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More on the Big Four: JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef

More on the Big Four: JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef

đŸ§© “Who Controls Your Beef?” đŸ„© The Big Four: 85% of America’s Beef Controlled by 4 Companies 💬 “When just four companies process most of the beef in our country, we don’t just lose competition — we lose connection.” — Liz Cunningham Panel 1: The Players ProcessorOwnership% of MarketKnown ForJBS USABrazil (JBS S.A.)~25%Largest meat processor in the world; ransomware attack 2021 shut down 20% of U.S. meat supplyTyson FoodsU.S.~22%COVID shutdowns led to mass cattle backlogs; ongoing price-fixing litigationCargill Meat SolutionsU.S.~22%Commodity-driven global agribusiness; joint settlements for antitrust violationsNational Beef (Marfrig Global Foods)Brazil~18%Foreign-owned; major importer/exporter balancing U.S. beef and South American supply 📊 Together: 85–87% of all beef processed in the United States Panel 2: The Hidden Costs đŸ’” Price Control: Coordinated market behavior drives rancher profits down and retail prices up. đŸ„© Supply Risk: When one major plant shuts down — like JBS in 2021 — U.S. beef supply can drop 20% overnight. 🌎 Foreign Influence: Two of the four are Brazilian-owned, meaning U.S. beef production decisions are made overseas. 🐄 Lost Independence: Family ranchers can’t compete with massive volume pricing. Processing access becomes bottlenecked. Panel 3: The COVID Reality Check đŸš« Plant shutdowns → millions of pounds of cattle euthanized đŸœïž Empty grocery shelves → record-high prices đŸ€ Small processors couldn’t expand due to USDA red tape “It’s not the cow. It’s the how. Our food system isn’t broken — it’s bottlenecked.” — Liz Cunningham Panel 4: What We’re Doing Differently At Cunningham Ranch & Northwest Premium Meats: Locally processed beef from Jordan Valley, Oregon/Treasure Valley, Idaho USDA inspected, small-batch handled Full traceability from pasture to plate  Dollars stay local — supporting Northwest families - Cliff's Country Market is now the home of Cunningham Pastured Meats💚 Food You Can Trust — From Families Who Care Panel 5: What You Can Do 🛒 Buy Local Beef — direct from ranchers and small butchers and locally owned family markets like Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, ID đŸ—Łïž Ask Questions — know who raised and processed your meat đŸ€ Support Legislation — like the PRIME Act that gives small processors freedom đŸœïž Share the Story — because change starts around the dinner table 📍 Learn More at CunninghamPasturedMeats.com

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More on How Grazing Got Complicated- it's a "heated" debate

More on How Grazing Got Complicated- it's a "heated" debate

đŸŒŸ How Grazing Got Complicated Back in the early 1900s, before federal oversight, ranchers and homesteaders often clashed over access to grazing land. By the 1930s, the BLM was formed to manage who could graze and where. Then came the 1960s — and with it, new fencing requirements, reduced grazing allotments (AUMs, or Animal Unit Months), and tighter federal restrictions. But, this isn't just a difference of opinion, this becomes a "heated" debate when fires are not well managed and threaten our lands and the solution is rooted in good stewardship of the land as nature intended.

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đŸŒ§ïž A Wetter Fall in Jordan Valley

đŸŒ§ïž A Wetter Fall in Jordan Valley

đŸŒ§ïž A Wetter Fall in Jordan Valley = a tender rib-eye! On average, Jordan Valley predicts over 2 inches of rain in October and November combined. This year, reports show precipitation estimates that will run above normal levels across much of Oregon—including the rangelands we rely on.

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2025 Fishing Report

2025 Fishing Report

"When you choose wild salmon, you’re not just buying dinner. You’re choosing adventure, resilience, and purity. You’re choosing a source of nourishment that’s powered people for thousands of years."

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Warm Salmon, Squash & Apple Salad

Warm Salmon, Squash & Apple Salad

Warm Salmon, Red Kuri Squash & Apple Harvest Salad At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we love bringing together trusted partners who share our values of quality, transparency, and care. This Warm Salmon, Red Kuri Squash & Apple Salad does just that—pairing vibrant produce from Cliff’s Country Market with premium wild-caught sockeye salmon from Alsek Fish LLC. The result is a hearty, nourishing salad that tastes like autumn in a bowl. 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4) For the Salad: 1 medium red kuri squash from Cliff’s Country Market, peeled, seeded, and cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt & pepper, to taste 1 Âœ pounds Cunningham Pastured Meats Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon (sourced from Alsek Fish LLC) 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, if not baking) 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced thin — also available at Cliff’s 6 cups arugula or baby spinach (Cliff’s seasonal greens) Âœ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped Optional: ÂŒ cup goat cheese or feta For the Maple-Mustard Vinaigrette: ÂŒ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional) 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup Salt & pepper, to taste đŸ”Ș Instructions Roast the Squash Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a sheet pan and roast 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until tender and caramelized. Cook the Salmon Pan-seared: Heat oil in skillet. Season salmon, cook skin-side down 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook 3–4 more minutes. Baked: Place salmon on parchment-lined pan, season, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until it flakes. Cool slightly, then flake into hearty chunks. Make the Dressing Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Adjust to taste. Assemble the Salad Toss greens with half the vinaigrette. Arrange squash, apples, salmon, and pecans on top. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette. Add goat cheese if desired. 🌊 About the Salmon: Know Your Fisherman Our salmon comes from Alsek Fish LLC, a small fishing family that spends summers in Southeast Alaska and calls the Treasure Valley home the rest of the year. They fish the Alsek River, a glacier-fed river that averages just 39°F. Those icy waters mean salmon from this run naturally carry higher levels of healthy fats and Omega-3s—fuel for their long journey home. Alsek Fish LLC catches and processes every fillet themselves, so when you buy from Cunningham Pastured Meats, you truly know your fisherman. đŸŒ± About the Produce: Local & Fresh from Cliff’s From the earthy sweetness of red kuri squash to the crisp bite of Idaho-grown apples, all of the fresh produce in this salad is available at Cliff’s Country Market. It’s the perfect way to enjoy seasonal flavors while supporting local growers. ✹ Why You’ll Love It Sweet, savory, nutty, and tangy flavors in every bite Features Cliff’s seasonal produce and Alsek wild-caught salmon Balanced enough for lunch, hearty enough for dinner A celebration of real food from trusted families and local farms

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Not a fan of meatloaf, but love our ground beef!! More recipe ideas here!

Not a fan of meatloaf, but love our ground beef!! More recipe ideas here!

