We do not claim to be USDA certified Organic.
1. Grass-fed & Grass-finished
We know each and every animal, what their life has been like, and what they have eaten. We have a herd of mother cows, a bunch of yearlings, 2-3 year olds and our own bulls. We maintain a healthy life-cycle that involves selling beef - We never take more than our herd can give. While making sure our numbers stay even, and we have as many cattle as our land can sustain.
2. non-GMO & Soy-free
Our cows eat only grass. They are born and raised on the native forage, and at 2-3 years old, we move select animals to our irrigated pasture. This pasture also has a variety of forage available, it changes with each season. Since we are in the desert, we may have to supplement with alfalfa (no pesticides/herbicides) or Fodder - Which is a sprouted barley grain. Our beef cattle will never enter a feedlot, nor will they taste corn, soy or grain. We have switched all of our pig feed to non-GMO/No soy as well as our pastured chickens.
3. Humane Treatment
Our cows are happy cows. We handle them quietly, with respect, and gratitude. Whenever we interact with them we use a special low-stress cattle handling technique that keeps them calm and relaxed. Our priority is raise animals that do not only feed your family, but help us heal the soil. This makes our focus on the bigger picture - We give them the very best life we can and each day we ask ourselves, “How can we make life better for our animals?”
4. Predator Friendly
We are predator friendly. We believe that all wildlife, including predators, play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
We co-exist with coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, deer, bobcats, javelina, ring-tailed cats, eagles, the occasional bear, and many other species. We are proud of the wide diversity of wildlife here on the ranch. We are only ground-keepers of this land. We always consider the consequences of decisions before acting - Always keeping the lives of this ranch in our hearts.
5. Antibiotic & Hormone-free
We do not ever use antibiotics or hormones on our cattle. If an animal becomes sick and needs to be treated with antibiotics, it is tagged and sold at the auction. We try homeopathic remedies if the opportunity arises. Since we use planned grazing, it is not common for our animals to be kept in close quarters or eat by their manure, which provides us with a healthy environment. Antibiotics are a rare sight around here!
6. Sequester Carbon
Because of the unique way we manage our grasslands, we have been able to increase the amount of organic matter in our soils, thus increasing the amount of carbon stored in our rangelands. How? Check out our 'ABOUT" page and watch the videos ;-) Carbon is a beautiful part of life - When in the correct usage! Ask us about it!
7. Holistically Managed
Our family ranch is managed holistically. This means that all decisions are carefully (see Our Goals)evaluated to determine if they are environmentally, socially, and economically sound.
Diversity of all life on this land contributes to our quality of life and healthy soils give us a foundation on which to build a successful business.
Date Creek Ranch has a negative carbon footprint. All irrigation of our pastures, orchard, and water needs for livestock is done with solar power.
DATE CREEK RANCH HAS NOT USED ANY HERBICIDES, PESTICIDES, OR CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS ON THE LAND OR THE ANIMALS SINCE 1983.