How Faithway Cattle Came to Be: Stan’s Farming Journey

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September 5, 2024

Vanessa here, from Faithway Cattle!

I am excited to share the journey that has shaped Faithway Cattle into what it is today, starting with our farmer himself, Stan. His story is one of humble beginnings, deep family roots, and the remarkable journey of small-scale farming that has profoundly shaped both of our lives.

The Early Days

Stan’s connection to the land was forged at a young age, thanks in no small part to his beloved Grandma, affectionately known as "Mawmaw." Picture a young Stan walking through the woods to her house, eager to learn. Mawmaw taught him the ropes—how to dress chickens, plant a garden, and nurture a love for the land.

At the tender age of 8, Stan began his first foray into farming. With a few laying hens and a jersey calf, he started selling eggs and milk to local neighbors. His earnings, meticulously saved in an old cigar box, marked the beginning of a lifelong journey. As he grew older, Stan expanded his farm with hogs, learned to bail hay, and harvested wheat with his uncles, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Turning Dreams into Reality

By the age of 33, Stan had saved up $5,000 from his day job as an auto mechanic at his family’s auto shop. He invested it in his passion—beef cattle. His full-time job didn’t deter him; it only fueled his drive. With dedication, he grew his herd to around 60-65 head.

In the mid-90s, with the city creeping closer, Stan made a bold move. He bought the land for the farm that we now call home, but this new chapter came with its challenges. For 6-7 years, Stan commuted 45 minutes each way, twice a week, just to keep an eye on his cows. His commitment was unwavering, reflecting his deep love for farming.

By 2000, he had built a house on the farm and moved there full-time, managing a grueling schedule of leaving for work at 7 a.m. and returning at 7 p.m., often doing evening farm chores in the dark during winter. Farming was more than a job—it was Stan’s true passion.

A New Chapter: Love and Commitment

The autumn season of 2014 was a turning point in both of our lives. During a yard sale my car broke down. This unexpectedly led to a chance encounter with Stan. Then, we discovered that we happened to share a hometown and mutual acquaintances, which deepened our connection even more.

Stan’s friend Amy clued me in on his interest, and we began talking over the phone. A couple of days later, Stan’s thoughtful gesture of sending flowers on my birthday was just the beginning of our love story. By May 2015, we were engaged, tying the knot in April 2016.

A Fresh Start

In December 2022, Stan made a life-changing decision. He retired from his role as an auto mechanic at the family business and dove into farming full-time. This shift allowed him to focus entirely on the farm and our beloved cattle, marking a new era for the farm.

But this is only half of the story! Stay tuned, and we’ll dive into my journey—how I adapted to farm life and how, together, how we built a thriving beef operation.

Thank you for being a part of our story and supporting Faithway Cattle. We can’t wait to share more of our journey with you!

Vanessa & Stan

Faithway Cattle Co.

Connect with us on social @faithway_cattle to learn more about our pasture-raised beef and how you can support local agriculture.

Why Our Ground Beef is Superior: Fresh, Flavorful, and Nutritious!

Vanessa here, from Faithway Cattle! Have you ever wondered what makes our ground beef so special? It’s not just about the taste, although that’s certainly a big part of it. Let me share why our ground beef is a cut above the rest and why it might just become your new favorite! From One Cow to Your Table Here at Faithway Cattle, we do things a little differently. Our ground beef comes from a single cow, not a blend of multiple animals, like most conventional ground beef. This might sound like a small detail, but let me assure you, it’s anything but minor! Our level of consistency, quality, and flavor is nearly impossible to get with a blend. By using meat from a single cow, we achieve uniform fat distribution, resulting in tender, juicy beef, every time. Not Afraid of Fat—And Here’s Why Now, let’s talk about the fat content in ground beef. When it comes to beef, not all fat is created equal. Grass-fed beef fat is vastly different from conventional grain-fed beef fat, both in flavor & nutrient-density. Our cattle graze on nutrient-rich grasses their entire lives, finishing with supplemental grain for about three months. This practice gives our beef that perfect marbling and flavor, without compromising the health benefits. Here’s why grass-fed beef, especially the fat, is better: Antioxidants: Helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.Beneficial Fats: Provides essential healthy fats that support overall well-being, unlike unhealthy fats found in seed oils or from animals fed unnatural grain diets. Before we started raising our own beef, I was a die-hard 90/10 ground beef fan—80/20 was just too fatty for me. But after trying our own, I’ve changed my tune. Our 80/20 blend is lean but rich, providing a flavor that melts in your mouth. Our fat not only tastes better but also offers superior nutritional benefits! Raised with Care, Tastes Beyond Compare Ever notice that funky smell from store-bought ground beef? It’s not just your imagination. Beef from large stores can often be older, frozen for long periods, or just not handled with care. Our beef, on the other hand, is processed in small batches by our local processor, ensuring it’s as fresh as can be. We raise our cows in a peaceful, low-stress environment, which means their meat is of the highest quality. They’re typically around 2-3 years old at processing time, ensuring a tenderness and flavor that’s often missing in store-bought options. Store beef might come from older cows or less ideal conditions, which can affect both taste and smell. Why Fresh Matters Our beef stands out for its exceptional flavor because it is frozen at its peak of freshness, immediately after small-batch processing. This meticulous care ensures superior taste and quality, making it truly special compared to grocery store beef and even other small producers who may not process one cow at a time. So, next time you’re looking for ground beef, remember that quality matters. Our single-source, grass-fed beef not only supports your health with its beneficial fats, but it also delivers a taste that stands out from the rest. Taste the difference that careful, humane farming makes with every meal. Thank you for being part of the Faithway Cattle family! Vanessa Faithway Cattle Co.

How Faithway Cattle Came to Be: Stan’s Farming Journey

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Vanessa’s Journey from City Life to Farm Life

Why Our Ground Beef is Superior: Fresh, Flavorful, and Nutritious!

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