đŸ„© From Ranch to Table: 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Cunningham’s 80/20 Ground Beef đŸ„© Whether you love a classic comfort dish or want to try something new, Cunningham Pastured Meats’ 80/20 ground beef delivers rich, beefy flavor in every bite. In this blog, we’re sharing recipes that go beyond the bun — from Mama’s Easy Meatloaf to a fresh, locally inspired Bolognese made with organic canning tomatoes from Rice Family Farms. You’ll also find quick ideas like savory beef tacos, stuffed peppers, juicy smash burgers, and hearty one-pan skillets. Each recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights, customizable to your family’s taste, and made better with high-quality, pasture-raised beef from right here in Idaho. ❀

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Halter Collars

Halter Collars

Imagine the American West before fences. Endless grasslands stretched to the horizon, wide open and free. Livestock moved with the rhythm of the land, guided by skilled herders who understood how to work with nature—not against it. There were no steel posts, no wires, no grids—just animals, people, and a shared understanding of movement and timing. This was the original way of livestock management: intentional, responsive, and deeply in tune with the land. Fences, as we know them, are a relatively modern invention—useful, yes, but they’ve also made us more stationary and more separated from that old rhythm. At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we’ve found a way to return to those roots—while stepping into the future. We're excited to announce that we’re implementing virtual fencing through a company called Halter. Using GPS-enabled collars and gentle cues, Halter allows us to move animals exactly where we want them—no wire, no posts, no daily labor of setting up temporary fencing. Instead, we can offer fresh pasture every single day, ensuring the herd always has access to the cleanest, most nutrient-rich feed available. This also means animals no longer backtrack over soiled ground, which improves animal health, grazing efficiency, and soil vitality. What once took hours of manual fencing can now be done with a tap of a screen—giving us more time to focus on care, stewardship, and improving the land. ​See video of us putting collars on our cattle here<<<< Here’s what this means for you: Fresher feed = healthier animals and better quality meat.Daily movement mimics natural grazing, regenerating the land.Less stress, better welfare for the animals.Greater flexibility to adapt to weather, pasture conditions, and herd needs. This is a new chapter for us, and we’re excited to see where it leads. We’ll be learning as we go—and we’ll keep you updated as this journey with virtual fencing unfolds.

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Tri-Tip Roast - Learn How to Cook It Right!

Tri-Tip Roast - Learn How to Cook It Right!

đŸ”Ș How to Cook the Perfect Tri-Tip Roast: Grill Method (Santa Maria Style): Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or your favorite rub). Let it rest at room temp for 30–60 minutes.Sear over high heat (about 500°F) for 4–5 minutes per side to get a good crust.Move to indirect heat (around 350°F), close the lid, and cook until internal temp reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare (about 20–30 minutes).Rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips. Oven-Roasted Method: Preheat oven to 425°F.Season roast and sear it in a cast iron skillet with a little oil for 3–4 minutes per side.Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15–25 minutes, until internal temp is 130–135°F.Let rest and slice against the grain. Watch a Video Here: Pro Tips:✅ Always use a meat thermometer for best results✅ Tri-tip has two different grain directions – rotate your slicing angle halfway through✅ Pairs perfectly with chimichurri, roasted veggies, or a smoky BBQ sauce

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When Disaster Strikes

When Disaster Strikes

Even in this modern day and age... Farming is hard. Farmers and ranchers frequently encounter a variety of stress-related challenges. These include significant financial burdens resulting from high levels of debt, fluctuations in market prices for their agricultural products, social isolation, pressures of keeping the family farming legacy running, stigma associated with mental health issues, and reliance on uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions. Due to this extreme stress, farmers and ranchers experience depression and suicide rates that are double those of the average person. Every season, those in agriculture face new uncertainties and challenges. Will it be a mild or rough winter? Will we have a storm that wipes out my crops? Did that hot, dry summer last year cause my cattle to not get bred? There was a fire on the range where I run my cattle, and now I don't have enough feed for all my cows. What will commodity prices be when I'm ready to sell? Unfortunately, our pasture-raised chicken provider, Brian, recently experienced a disaster. When chicks first arrive on the farm, they are too fragile to be put directly on pasture. Therefore, they spend their initial weeks inside a brooder, where the temperature is consistently maintained until they are old enough to tolerate outdoor living conditions. These cozy houses are typically heated with propane heaters or heat lamps. However, a downside to this heating method is that it can pose a fire hazard. A good friend's shed burned down because a heat lamp fell during the night and ignited a fire. Unfortunately, Brian experienced a fire incident. Fortunately, none of his other brooders caught fire, and the local fire department was able to contain the blaze quickly. It's truly heartbreaking to lose an entire batch of chickens; the stress and weight of that loss can be incredibly overwhelming. Though Brian is good at persevering, it doesn't lessen the financial impact that this type of event can cause.  Brian works hard through the hottest summer months to provide us with the highest quality chickens you can find in the area. Despite this setback, his first batch of chickens was already out of the brooders on pasture, so we will be receiving our first batch of fresh chickens the second week of June.  Brian is best supported by your loyal purchases of his delicious chicken. Season after season, he dedicates himself to raising chickens on pasture, ensuring that you receive the highest quality chicken for your family.  Your continued support of our business is what keeps us going, helping us navigate both emotionally and financially challenging times. Thank you for your continued support! ❀ 

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Puppies & Lambs

Puppies & Lambs

I can't think of anything cuter than a baby surrounded by a bunch of puppies. Here’s a photo of my daughter with our latest litter of Jack Russell Terrier puppies, and I must say... she's absolutely adorable. My daughter spent nearly 30 minutes sitting on the floor as these tiny puppies cuddled up to her as closely as they could. Our children adore caring for puppies. They eagerly anticipate the arrival of the puppies when they are born, and they play and cuddle with the puppies nearly every day! Just look at this adorable little puppy, sound asleep 😮 If you are interested in our Jack Russell's you can Check out our website here <<<< Spring is incredibly enjoyable as we often see baby animals all around! Recently, my daughter also assisted a baby lamb that needed extra care. We will walk through the field where our sheep give birth and look for lambs that are not pairing up with their moms and appear skinny. We then take them into our house and give them a bottle of milk. In this particular situation, we were able to determine which mother sheep this lamb belonged to. We put them in a pen together for a few days, and then the mom finally learned how to take care of her baby, and she's doing great now! Spring brings such a delightful sense of renewal as we see new life springing up all around us! 

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Green Grass, Grazing Pigs & Baby Lambs

Green Grass, Grazing Pigs & Baby Lambs

By the middle of April, things are looking good around here.There's green grass everywhere, especially on the range. Cows are fat, baby calves are slick and healthy, and everything looks good. Did you know we turn all our cows out on the range BEFORE they calve? We do not watch our cows or heifers (first-time moms) calve. It's their job to go out and "get the job done." So in May, when we gather the range, there are baby calves EVERYWHERE! On the home place, the grass is about 4-6 inches tall and putting some serious weight on our cattle, which will be harvested in the next 1-3 months. At this time of year, our cattle can gain 2-3 lbs of weight PER DAY! That's some serious weight gain and delicious-tasting beef! Speaking of some serious weight gain, our pastured pigs are doing the same. We just harvested the first batch of pigs a few weeks ago, and they were PIGGY FAT. Pigs thrive in early spring due to cooler weather, which helps them gain weight. They crave fresh green grass in the springtime, going grazing for the new grass shoots. Although they mainly consume grains, they value the green grass to balance their diet. And finally, it's my favorite season of all... Lambing season. Over 50% of our sheep have had their lambs in the last week. Sheep typically lamb closely together, and quickly fill a pasture with bouncing baby lambs! It is always incredible to watch this frail baby lamb be born, struggle to get up to get their first drink of milk, and then, less than 24 hours later, bounce around and chase other lambs. We love the newness of spring with green grass, happily grazing pigs, and baby lambs.

