Sustainability - Moon River Beef

OUR HOLISTIC APPROACH

Our central focus is on harmonizing the well-being of the animal and the environment. Our goal is to incorporate our animals into the natural ecosystem. This is how we approach all aspects of our operation, from grazing to farming and feeding. This focus allows us to optimize the health of our cattle and of the natural world. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do.

This includes using rotational grazing methods to promote healthy soil and plant growth, providing access to wild, natural grasses and plant, as well as free-flowing mineral rich water. We are third-party certified all-natural, and hormone and antibiotic-free.

We also work to keep all aspects of the production process as local as possible, partnering with artisanal beef processors, local hay and feed suppliers, and local grocery stores and restaurants
Incorporating the cattle into the ecosystem rather than shaping the environment to meet the needs of our livestock leads to better outcomes overall.

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Key to our success is focusing as much as possible on incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of what we do. Our goal is to minimize the negative impacts on the environment, and actually use our cattle to bring native grasslands back to life. To do this, we use rotational grazing to mimic the grazing patterns of bison and other large herd animals. We also use traditional, centuries-old ranching techniques that allow us to work with the animals while leaving the smallest footprint. What we do is as far from industrialized meat as you can get. All of these practices not only make for healthy and happy cattle, but they help to conserve soil and precious water resources.

THE NATURAL WAY

Each season we select our best heifers and steers for feeding in our exclusive Moon River Pasture on the Verde River. While most of the Verde River is closed to grazing, our private river access allows us to raise a select number of cows in this unique riparian habitat which cannot be found anywhere else in the state of Arizona. On this pasture, our select Black and Golden Angus cattle have access to free-flowing Verde River water and a diverse ecosystem of plant life that provides them with an essential mix of minerals and nutrients. This unique diet leads to better cattle and better beef.

Moon River Beef is USDA Process Verified

What this certification means:
Age and Source Being able to show with documentation the original birth premises and date of birth.
NHTC (Non Hormone Treated Cattle)
Cattle not implanted or fed growth hormones from birth.
TT- AN3 (TechniTrack All Natural)
No animal bi-products fed, no hormones, no antibiotics fed from birth.
TT- GR (TechniTrack Grass Raised)
No more than 25% of feed being plant protein and grain with the exception of milk consumed prior to weaning.