Newsletter Part 2: Feed Supplementation and Finishing Practices
posted on
June 22, 2024
Welcome back to our two-part newsletter series! In this second installment, we will delve into our feed supplementation practices, explaining why we introduce grain into our cattle's diet and how it contributes to producing high-quality, healthy beef.
Why We Switch to Grain at 900 lbs
At around 900 lbs, we start supplementing our cattle's diet with grain. This is a crucial phase as it's when marbling begins to develop in the meat. Marbling is the intramuscular fat that enhances the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of the beef.
It's important to emphasize that even during this finishing phase, our cattle are still primarily grass-fed. They remain on grass, with approximately 90% of their diet still comprising grass and forage, and only about 10% being grain. This grain supplementation period lasts for 90 to 120 days before the cattle are ready for slaughter at around 2 to 2 1/2 years old.
What’s in Our Grain Mix?
The grain we use is a carefully formulated mix designed with the assistance of Clemson University. Our feed includes:
- Corn
- Soy
- Cottonseed hull
- Molasses
All the ingredients in our feed are locally sourced, ensuring the freshest and most nutritious supplementation for our cattle. While we strive for non-GMO options, finding such grains is challenging and often cost-prohibitive in our region. Nonetheless, our focus remains on providing a balanced diet that supports the health and quality of our cattle.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Our Angus cattle are raised with the utmost care, balancing their diet to maintain health and produce superior meat. The health of our cattle and the satisfaction of our customers are our top priorities. By combining the best of both grass and grain feeding, we deliver beef that is not only delicious but also raised sustainably and ethically.
We hope this two-part series has given you a better understanding of our grass-fed and feed supplementation practices. Your support enables us to continue our mission of raising high-quality, healthy cattle in harmony with our environment.
Thank you for being part of our journey!