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Chickens On The Move

Chickens On The Move

They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb...Well, here is the result of March... Our first lambs are on the ground! These happy, healthy babies are just one of the many signs that spring has arrived at the ranch, and once spring comes, there are many projects to be done!  Over the past year, we've made the decision to reduce our sheep herd, but our hearts are still filled with joy when we see the adorable baby lambs being born. It's such a delightful sight to watch them bounce around happily with their fellow lambs just a few hours later!A key springtime activity is rounding up the calves and assisting our neighbors with branding them. Everyone pitches in, including the little ones. In this photo, my son aided our neighbor by keeping the fire roaring throughout the day, adding one stick of wood at a time! This is also when our horseback riding season begins. We need to be cautious as we bring our horses off winter pasture and saddle up again. The horses have become accustomed to not being ridden and are not always very excited the first time we throw a saddle on their back, so it's always best to let Sean hop on the horse and ride them around to ensure they are not interested in bucking! However, our good old faithful horses that our kids ride pose no problem and are ready for another couple of hundred miles under the saddle this season! In addition to the enjoyable spring activities, we welcomed a fresh group of pigs, which will be raised over the summer. These colorful little porkers are happily adjusting to their new environment as they explore and familiarize themselves with the surroundings. Our laying chickens transitioned from their winter pasture houses to their new springtime pasture area. My oldest daughter takes immense pride in raising delicious pasture-raised eggs. Throughout the winter, they remain in hoop houses to stay warm. As soon as the grass begins to grow, we load the chickens into their mobile trailer home and relocate them to a fresh patch of pasture, where they revel in the lush green grass and scratch the ground to their hearts' content. The picture below shows my daughter playing with the chickens just before we packed them up and moved to their new pasture for spring. Our laying hens weren't the only residents finding a new home. Brian, our meat chicken producer, has relocated from our ranch to the Marsing area to raise his chickens. Although we've thoroughly enjoyed having them on the ranch for the past three years, the daily commute from Nampa to the ranch has been quite lengthy for Brian. He located an excellent pasture in Marsing with a spray-free pasture and good well water for his chickens. Now, he can make a short drive to his location, ensuring the chickens thrive.However, moving eight chicken houses, each measuring 30 ft by 16 ft, is no small task! Fortunately, he found a moving company that assisted him in transporting all the chicken houses to their new location in Marsing. Brian currently has chicks in the brooder that are growing daily, and new chickens will arrive in a few weeks. However, we are nearing the end of our chicken inventory from 2024.Our chickens will be ready to harvest around the first week of June, so if you don't want to be out of chicken, then now is the time to buy!

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Bird Flu Explained

Bird Flu Explained

Ask anyone who buys eggs regularly at the grocery store, and you'll be met with the question.Why are egg prices so high?!Basic conventional raised eggs at the grocery store have reached record-high prices, and most stores are limiting the number of eggs people can purchase.There is clearly a supply and demand issue at the moment, but what is causing such an egg shortage?This might surprise some of you, but the egg shortage is directly correlated with the governments policy of handling the outbreak of the avian bird flu.Bird flu isn't new; it has been present worldwide since the early 2000s, yet it has recently gained renewed attention.The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) policy regarding bird flu states that if your flock tests positive for the virus, all poultry on that farm will be "depopulated" (a euphemism for being killed). This means that if one bird shows signs of illness or dies and the USDA confirms it as bird flu, they will eliminate the entire flock of chickens or turkeys on the farm. The testing method used for bird flu is the PCR test, which gained notoriety during the COVID outbreak for its false positives.This isn't speculation. We witnessed this firsthand with our friends this fall when their turkey flock became sick and died. The USDA came and tested, confirming that it was indeed bird flu. They didn't have to kill any turkeys because their flock succumbed to the virus quickly. However, their small group of laying hens, which they kept for personal egg consumption and were healthy despite being exposed to the turkeys, had to be killed if they wanted any compensation from the USDA.Large confinement operations can house up to 250,000 chickens. Many of these farms have multiple houses, so if a large operation is confirmed to have bird flu, it is required to cull all the chickens on the farm; sometimes, this number well exceeds 250,000. In the last two years, over 160 million chickens and turkeys have been killed to "slow the spread." Yet, bird flu continues to spread.The USDA blames wild birds for carrying and transmitting the disease, yet I have yet to hear the USDA consider a widespread extermination plan for wild birds like starlings, pigeons, and chickadees, but only for the farmers who have chickens and turkeys?For a chicken to start laying eggs, they must be at least 5 months old before they begin to lay regularly. So if a laying operation has to depopulate their entire farm, they will have a minimum of 5 months before they have eggs again, and that's IF they can find chicks to restock their farm.   There has been no discussion about breeding chickens that have contracted bird flu but survived the disease. What happened to the survival of the fittest?With millions of chickens being exterminated from the food supply, it's no wonder that egg prices are skyrocketing!   Unless the USDA policy changes, it's unlikely we'll see a significant drop in egg prices, unless many new farmers enter the market willing to raise and sell eggs.  In the meantime, we will continue to supply our customers with our small flock of laying hens that my daughter raises. 

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Our Favorite Winter Activity ⛞

Our Favorite Winter Activity ⛞

Each winter, when the creeks on our ranch freeze over, our kids rush out to check if the ice is thick enough for skating. Once it is, they spend hours on the ice, knowing the cold may not last. This year, we enjoyed nearly a week of perfect skating, though it got crowded with six kids on the creek. Our younger ones joined in, being pulled in a sled by their older siblings. After hours of skating and plenty of laughs, warmer temperatures ended the season, leaving behind great memories.

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"Oops Calves" In The Freezing Winter

"Oops Calves" In The Freezing Winter

This week, we had some surprise early calves after a bull escaped his pasture. Normally, we don’t start calving until March, but these early arrivals faced challenges with the cold, wet weather. While most did well, one calf struggled to stay warm and had to be brought inside to warm up. After some time, we sent him back to mom for a good nursing. This experience has reminded us to check our fences and keep a better count of our bulls next spring!

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When It Rains, It Pours, or Floods! đŸŒ§ïž

When It Rains, It Pours, or Floods! đŸŒ§ïž

Spring brings both beauty and challenges on the ranch, with green grass and returning birds signaling the season’s change, but also flooding from the moisture we receive between December and March. As calving season approaches, we move our cows from flood-prone meadows to the dry rangeland, where they have ample space and fresh grass to calve safely. Despite swollen creeks, the cows know the way to the canyon where they’ll find the perfect spots to rest. Throughout the year, we ensure their health, checking on them regularly and providing necessary minerals as they move between the meadow and rangeland.

