In the North Bay Area of San Francisco (which encompases Marin and Sonoma Counties), Sustainable, local Grass-fed beef is available in several local grocery markets, and even some restaurants. Grass-fed Beef is delicious and even has health benefits.
The American Grassfed Association (AGA) defines grass-fed products as fed only "their mother's milk, and fresh grass or grass-type hay from their birth till harvest." That means no grain or fillers. Grass-fed products, like cheese and beef are naturally high in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). CLA's are anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-antherosclerosis (heart disease) and reduce body fat. A 2.5 ounce serving of grass-fed beef, or one ounce of grass-fed cheese, provides "twice the minimum amount of CLA needed for both prevention and regeneration." Grass-fed products are also lower in fat and calories, and contain Vitamins A and E, Omega-3, and Beta-carotene.
Listed below are some local farms in the North Bay that sell direct, depending on availability, and usually by appointment. Or go for a tour, and meet your farmer (and cows).
Located in Valley Ford, Freestone Ranch raise well cared for Black Angus Cattle that are fed grass and alfalfa. They also have chickens and eggs, and offer tours in the summer. For more information, visit their website.
Sonoma Natural Beef "is a small, independent, sustainable, West County beef producer." They raise Registered Black Angus naturally in the Atascadero Valley in Sebastopol, east of Santa Rosa. For more information, and product pricing, visit their website.
The Sonoma County Meat Buying Club began as a pilot program of the University of California that sell grass-fed beef steaks from cattle raised within a 25 mile radius. Scheduled pick ups are located at local farms in Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. For more information, pricing, and location, visit their website.
Within the rolling hills of Point Reyes Station in Marin County, is Marin Sun Farms, an AGA Certified Producer. They raise grass fed beef, predominantly Angus and Hereford, as well as other livestock including veal, pork and goat. Committed to a more sustainable food system creation, they also sell through their CSA program. Free farm tours are offered, as well as escorted private tours for individuals and groups. For more information, visit their website.
Stemple Creek Ranch is a family owned and operated, environmentally conscious cattle ranch that raise all natural grass-fed beef and lamb. The pasture where the cattle graze on clover and grass is just a few miles from the ocean, in Marin County. Scheduled tours and special events are offered. For more information, visit their website.
The Marin Grass-Fed Meat Club buys local, sustainable, humanely raised grass-fed beef and lamb, as well as pasture raised pork. Meat is resold at cost in 5, 10 and 15 pound packages to club members. For more information, and pricing, visit their website.
Lunny Ranch is a certified organic grass-fed pasture located in the heart of Point Reyes Station National Seashore. They are committed to using sustainable farming practices. Cattle is raised here for Drake's Bay Family Farms. For more information, pricing, and location, visit their website.
sources: http://www.thecommunityvoice.com/article.php?id=1154 http://www.goodearthfarms.com/Grass-Finished%20Beef.htm
Comments