In recent years several companies have worked with ranchers to “brand” high quality beef. The companies then can sell the highest possible quality beef products to consumers through stores and restaurants.
One of the most innovative has been the Harris Ranch Partnership for Quality program. Beef producers have to keep detailed records on each cow, give specific shots at specific times, have specific time after weaning before shipment, etc. Ranchers have to work a little harder to meet their exacting specifications but the result is a higher price so it is a win-win situation.
From their website:
“Located in Central California, Harris Farms has been under continuous family operation since 1937. Since its founding in Fresno County, Harris Farms has grown into one of the largest family owned, vertically integrated agribusinesses in the nation.
“Today, under the leadership of John Harris, the Harris name has probably become best known for producing the finest quality beef available. Together, Harris Feeding Company and Harris Ranch Beef Company have established a reputation as two of the most innovative firms in the industry, pioneering the development of branded beef and value-added beef products.
“Cattle Procurement
“One of the reasons Harris Ranch beef is superior to other beef marketers is because we’re involved in production from the ranch to the table. Through our Partnership for Quality (PQ) and other cattle procurement programs, we work with progressive West Coast ranching families to procure an increasing number of cattle that meet rigorous genetic requirements. These cattle are raised according to specified best practices and then are fed according to the highest standards. The guiding principal behind the program is the creation of “a partnership between Harris Ranch and progressive producers, who are strongly focused on the production of a consistent, high quality, consumer driven product, with the strictest standards for food safety, environmental stewardship, economic sustainability and animal welfare.” Through this program, Harris Ranch is able to source and age verify an increasing number of cattle every year.
“Feeding Practices
“One of the secrets to great beef is meticulous attention to feeding practices. Harris Ranch is one of just a few producers in the country that produces beef exclusively from cattle fed in our own feedlot, Harris Feeding Company. Since corn-fed beef is the most flavorful, tender and juicy beef available, Harris Ranch’s Central California feedlot purchases Midwestern corn by the trainload to serve as the basis for our scientifically formulated rations. We mill all of our own feeds under the guidance of a consulting animal nutritionist. As part of our specialized feeding regimen, Harris Ranch tests to ensure all ingredients used in our feed are free of pesticide residues. Furthermore, Harris Ranch has never fed any animal proteins.
“Humane Handling
“Harris Ranch takes exceptional care to ensure the well-being of our cattle. Each and every day—rain or shine—cowboys ride the pens to ensure the health and welfare of every animal in their care. Shade has been installed and all cattle are fed in large, well-maintained, outdoor pens that are equipped with an automated sprinkler system to reduce dust and cool cattle during the summer months. World-renowned animal behaviorist, Dr. Temple Grandin., has assisted with the design of cattle handling facilities and conducted employee training programs to ensure proper animal handling techniques.
“Quality Assurance
“Just a short drive from the feedlot is Harris Ranch Beef Company’s processing facility in Selma, CA. Unlike many programs, all Harris Ranch beef is processed in a single, company owned facility. This enables us to better control all aspects of processing and positively influence beef quality and safety. A highly trained Quality Assurance staff works alongside the USDA and oversees all aspects of processing.
“Harris Ranch utilizes the most advanced food safety technology and practices available, and is always striving to update and improve our facility. We continually receive exceptional marks by third-party auditors in all areas of production. Our processing facility is USDA inspected and follows strict sanitation and food safety practices. The Harris Ranch HACCP intervention program employs the use of multiple-hurdles technologies at both the production and processing levels.
“Natural Beef
“Over the past few years, people have become increasingly conscious of how their food is produced. Harris Ranch Beef meets the demands of even the most discerning consumer looking for wholesome, natural beef. Harris Ranch is able to custom produce natural beef to meet each retailer’s exacting standards. As an added assurance, we’ve established a strict Residue Control program that involves testing both cattle and beef to ensure that our products contain no antibiotic residues. Harris Ranch is one of three companies in the U.S. to implement such a program, and since its initiation in 1985, we have never had a violation of our stringent standards (above those required by USDA) for either antibiotic or pesticide residues. Harris Ranch Beef is also minimally processed and contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
“Recently we have introduced Premium Natural Angus Beef. This product has all the natural attributes Harris Ranch is known for, plus brings to consumers the benefits of Angus beef produced without antibiotics or growth promoting hormones. Source and age verified and raised on a strict vegetarian diet, this natural beef offering is unparalleled in terms of quality, consistency and wholesomeness.
“Our Commitment to Quality
“Throughout the entire process, Harris Ranch Beef Company works hard to ensure that every aspect of our production is directed towards producing quality beef and upholding the integrity of the Harris brand. We’ve worked hard to establish the Harris Ranch brand as the finest beef available. In fact, our name is so important to us we back it up with a satisfaction guarantee. We take great pride in working for a company that embodies the best of the beef industry. It is this simple, cowboy philosophy of working for the “brand” that has made the name Harris Ranch synonymous with traditional values of quality, commitment, honesty, exceptional customer service, and Beef… at its Best!”
You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.