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Fall for pumpkin recipes from Idaho Preferred

Fall for pumpkin recipes from Idaho Preferred

When you live in the greater Northwest, there is nothing better than a bluster fall day! Sweet notes of cinnamon & cider and pumpkin decor. But, what do you do with that wilting Jack-O-Lantern that the kids carved and is melting before your eyes? Love fall comfort foods?  Check out a repertoire of fall pumpkin recipe ideas at Idaho Preferred

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September is Idaho Preferred Month!

September is Idaho Preferred Month!

Did you know that Cliff's Country Market carries an abundant selection of Idaho Preferred products & produce? Want to learn more about how Idaho Preferred celebrates Idaho products in September and why Cliff's Country Market is a destination location for Idaho Preferred?   Click here for more on Idaho Preferred-   Idaho Preferred

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Eat Local and support your health & Idaho's Economic health!

Eat Local and support your health & Idaho's Economic health!

Choosing local Idaho agriculture isn’t just about great tasting food; it also means you are contributing to our State’s economy and overall quality of life. Idaho ranks among the top 5 agricultural states by GDP, thanks to over 185 different commodities produced in the Gem State. (Idaho Preferred)

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Iconic Ground Beef Recipes - Shake Shack Burgers

Iconic Ground Beef Recipes - Shake Shack Burgers

Here’s a recipe for a famous burger joint that we don't have here in Idaho. This recipe gives you that classic Shake Shack taste without having to drive all the way to Utah. The sauce works great not only as a burger topping, but also as dipping sauce for French Fries!

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Everything Good Starts Great

Everything Good Starts Great

A Local Interview highlighting a local family business Greenwave Hydroponics and fun video that takes you on a journey from the farm to the floor and to your table with foods that are all found at Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho! It's the reason we focus on Food You Can Trust and why we think everything good starts great!!

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Let's Shop Local. Let's Shop Cliff's!

Let's Shop Local. Let's Shop Cliff's!

If you haven't discovered Caldwell, Idaho's best kept secret, then you'll want to take a peek at what we have "in store" at Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho! The very best Food You Can Trust! Non GMO, Organics and Grass Fed, Finished, No Hormones EVER CPM Meats! All in one small, family market, you're sure to call your own!

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How Do Cows Handle the Cold?

How Do Cows Handle the Cold?

Old man, winter finally arrived this week! It is typical for us to receive most of our snow and cold weather between January and February on the ranch. However, it has been several years since we've seen this much snow at one time!We commonly get asked this question when we have significant snow. How do cows handle the cold weather? We respond with the way God made them! Cows have a nice thick coat that keeps them nice and insulated even in the nastiest of temperatures. Even when covered in snow, they can remain warm as long as they have access to feed. When cows have a full belly of feed, they can withstand very low temperatures. Cows are very good at grazing for feed, even when a large amount of snow sits over the top of the grass. Cows can push through up to 2 feet of snow to find feed. The biggest enemy of grazing through the winter is ice. So if the snow is fluffy and easy to push, the cows can graze, but if it is crusted with ice, then the cows cannot push through to graze. As you can see in the photo below, the cows are grazing through the snow to find fresh feed. This cow found a clump of grass that's still nice and green in the middle of winter! Cows naturally want to graze, even when there's plenty of snow, but when the grass is all gone or the conditions are not favorable, then feeding hay is the next best option. During the summer months, we raise all the hay we need for the winter season. The grass is baled in round bales and kept in a stackyard until the time comes to feed hay. About ten years ago, we owned a team of horses, and we spent the winter season feeding hay with our beautiful team of Belgian draft horses. It was slow work, but Sean enjoyed the satisfaction of working with a well-trained team of horses to feed the cows. (it also made for some life-long photos that we love to look at). Here, Sean and his brother are unrolling a bale of hay for the cows to eat. We now are back to using tractors to feed since it's much faster and draft horses are difficult to find these days. The winter months can be difficult, especially when it gets cold, and you have to break the ice daily to ensure that the cows, pigs, and chickens have reliable water. But there is beauty and satisfaction to provide your livestock and tended to and have a nice belly full of feed and fresh water to drink. 

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Hand Trimmed Produce at Cliff's Country Market home of Cunningham Pastured Meats

Hand Trimmed Produce at Cliff's Country Market home of Cunningham Pastured Meats

Watch how we hand trim our produce at Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho. It's why we are known for The Food You Can Trust!! We have personal relationships with our farmers and vendors and we take great pride in displaying produce and foods that are prepared for your purchase right her on site! With care and expertise, we carefully hand trim our produce so you are ensured the freshest product in the marketplace. Ps. Looking for more...we pre-package our organic bulk items. And, we hand craft our gluten free bakery in our bakery!!

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Organic vs. Conventional Spices

Organic vs. Conventional Spices

Have you ever wanted to know why Organic Spices are "as thing"! Want to learn to make your own All Purpose Spice Rub. Included in this blog are links to 7 DIY Ways to Make your home smell like fall, to include making your own Pumpkin Spice Room Spray!

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Treasure Valley Greens

Treasure Valley Greens

Another local, family owned, favorite vendor of Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho. These nutritious sprouts are grown year round in Kuna, Idaho!

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Traditional Slavic Paska for Easter

Traditional Slavic Paska for Easter

Did you know that Paska is traditionally cylindrical, baked in coffee cans, and decorated in bright, blueish-grey poppy seeds (of Ukraine's favorite flower), or colorfully embellished with dried fruit. Today’s paska has a contemporary twist and decorated with sprinkles but always shared in the tradition of shared over a hot cup of black tea. But, there are many variations of Paska. In this video you will see the preparation of Paska in its most authentic Ukrainian traditional form and hand crafted by our Ukrainian baker Diana in Cliff's Country Market Bakery located in Caldwell Idaho where you will find Organic, Non Gmo Food You Can Trust!

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Is Organic Worth the Cost?

Is Organic Worth the Cost?

Some people wonder if organic is worth the extra cost. Does it help my health? Is there a difference in quality? All of these are legitimate questions.This video summarizes very quickly the toxins present in conventionally raised agriculture products.Watch this 1.5 minute video and decide for yourself if organic is worth the cost.

