, including Full Circle Bison Ranch in Williams.

Full Circle Bison Ranch is the only certified organic bison ranch west of the Rockies. Bison are grass-fed on only certified organic pastures and raised hormone- and antibiotic-free. Bison meat has less fat and cholesterol and fewer calories than beef. It also has more iron, vitamins B-12 and E, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids. A ceremonial tobacco offering is made prior to the humane harvesting in the field at Full Circle. The meat is then custom cut, vacuum sealed and flash frozen. A variety of cuts are available through Southern Oregon growers markets, at the ranch and through their online store.

Other organic/natural meat sources of beef include Plaisance Ranch, which is also in Williams and produces wine, grapes and grapevines, and Angus-based beef raised without hormones and antibiotics and grass-fed on certified organic pastures. Modoc Ranch in White City offers pasture-fed, hormone-free cattle for harvesting. Numerous Oregon Tilth certified producers in Coquille, Klamath Falls and Myrtle Point are listed on the Oregon Tilth Website. The majority are dairies whose primary crops are organic grasses, hays and grains, but who also offer beef and cull dairy cattle for harvesting.

If you're interested in buying your natural beef or bison locally, asking around at growers markets and checking out these ranches may get you just the cuts you're looking for.