Hello all!!  Welcome to Cedarview Farm’s Natural Meats and Produce Section.

As long time farmers and obviously lovers of the outdoors, we have learned that in order to put the freshest, best quality and most importantly, Safest foods on the dinner table, time, care and hard work are a must.

Here are a few points that will assist in the explanation and differences between our foods and foods purchased in most grocer’s facilities:

Natural VS. Organic VS. Commercial Meats

Commercial meats are grown quickly to allow the fastest time to the processing plants.  This is done in what is called lots.  Animals are placed in large pens and buildings that are set up to hold a maximum capacity using the least amount of space.  This is the reason for Antibiotics, to keep the animals from getting sick due to their environment.  Animals are also given steroids, a growth hormone, to reach peak size at a much faster rate.  Although this allows greater amounts of meats to be sent out quicker, the process also puts these substances into the meats you and I place on our tables.

The term organic came about to ease the consumer’s mind when it came to the added hormones and antibiotics being fed to these animals.  Please do not, however, be misled into thinking that Organic is hormone and antibiotic free.  It is NOT.  This simply means that organic injections are given to these animals, versus synthetic.  Organic also does not mean pasture raised.  Much of these animals are still raised and finished in crowded lots that are not only highly stressful to the animals, but harsh on our environment.

Natural meats is a newer term that was introduced by local farmers, such as us here at Cedarview.  We have taken the time and effort to allow our animals the space, time and care necessary to be raised in large lush pastures, fed the best hay when needed and the room to grow as nature intended.  Raising natural meats takes a much greater amount of land, ex: one cow per acre, versus over 100 per acre in a feed lot.  These animals are rotated from pasture to pasture allowing the land time to rest and recover, keeping parasites down to a minimum naturally, and consistently giving the animals the room to graze naturally as done in the wild.  These animals are also afforded their natural right to raise their own young, at their side, giving them the milk so desparately needed to give these young ones the proper start.  In cattle that time is six months!

Heritage Meats

Here at Cedarview Farm we have carefully selected, after years of research, breeds of livestock that have stood the test of time.  These animals have not been altered for faster growth or higher yields.  They were chosen because of their natural abilities in their environment to thrive without great worries of illness and disease, birthing and nurturing abilities, as well as disposition and better on the environment in which they roam.  There are great amounts of data on the breeds we raise, but to read more on this, we ask that you refer to our website.

Cooking Differences

For those of us, which is the majority, draining the “Grease” off of the hamburger meat after cooking is normal and necessary.  This is not however the way it should be.  The ground meats from our farm actually require a little cooking spray to be added to the pan as the meat is naturally lean and full of flavor without the added fat.

Natural meat is cooked at a higher temperature and at a faster rate than commercial meats.  But do not misdirect this information by burning the meat.

Natural meats can be and is often cooked to a medium doneness as the threat to “ruin” the taste or texture can be done.  Also, with natural meats, the fear of family or personal illness is taken away.  When no fear of disease is placed into the animal, then the threat of disease in the meat is also taken away.

Omega Fatty Acids

Fatty Acids are not necessarily bad terms, it is the type of OFA’s that need to be the concern.

Natural meats are very high in Omega 3’s.  This is actually very beneficial to us.  It has been proven to be an excellent fighter in not only heart disease and diabetes, but tons of other naturally good characteristics that so many of us have come to depend on vitamins and supplements to provide.

Omega 6’s are where the concerns lay.  They are what causes our arteries to fill with plaque and raise cholesterol.  They make you feel tired and sluggish.  These have been proven by many studies that this is in fact not what our bodies require or need. 

Time and Work

In order to naturally raise products such as our beef, lamb, eggs, chicken and produce; a great deal of time and work is necessary.  Pastures must be rotated and kept up properly.  Fencing must be checked for not only keeping the animals in, but predators out.  Care is given to each new born animal to ensure an easy and safe upbringing on the farm.  Mom’s are given special tlc, babies are allowed to play in the field and nurse from their mothers.  The bulls and rams are given special attention to ensure docility and ease of handling.  We invite people into our pastures to see for themselves how these animals are treated and raised, so they can see for themselves that we do not believe in short cuts.  We take the time and effort to do it right.  Which as they know, pays off at the dinner table.  I am sure that many animals would be more willing to be part of your next meal if they were afforded a stress-less, carefree life, especially from birth.

Taste the Difference

The quickest way to see the difference is not only by looking at it, but by tasting it.  Beef is a rich burgundy color, not overly filled with fat and gristle.  It has a flavor no feedlot can mass produce.  With natural meats you also will find that you get what you pay for.  Five pounds of ground beef is still five pounds of ground beef after being cooked.  The rich textures are unmatched.  This is not however something I wish for you to take my word on.  I invite you to find out first hand, why it not only looks better, but tastes worlds apart.

Our Environment

Last, but so not in the least, is our environment.

When animals are not overcrowded into lots for faster turnarounds and higher profits, the environment isn’t damaged.  Livestock are natural on our planet, it was when their natural environment was altered that ours was. 

I thank your for your time and ask you to feel free to contact me should you have any questions at cedarviewfarm@gmail.com.

Sincerely,