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New Owners of Cliff's Country Market

New Owners of Cliff's Country Market

Sean and I bought a grocery store!We are now the new owners of Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho. Since the shutdowns in 2020, we have felt called to help be a part of food security and provide local, quality food for the community. Cliff's Country Market focuses on sourcing local, organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free products. Owning a grocery store fits perfectly into our future goals. Cliff has done a fantastic job serving Canyon County and has been sourcing quality produce and food products for over 25 years before organic was cool and popular! Marilyn and Cliff have been a great team in building this business, but as they approach their 80th birthday, it is time to find a new owner who will continue the vision of their store.We officially take over the store on October 1st!We will have a soft opening on Saturday, October 1st, to celebrate the transition. What does this mean for Cunningham Pastured Meats?The first exciting thing about acquiring Cliff's Country Market is that we now have a retail location for our meat! So, if you missed placing your order or need some last-minute meat, you can come into the store to purchase our meat right off the shelf.Secondly, we will have Cliff's Country Market as a pickup location for orders. Right now, the only pickup location we have is at Boise Cold storage, so we are excited to be able to offer another pickup location for those who want to order a smaller order or live outside of our delivery location. (This pickup location will open the first week of October). In due time we plan to offer more quality products through our home delivery services, so keep an eye on our emails in the future! We also plan to bring all our cold storage and packing to the store, but for right now, we will continue our meat delivery out of Boise Cold storage. If you have never been to Cliff's Country Market in Caldwell, Idaho, we highly recommend driving to the store to check it out! (Here's the Google Map Location).Here's a short list of products that the store carries:Cunningham Pastured MeatsRaw Milk! Pasture-raised eggsAll types of quality dairy productsOrganic, local, and low-spray produceA wide variety of gluten-free products, including baked goods made right in the store (a separate bakery for gluten-free products)Large selection of flours and cooking supplies (hard-to-find, gluten-free, cooking flours)And many more products!Please join us on October 1st for our soft opening of Cliff's Country Market. We will be grilling up and sampling our meat!We are thrilled to have a new avenue to serve you and your family on a new level.If you would like to join our new mailing list for Cliff's Country Market, we will offer exclusive email-only offers and coupons.Sign Up Here for Email Exclusive Coupons

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How Chickens Poop Money đŸ“đŸ’©đŸ’Č

How Chickens Poop Money đŸ“đŸ’©đŸ’Č

Who would've ever thought you would open an blog about chicken poop? 😉Now since I've peaked your curiosity lets explain where I'm going here...This is the first year that we have raised our pasture-raised chickens here on the ranch. In the past Brian would lease small acerages in the Treausre Valley and raise the chickens close to home. This year all things fell into place for him to bring the chicken operation up to the ranch.We knew that chicken manure was a powerful fertilizer, so we knew there was certainly a benefit to having the chickens here, but we did not expect what a fast change we would see to our pastures.On our ranch we have not used nitrogen fertilizers in over 30 years. Due to our management of our cattle, we get everything we need directly from the cattle and don't need that extra input from outside sources. That doesn't mean the land doesn't benefit from extra fertilizer, but we didn't need it.When there is a concentration of animals in one area it can leave amazing nutrients or it can ruin the ground. This is why moving the chickens every day is absolutely critical. In one day they can leave a significant amount of manure, and leaving them more than 2 days can end up killing the pasture. Here are the chicken enjoying their fresh grass after being moved.Here is their pasture from the the previous days. You can see the concentration of chicken manure they can put down in just 24 hours! The amazing thing is looking further back in the photo you can see how quickly that grass begins to grow again! In this picture you can see the line where we had the first day of chickens on pasture. Look at how lush and green the grass is on the left compared to the grass on the right! We certainly didn't expect to see such dramatic results like that! As ranchers our entire business revolves around growing grass. The more grass we grow = running more cattle = more profitable ranch for our family.The amazing thing about regerative agriculture is that you can build up the fertility of land and the land actually gives back more. It doesn't degrade the land over time, but increases it's health and fertility. This is another reason why diversity on the land is important too. Chicken manure is "hot" which means it has a lot of nitrogen, as well as other minerals like phosphorus and dozens of trace minerals. The grass is able to utilize it very quickly, which is why the grass looks so dramatically different after running the chicken houses across the pasture. The chemical nitrogen that most commercial farmers use also allows for quick growth, but it doesn't have the balance of other minerals that chicken manure has. Because if this lack, chemical nitrogen will cause the grass to suck other minerals out of the soil to fuel the rapid growth. This is why chemical fertilizers diminish the soil over time.By bringing the chickens up to our pastures this year, we are seeing a massive increase in the fertility of our pastures, which will have long-lasting benefits to our ranch fertility into the future. With proper grazing management, these nutrients will be recycled into the soil for use next year and for many years to come.Basically, everyday the chickens are here, they are pooping money all over our pastures!Poop on chickens, poop on.

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Chicken Ranchers

Chicken Ranchers

We have a huge change coming this upcoming season! We are bringing our pastured chickens to the home ranch!Guess we are going to become chicken ranchers đŸ€  đŸ“ Some of you might be surprised to hear that we have not raised our chickens on our ranch. This has been due to several factors: not having enough help on our remote ranch, difficultly of raising the chickens at our elevation and distance from the chicken processor.Our chicken producer, Brian, has been raising our chickens for the last several years in the Treasure Valley on different pastures over the years. Brian has worked on perfecting chicken raising over the last several years so with the help of our new team member we can now raise chickens here on the home ranch. This last week, Brian has been working on getting the chick brooder assembled and building the portable chicken houses for the upcoming season. We are excited about the new changes and having our chickens raised in our pastures!Chicks arrive this next week! We are so excited! 🐣The other change we are experimenting with this season is raising a slower-growing chicken. The reason for this is that the Cornish cross chicken (which we have been raising all these years) struggles to adapt to outside conditions. These are the same breed of chickens that are at the supermarket. The Cornish Cross have an impressive growth rate unlike any other chicken out there, but it comes at a high cost to their health and stability. They are designed to be raised in confinement situations, with little to no temperature fluctuations, which is not possible when raised on pasture.Slower growing chickens will look and taste different than the Cornish cross that we currently sell, but we promise it'll be a better tasting chicken!

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Which Is Better Organic or Grassfed?

Which Is Better Organic or Grassfed?

Recently, we were interviewed by a blogger asking us the difference between grass-fed beef and organic beef.She wrote a very good explanation of the differences.Twocupsofhealth.com blogger Pamela Younghttps://twocupsofhealth.com/discover-why-grassfed-beef-is-much-healthier-for-you-than-organic/

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New Products Now In Stock: Broth, Cheese & Butter

New Products Now In Stock: Broth, Cheese & Butter

We are happy to announce the newest products we are adding to our store!Just in time for fall and colder months, we are now carrying a NEW line of delicious broths: Chicken Broth, Pet Broth, and Vegetable broth.Brooks Broth is a local Boise business that uses our pastured chicken to make their incredibly delicious and nutritious chicken and pet broth. We are very excited to be carrying Brooks shelf-stable broth that is not even comparable to the "broth" they sell at regular stores. You will never be able to go back to store-bought broth after tasting Brooks Broth.In addition to adding this fantastic broth line, we are now carrying Kerrygold products: Cheese and butter.Kerrygold is not a local dairy from the Boise area, but we tried to find a local dairy to supply butter and cheese. We almost ordered a large amount of cheese from a local Idaho dairy, but we found out at the last minute that they could not guarantee that their dairy cows received GMO-free grains. This was a disappointment because we wanted to work with other small producers like ourselves, but finding a dairy that uses non-GMO grains and grass-fed cows isn't easy.If anyone has any leads on a dairy that would fit our criteria above, please let us know! But for now, we wanted to make sure everyone has easy access to quality grass-fed butter and cheese!With all these new products, we have created a new storefront page called Cooking Essentials. In the Cooking Essentials storefront, you will find Brooks Broth, the Kerrygold cheese and butter, cooking lard, eggs, and honey.We are always looking for new products that fit well with our business mission of providing food you can trust that will help make it easier for you to cook the highest quality food for your family.

