Cattle grazing on lush pastures at Lakeshire Farm

Our Practices

Sustainable farming methods that produce exceptional meat while regenerating the land

Farming with Purpose

Every decision we make on Lakeshire Farm is guided by our commitment to producing the highest quality meat while caring for our animals and the land. Our practices represent decades of learning, innovation, and dedication to sustainable agriculture that benefits everyone—our animals, our land, our community, and our customers.

From rotational grazing to dry-aging, each practice is carefully designed to work in harmony with natural systems while producing meat that exceeds conventional standards in every way.

Pasture & Rotation

Our rotational grazing system moves cattle approximately every 15 days, allowing pastures to recover while providing animals with fresh, nutritious grass. This practice improves soil health, increases biodiversity, and ensures our cattle always have access to the best possible nutrition. The result is healthier animals, richer soil, and better-tasting meat.

Feed Philosophy

Our animals eat what nature intended: grass. While our cattle receive limited supplemental non-GMO corn during winter months, the vast majority of their nutrition comes from pasture. This natural diet produces meat with better flavor, higher nutritional value, and the perfect marbling that makes our beef exceptional. No growth hormones, no routine antibiotics—just good, clean feed.

Breed & Genetics

We carefully select cattle breeds known for their ability to thrive on pasture while producing exceptional meat quality. Our breeding program focuses on animals that naturally excel in grass-based systems, ensuring hardy, healthy cattle that produce consistently excellent beef. These genetics, combined with our management practices, create the foundation for superior meat quality.

Dry Aging Process

Our 21-day dry-aging process is carefully controlled to develop the complex flavors and tender texture that make our beef special. In temperature and humidity-controlled rooms, natural enzymes break down muscle fibers while concentrating flavors. This time-honored technique transforms good beef into exceptional beef, creating the rich, nutty flavors our customers love.

Animal Health

We believe healthy animals produce the best meat. Our preventive health program focuses on nutrition, clean water, adequate shelter, and stress reduction. Animals are never given routine antibiotics, though we will treat illness when necessary for animal welfare. Our low-stress handling methods and rotational grazing naturally support immune health and reduce disease pressure.

Processing Standards

All our meat is processed at USDA-inspected facilities that meet our high standards for animal welfare and meat quality. We work closely with processors who understand our commitment to excellence and handle our animals with the same care we provide on the farm. This ensures the quality and safety of every cut that reaches our customers.

Regenerative Outcomes

Our farming practices don't just sustain the land—they improve it. Through rotational grazing, we're building soil organic matter, increasing water retention, and sequestering carbon. Wildlife populations have increased on our land, and plant diversity continues to grow. This is farming that heals the land while producing exceptional food for our community.

Why 21-Day Dry Age?

While many producers age beef for shorter periods, we've found that 21 days is the perfect balance for developing exceptional flavor without compromising quality. During this carefully controlled process, natural enzymes break down muscle fibers while moisture evaporates, concentrating flavors and creating the tender, rich taste that makes our beef special.

The result is beef with complex, nutty flavors and unmatched tenderness—a difference you can taste in every bite.

Measuring Our Impact

We're committed to transparency and continuous improvement in our farming practices

Soil Health

Regular soil testing monitors organic matter levels, nutrient density, and biological activity.

*Detailed soil test data coming soon

Carbon Sequestration

Our rotational grazing practices help capture carbon in soil, contributing to climate health.

*Carbon measurement program in development

Biodiversity

Tracking plant and wildlife species to measure the ecological impact of our practices.

*Biodiversity surveys conducted annually

Our Commitments

100% Pasture-Raised

Our animals live their entire lives on pasture with access to shelter

Rotational Grazing

Moved every 15 days or sooner for optimal grass and soil health

Non-GMO Feed

Limited supplemental non-GMO corn, primarily grass-fed nutrition

21-Day Dry-Aged

All beef aged for optimal flavor and tenderness development

No Routine Antibiotics*

Animals treated only when necessary for their health and welfare

USDA-Inspected

All processing done at certified facilities meeting highest standards

*Antibiotic Policy: Never given routine antibiotics; if an animal must be treated for its welfare, it is cared for to ensure health and any withdrawal periods are strictly observed.

Experience the Difference

Taste the result of our sustainable farming practices in every cut. Visit our farm store to experience exceptional, ethically-raised meat.