FAQ

While all beef animals begin their lives on pasture during the growth phase, not all are finished on pastured forage. Unlike grocery store beef, which typically spends the last 3+ months of its life in a feedlot consuming a diet of at least 70% grain from a concrete feed bunk, our approach is fundamentally different.

At Kentucky River Cattle Company, our grass-fed cattle are raised and finished entirely on pasture during the peak growing season when the grass is at its highest nutritional value. This natural approach yields a marked contrast in the quality and composition of our beef.

The difference is profound:

• Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Our grass-finished beef boasts elevated levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart-health benefits.
• Increased Antioxidants: With more antioxidants, our beef offers greater protection against harmful free radicals.
• Complete Amino Acid Profile: Every amino acid your body needs for growth, repair of body tissue, and hormone and brain chemical production is present in our beef.

When you choose beef from Kentucky River Cattle Company, you're not only getting a product that's nutritionally superior to grocery store beef, but you're also savoring a flavor that nourishes your soul. Experience the KRCC difference — where quality, taste, and health intersect.

Regenerative Farming Practices: At Kentucky River Cattle Company, we're passionate about caring for the land and our cows. Our farming methods not only prioritize the well-being of our cattle but also contribute to the restoration of the environment by sequestering carbon back into the soil. This approach results in biodiverse forage, a healthier landscape, and ultimately, beef that's more nutritious and bursting with flavor. It's a simple equation: happier cows and healthier land translate to superior taste.

Unparalleled Taste and Quality: Prepare to have your expectations exceeded! Our beef is so delicious that some customers have confessed they won't buy beef anywhere else.

Our secret? Our commitment to consistently moving our cows frrom pasture to pasture, ensuring they have access to fresh forage with each rotation. This attention to detail results in beef that's not only superior in taste and quality but even tastes seasoned straight out of the package.

Approved by Even the Pickiest Eaters: Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, our beef makes it easy to impress even the most discerning palates. Our grass-fed beef, raised in a manner that restores the land, is harvested at the peak of the year when the forage is at its most nutritious and flavorful. This means that every pound of our beef is packed with more nutrients than grocery store beef, delivering a true taste of Kentucky with unforgettable flavor.

At Kentucky River Cattle Company, our philosophy is simple: work with Mother Nature first, produce beef second. We believe in selecting cattle breeds that harmonize with the natural environment, requiring minimal human intervention and focusing on natural growth.

That's why we meticulously select cattle breeds that align with this ethos, aiming for minimal human intervention and a focus on natural growth. Our selection includes Limousin, Angus, Charolais, and Hereford breeds, each chosen for their compatibility with the natural environment and their ability to thrive with minimal inputs.

Here's why we favor these breeds:

1. Low Input Requirements: Our chosen breeds, including Limousin, Angus, Charolais, and Hereford, exhibit resilience and robustness, requiring fewer interventions to maintain their health and fertility. This translates to reduced reliance on poisons, antibiotics, and supplemental feed, promoting a sustainable and environmentally friendly farming approach.

2. Exceptional Flavor Profiles: Renowned for their exceptional flavor, our selected breeds offer a rich and savory taste that elevates every culinary experience. Whether it's the tender and flavorful meat of the Limousin, the marbling and depth of flavor in Angus, the lean and fine-textured meat of Charolais, or the traditional beefy flavor of Hereford, each breed brings its unique characteristics to the table.

3. Enhanced Nutritional Value: Our breeds are chosen not only for their flavor but also for their nutritional density. Despite their size differences, all our breeds offer superior nutrient content compared to conventional beef. This means that every bite of our beef delivers a rich array of essential nutrients, contributing to a wholesome and nourishing dining experience.

4. Environmental Stewardship: In addition to their culinary attributes, our chosen breeds play a crucial role in land management and conservation efforts. They possess the ability to efficiently graze a variety of plants, contributing to ecosystem health and vitality. Through their grazing habits and natural behaviors, they aid in land restoration, soil aeration, and seed germination, promoting biodiversity and sustainability.

By selecting breeds such as Limousin, Angus, Charolais, and Hereford, we're not just producing beef; we're fostering a harmonious relationship with nature and delivering unparalleled quality and flavor to your table.

At Kentucky River Cattle Company, we prioritize the health and well-being of our cattle by aligning our ranching practices with the natural rhythms of the land. Our commitment to ethical and sustainable farming means that our cows are not finished on grain.

Throughout the year, ranching experiences distinct seasons: a vibrant growing season when the grass is lush and green, followed by a dormant season when the grass ceases to grow. During the dormant season, the nutritional content of the grass declines, resulting in lower levels of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins.

To ensure the health of our animals during this period, we supplement their diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, akin to nutritional supplementation in humans. While the grass in Central Kentucky may be lower in nutritional value during the winter compared to cooler regions, we take proactive measures to address these deficiencies.

Unlike conventional practices that rely heavily on feeding hay for up to 120 days during the winter, we have determined that our approach, which involves supplementing with alfalfa, is not only more sustainable but also better for the pasture.

Our cows enjoy a diverse diet of nutrient-rich forages, including fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, orchard grass, clover, and alfalfa. Thanks to our unique microclimate, these grasses thrive, providing our cattle with the best possible nutrition.

We ensure our cows graze on these high-quality forages for at least 5-6 months before slaughtering them during the peak growing season, when the grass is at its most nutritious. This careful timing guarantees that our beef is exceptionally flavorful and packed with essential nutrients.

We never give antibiotics to our bulk beef animals.

YES! All our beef is 100% naturally raised and hormone-free.

Never! Our entire grazing practice is meticulously designed to enhance the land without relying on these conventional inputs. By utilizing regenerative grazing techniques and rotational grazing methods, we harness the natural symbiosis between cattle and the environment to improve soil health, promote biodiversity, and restore ecosystems.

Cooking grass-fed beef is a delightful experience that offers unique flavors and textures. Here are some special cooking tips to ensure you get the most out of your grass-finished beef:

1. Optimal Cooking Temperatures: Grass-fed beef cooks more quickly than grocery store beef and is best enjoyed at rare to medium-rare temperatures. If you prefer your meat well done, consider cooking at a lower temperature in a sauce to retain moisture. Alternatively, using a slow cooker can also yield excellent results.

2. Use a Thermometer: Having a thermometer on hand is essential when cooking grass-fed beef. This ensures you achieve the desired level of doneness and prevents overcooking.

3. Cooking Time: According to the American Grass-fed Association (AGA), grass-fed beef cooks approximately 30% faster than grain-fed beef. Keep this in mind when planning your cooking times to avoid overcooking.

4. Further Resources: For additional cooking tips and guidance, we highly recommend reading the excellent article titled "How To Cook Grass-Fed Beef" by the AGA. This resource provides invaluable insights into cooking techniques specifically tailored to grass-fed beef.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to prepare delicious and tender grass-fed beef dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the unparalleled flavor and quality of grassfed beef from Kentucky River Cattle Company.