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Why We Will NEVER Sell Fake Meat "Alternatives"

Why We Will NEVER Sell Fake Meat "Alternatives"

Why would a meat business be talking about meat alternatives? You would think that a meat business would be opposed to such an insult as calling a concoction of ground-up plant proteins "meat." But this is not the case for the most prominent meatpackers in the US!The largest meatpackers in the United States (Tyson, Cargill, Smithfield, and JBS) are no longer caring about animal proteins as their sole product. They are now labeling themselves as a "protein" business.One can assume that this means at their core, these meatpackers don't believe in their products; it's just about what makes the most money.At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we believe that the meat we sell is good for your health and the environment. If we didn't believe that our products were inherently good for you, then we wouldn't be selling them. I would never sell a product that I wouldn't feed to my own family. That's why I will never sell "meat" alternatives or, as I call it, FAKE meat.I believe that FAKE meat is inherently bad for you and the environment.Two main things concern me about FAKE meat.(You can read my analysis of FAKE meat here.)1. IngredientsThe ingredients are sketchy, contain plenty of GMO crops, and are highly processed.2. Farming PracticesThe crops that provide the ingredients are raised using conventional agriculture. This means high amounts of tillage and heavy use of chemicals, leading to erosion and polluted water systems.This picture sums it up.Our promise to you is that we only sell products that we can stand behind and feed to our own family. We believe these products are good for us and good for the earth.

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Buying Bulk Meat In Boise

Buying Bulk Meat In Boise

Are you looking for a place to buy bulk meat in large quantities in the Boise area? Look no further!At Cunningham Pastured Meats you can purchase all the way down to a single steak up to a whole beef! You can purchase a whole cow in the Boise area.You can purchase a 1/4 beef in the Boise area.You can purchase a 1/2 beef in the Boise areaHow does it work to purchase bulk meat in Boise?Simply go to our bulk ordering page to see the whole process.We are Boise's #1 place for purchasing bulk grass-fed meat!Cunningham Pastured Meats is Boise's #1 place for purchasing grass-fed beef.

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New Family Photos For 2021

New Family Photos For 2021

We were overdue for some new photos, but here are our 2021 photos of our family!Living the dreamA whole family of cowboys and girls!Got my dream-come-true of marrying a cowboy.

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A Snow Day On The Ranch

A Snow Day On The Ranch

I have to apologize for the tardiness of my normal Saturday email...I didn't have access to the internet for almost 24 hours!!!We had a snow storm come through on Friday evening that knocked out our internet.This might not seem like a big deal, but we don't have cell phone service at home, AND we no longer have a landline, so we depend on the internet for our phones as well.So, there I sat on Friday afternoon... looking at my phone, refreshing my internet, and... nothing happened. It's amazing how many times you will look at your phone when you are not sure when you will get a connection again, but finally, after 30 minutes, it became apparent that the internet was not coming back for a while.Since it had snowed, the temperature had dropped, so we started a fire on our stove. The kids were so excited for the new snow, so they took off outside to play before the sun went down, and Sean and I just curled up in a chair next to the fire and watched the kids play in the winter wonderland outside. (Yes, we still have our Christmas tree up)We then broke some card games, played games the rest of the evening, and called it an early night, about 9 pm.The next morning, I awoke to see that the internet was STILL not working. I once again felt a little frustrated but quickly realized that there was nothing I could do and that I would have to wait until the internet company came out to fix the problem.The kids were super excited to get outside and go sledding, so we all bundled up and headed out into the snow!We actually don't get very much snow here, so when it snows, you'd better get out and play in it because it'll most likely be gone by tomorrow!We all sledded for about an hour until the toddler was cold and the baby was screaming. Then after some hot chocolate, we started up the snowmobiles and did a couple of rounds driving around the valley.These are all things that I probably would not have done if I had my normal access to the internet.I would've told Sean, "Go ahead and take the kids; that'll give me some quiet time to get some work done." Instead, my normal routine was broken, and I spent all evening. All of the next day just being with my family without the interruption of phone calls, text messages, emails, and all other forms of digital distraction.In the end, being without the internet for almost 24 hours was the best thing that could've possibly happened to me.

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Mowing the Lawn With Sheep

Mowing the Lawn With Sheep

We lean towards being a little lazy around here on the ranch...If there is a way we can make our life a little easier, we will do it.This includes mowing the lawn.Sheep are amazing lawn mowers and do a great job getting into the areas that are hard to reach with a lawnmower or weed wacker.Not to mention that they fertilize the lawn as they go!Now, we don't let them graze our lawn every time we need the lawn cut, but when they are close to our house, and the lawn is getting pretty tall, we throw up some temporary fence and herd the sheep in.Clean, organic, and free fertilizer, what could be better?Ok, I get it; not everyone has a herd of sheep around that they can use to cut their lawn, so what's a better alternative?Well, if you live in the Boise area, Clean Air Lawn Care might be the solution to your lawn maintenance problem!At Clean Air Lawn Care, they believe there’s a better way of taking care of a lawn. Their customers want clean, sustainable lawn care that protects the environment and their families. That’s why Clean Air Lawn Care offers services that use quiet, zero-emission equipment and organic lawn care products that never compromise on quality. They guarantee that your lawn will look better than it has in years, be safe for your kids and pets, and give you a sense of peace knowing you’re helping reduce noise and air pollution.We want to give a shout-out to Clean Air Lawn Care since they follow our similar values of reducing pesticides and herbicides. Clean Air Lawn Care makes their lawns safer for kids and animals! We hope you can support this great local Boise business.

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Why Is Chicken So Cheap At The Grocery Store?

Why Is Chicken So Cheap At The Grocery Store?

