by Michele Haskins, Ranch Manager
With the recent launch of the Brasas Food and Wine Society Beef Club, many inquiries have been received regarding the use of antibiotics in our beef program. To see this kind of interest and care proves that it is as important to you as it is us!
The exquisite, one of kind, 100% grass fed wagyu beef that will arrive to your home is raised entirely without the use of antibiotics, growth hormones or exposure to pesticides. As pure as mother nature intended! We do however believe in the use of antibiotics to treat sick animals. There are some forms of diseases or infections, that without treatment, will result in death. We believe it is cruel to not provide the proper care to a sick animal. With that said it’s important to clearly state that any of our cattle that are treated with antibiotics at any age are removed completely from our beef program and donated. This ensures that no antibiotics will ever be found in GVR’s beef.
Our focus on raising beef in a holistic manner reduces our need for antibiotics. We keep our cattle in small herds and in big lush green pastures with unlimited access to clean water, vitamins and minerals. Our cattle are never confined to feed lots; if you have ever drove I-5 in California or spent time in the Mid-West you know exactly what I’m talking about! This type of environment requires the cattle be fed low doses of antibiotics to maintain their health. Studies are now showing that this type of antibiotic abuse could be creating antibiotic resistant diseases in both people and animals.
We allow our animals to naturally mature and harvest them only when they are ready. There is never a need for growth hormones or promoters in our program. Harvesting only when our animals are ready ensures that we are providing our customers a high quality, healthy alternative to market beef. An average age of 12-18 months is an industry standard for beef at harvest. A grass-fed beef’s average is 18-24 months. We are harvesting our grass-fed beef at 30-36 months of age to ensure optimal flavor, tenderness and marbling.
Raised on a diet solely of grass in a stress-free environment with a focus on preventive health-care, we reduce potential diseases and threats to our beef herd. Our free choice mineral program, rotational grazing practices and watchful eye all lend a hand to optimizing the health and well-being of our animals. We are proud to provide some of the world’s most humane, healthy, tender and delicious beef available!