Have you ever picked up a package of chicken at the grocery store and see a big sticker that says:Or what about Costco's famous rotisserie chickens at $4.99 for a whole cooked chicken!It's a pretty magical feat to be able to offer chicken so crazy cheap considering that the chicken had to be hatched, fed for 6-8 weeks, butchered, cut/wrapped, transported multiple times, and then put in a grocery store for its final sale.Who do you think makes the most money in this transaction when the final product is only $0.99/lb on a 5 lb chicken?I can guarantee you...It ain't the farmer.As a typical rule of thumb, the further you are down the line from the final product, the lower your percentage of the price. The chicken farmer is way down the production line and receives very little for that chicken that ends up on the shelf.Chicken is so cheap because people want cheap chicken, so the corporations demand the farmers to raise cheap chicken.Farmers enjoy raising their animals, but they do not want to market their products. Instead, they get into contracts with big corporations like Tyson or Costco that make it "easy" for them to sell their chickens. In reality, it locks them into a long-term contract where they are forced to keep up with the newest technology and equipment or lose their contract. Most chicken farmers are basically enslaved to these big corporations, and often, the only way to get out is to sell the farm. This is due to the high debt loads that are taken on to build the infrastructure required to raise chicken, which doesn't pay for the upgrades. Financially it's a terrible choice for farmers, and that doesn't even address the health of the land, the farmers, and the community when these gigantic chicken houses are built, and their waste is spread back on the land.Cheap Food = Cheap Production = Cheap Labor = Cheap GMO Feed = Broke FarmersThere's just no way around it.If we want farmers to make a living and be true stewards of the land, not just factories on the farm ground, we must be willing to pay higher prices to make a good living raising quality food for our families.Our pricing philosophy is simple at Cunningham Pastured Meats.Allow our producers to set the price that lets them make a good living.We then figure in marketing/shipping costs, and then our final price is determined.We do not beg the producers to get their prices cheaper. We do not beg our processors to offer cheaper processing.We want both the producer and the processor to have a quality life and a good living without sacrificing the quality of our product.Realistically, in the end, Cheap Food = Sick People and Sick Land.All this being said, this is why we create relationships with small-scale producers who want to raise their animals right without sacrificing quality. In fact, that's why we started Cunningham Pastured Meats in the first place. Before, the only avenue we had available was selling our cattle was through an auction that would eventually land them in a feedlot somewhere in the cheap meat cycle. We wanted more stability in our family and our business, and we wanted to provide quality grass-fed beef to people in the Boise Valley. We believe transparency is important for a safe, healthy, and renewable food supply.

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Chicken - More Than Just Big Breast

Chicken - More Than Just Big Breast

Chicken breast is by far one of our most popular selling products.It's easy to see why people gravitate towards this delicious, simple cut. Chicken breast is easy to cook, can be used for various meals, and almost always turns out moist and juicy.But there are more parts to a chicken than just the big breast portion.They have meaty dark thighs and delicious drumsticks. I want to take a minute to reintroduce the rest of the chicken...Let's start with the wonderfully delicious and juicy drumsticks:(click the picture for the recipe)I'm not quite sure why drumsticks are not as popular. They are great finger food, are moist and juicy, and have fabulous dark meat. Drumsticks are a hit among kids since they love eating with their fingers!We cooked up a batch of drumsticks the other day.  A super simple meal that made everyone happy. We were all fighting for the last drumstick!Next are the chicken thighs:If you are looking for a very satisfying meal, chicken thighs will fit the bill. Chicken thighs have an abundance of dark, juicy, flavorful meat on them by leaving the skin on your lock in all that moist and savory chicken flavor. Finally, you have the humble chicken wings:Chicken wings have become very popular in the last decade. They are great finger food for game day or a family BBQ. All these cuts are the "forgotten" parts of the chicken. I argue that they are more favorable than chicken breast. And, these are significantly more economical than the popular chicken breast.You are in luck. Right now, all these alternative cuts are nicely discounted as we make way for our new batch of chicken. It is the perfect opportunity to stock up a bit while giving some overlooked cuts of our premium pastured poultry a test drive. You won't be sorry!We are your one-stop shop for pastured chicken in the Boise area.

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What In The World Is Going On With the Beef Industry?

What In The World Is Going On With the Beef Industry?

The beef packing industry is broken.4 major companies own over 80% of the packing plants in the United States, and 2 of them are foreign-owned.100 years ago, the Packers and Stockyard Act broke up the major monopolies dominating the cattle and packing industry at the time, but 100 years later, we are at the same place again.We here at Cunningham Pastured Meats are not as dependent on the cattle market and packing industry as we used to be, but it still affects our cattle ranch, our neighbors, our community, and in the end, the consumer. The small family ranch is one of the last holdouts of the consolidation of the farming/ranching industry. There are still many FAMILY OWNED cattle ranches in the west, but they are becoming rarer as margins become razor-thin. The cost of raising cattle continues to rise, yet the price of cattle has not risen at the same time. This is largely blamed on the large packing plants that control the industry's end product and are working together to artificially keep cattle prices low while still increasing prices to the end consumer.Even though we have made more direct-to-consumer sales, it is still a very tiny percentage of all beef sales in the United States. Also, USDA laws make it difficult for small producers to open small-scale processing plants due to overwhelming regulation and costs that the average small producer cannot justify.Another part of this problem is that the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is no longer in place, and meat brought in from out of the country can still be labeled as "Product of USA" even if the cattle were raised their entire life in another country and were slaughtered or packaged in America. We raise the best beef in the world, yet we have thousands of cattle a week being imported from outside country's that can be labeled as "Product of USA" (see my article here about misleading labels on meat). Our mission is to be transparent about everything we do in our business, to build trust, and keep you informed as a consumer.We understand that this is why you choose Cunningham Pastured Meats as your trusted source for meat, but as stated above, this affects several layers of people and not just our business alone. 

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Meat Shortages, Inflation, and How That Affects Meat Prices

Meat Shortages, Inflation, and How That Affects Meat Prices

Meat shortages, inflation, rising fuel prices, and rising grain prices in the Boise area...Topics that are not much fun to discuss.The question I'm sure on everyone's mind is...Does this all mean we are going to raise our prices?The quick answer is NO... For right now. Let me explain what I mean.As we know, commodities are constantly in flux.  Fuel cost is always up and down, and grain prices are constantly on the move as well. We can certainly agree a wide swing in either or both of those two commodities will have affect livestock pricing. Remember a few years ago when cattle prices went sky high and then came back down? That disparity followed the huge jump in fuel prices that eventually came back down. We see that fluctuation again. What we see at the pump is reflected in prices at the grocery store!  At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we are committed to holding our pricing through the Summer.  Once grain harvests are complete in the Fall in the Treasure Valley, we will know what happens to our feed cost for some animals. We will address the price issue at that time, adjusting only if necessary to maintain our quality. Speaking of grocery store pricing...let's talk about the increase in beef, pork, and chicken meat prices. The gigantic industrial packing plants are saying the increases are fall out from a cyberattack and lack of labor. While both may be true to an extent, the big packers are still racking in extremely high profits while meat prices are going up; yet farmers and ranchers do not realize any increase in profit on the sale of their products. Hmmm...Something is fishy. This is why we have tried our best to break away from this vicious cycle that most ranchers are stuck in. It is because of amazing customers like you who have decided that you don't trust the big packing plants and labels they slap on their products. Customers like you who are voting against Big Ag using your food dollar.Instead, you have chosen to have a relationship with your rancher. A relationship with transparency and trust, so you know exactly how your meat is raised, processed, and packaged. And a relationship with folks who shop where you shop. We are all experiencing uncertainty with commercial supply chain disruptions of all kinds, from panic buying creating out-of-stock situations on essentials to supposed cyberattacks that interrupt supply, along with the sharp twinge of rising fuel prices. We get it.  There is one way we can defeat these large corporations that have a stranglehold on most farmers and ranchers right now. That is a return to smaller-scale direct-to-consumer production and distribution. Buying Boise local. It is the only thing that Big Ag Corporations cannot replicate. It is the only way to have confidence in food safety, supply, and pricing.  Hasn't this last year been painful enough, the uncertainty of so much keeping us all awake at night? At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we offer you a relationship with your rancher. So you can rest easy, knowing where your food comes from. Safe food, all-natural products with integrity and full of wholesome nutrition - dare I say healing nutrition - all at a price you can count on.  Given what is happening in our global society, doesn't it just make sense to support sustainable production and distribution by voting with your food dollar?  Cast that vote with us. You won't regret it.

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Spring on the Farm in Treasure Valley

Spring on the Farm in Treasure Valley

Have you ever wondered what do farmers do in the spring in Boise, Idaho? Spring is one of my favorite seasons on the ranch because new life is abundant. From the grass that is growing to the trees that are budding and even to babies that are being born every day - it’s an exciting time of year!

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How Do Our Animals Handle the Heat?

How Do Our Animals Handle the Heat?

I hope you are all staying cool this week! I know it's not easy! Sometimes we get asked: "How do your animals stay cool during these hot summer days?"They can't just jump into the pool when the temperature gets too hot. (though it sure looks like the pigs can! Keep reading below)Every animal we have here on the ranch is different and has different needs for staying cool.Cattle:We have very little natural shade here on the ranch due to the lack of trees. This means that we have needed to select heat-tolerant cattle so they can thrive in our hot and dry climate. One of the reasons we have gone to red Angus cattle is because they are great beef cattle, but red Angus cattle are more heat tolerant. In fact, compared to black Angus cattle, red Angus can be several degrees cooler than black Angus, which means there is less stress on them during the peak of the summer months. They do great out here on the high desert!Sheep:Our sheep are also genetically adapted to hot temperatures. On our ranch, we have hair sheep. The biggest difference between hair sheep and traditional wool sheep is that hair sheep shed their "hair" during the late spring and are left with a nice short, slick coat, ready for the summer months.Hair sheep are originally from Africa and are naturally heat tolerant. The nice part about these sheep is that they have adapted to our changing climate and grow nice thick coats during the winter and then shed it all off in the spring. The picture below is in May as the sheep are losing their winter coat.Pigs: Pigs have different needs than cattle and sheep do. Pigs do not have much for sweat glands, so they head to the closest water source or mud hole to cool off when it gets hot. Since our pigs get to roam all over the ranch, they can go to the creek or make a mud puddle out of a wet spot. When pigs get covered in mud, it helps them stay cool, keeps flies away, and acts as a sunscreen. Since pigs don't have much hair, they can get sunburned, so a nice mud bath helps keep them from getting roasted! We also have specific shelters built for our pigs to have a nice shady spot on a hot summer's day. (I wish I took a picture the other day of one of our big pigs climbing into our water trough! He sure looked nice and happy wading on the water!)It can be hard for us to relate to animals and feel sorry for them during extreme temperature conditions, either hot or cold, but they are designed to live outdoors year-round. However, by selecting good genetics, our animals can thrive in our climate year-round.

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Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration

Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find healthy functioning ecosystems today in our world.We see around us:polluted watererosionlack of diversitythe decline in insects and songbirdsthe decline in wildlife as a wholeIt seems pretty grim...What can be done?Well, this was the topic of a speech Sean and I gave yesterday at the Harvest and Hearth conference at the College of Idaho.We were asked to speak about the Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration.It seems like a complicated topic, but it really means restoring the land around us to a healthy, functioning landscape that includes a diverse mixture of plants, animals, and people.On our ranch, we have been continuing the work Sean's father started (40+ years) with restoring ecosystem function to our ranch after a poor prior history of overgrazing when this part of the country was settled. Proper management can restore degraded landscapes to proper functioning, but it takes more than just management; it also understands and appreciates stewardship.If we are stewards of the land, we realize that this land is not our own; it was given to us by God to manage and care for. It makes us see beyond the short term and look at the long-term health and future of the property we have been called to manage.On our ranch, we have 3 main types of ecosystems:1. Irrigated Native MeadowsImageIrrigated meadows are the backbone of our ranch. They are highly productive, flood irrigated ground that makes amazing feed and forages for our animals.Over 30 years ago, my father stopped using chemical fertilizers on our property. At the time, our organic matter on the ranch was only 3-4% in the meadows, and now today, it is between 5-8% depending on which part of the meadows is sampled. A 1% increase in organic matter increases the amount of water stored by 25,000 gallons per acre. When it rains, the water stays in the ground and does not take off the topsoil and pollute the streams and rivers.Increased Organic Matter > Healthy Soil > Healthy Plants > Healthy Livestock > Health PeopleOur entire business is actually based around soil health, so if the soil is healthy, it directly affects us all the way up to the human person!2. Native RangelandImageThe native rangeland that we are surrounded by was historically overgrazed in the early days of this part of the United States.Since we only get 8-10 inches of rainfall a year, this makes this type of landscape very brittle, meaning if the damage is done to it, it takes a LONG time to recover, thankfully we are at a perfect place now with our rangeland where it has been recovering very nicely for the last 50+ years.Through proper management and stewardship, the rangeland is actually a very productive land that is RICH in the diversity of plants and wildlife.By knowing the critical growing season of the rangeland, we can manage our cattle appropriately to allow the grass to grow to its potential and still stimulate its growth by proper grazing management. We see a very bright future for the rangeland at this point!3. Riparian AreasImageRiparian areas are typically very diverse creek bottoms thick with trees, willows, cattails and support an abundance of wildlife.These areas were also historically overgrazed and had very little willows on them less than 30 years ago.Temporary electric fencing has allowed us to manage these riparian areas and allow explosive growth of willows to happen.This has allowed beavers to move back into our creeks and start making dams. These dams are critical for restoring the water table to a functional height. Instead of a 4-foot deep creek bank, the water is now to the top of them due to the beavers making dams that back the water up.This has been one of the coolest and quickest transformations that we have seen on our ranch since it has only been about 4 years since the beavers have moved in. We used to jump across the creek in most spots to get to the other side. If you want to cross the creek, you have to cross on a beaver dam or go for a swim because the water is about 2-3 feet deep in most spots.By raising the water table, we are less prone to drought and allows our meadows to grow longer even after our water is done for the season. ImageIn the future, all the ecosystems on our ranch are looking very good. As we see more species of plants and animals emerge every year, we know that we are headed in the right direction to restoring our ecosystems to their full function.Through the support of amazing customers, like you, who not only care about your health but the health of the land that makes all this work possible.So thank you for all your support, and you can feel good about eating the meat you have bought from us because you know you are making a direct impact on the health of the land.

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Grass-fed Beef At Cunningham Pastured Meats

Grass-fed Beef At Cunningham Pastured Meats

Take a look at how we raised grass-fed beef at Cunningham Pastured Meats On Pasture At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we take great pride in raising the best grass-fed and finished beef. We move our cattle frequently and use temporary fencing to assure that they have the best available grass to graze on. Our beautiful meadows are diverse in grass, clover, and legumes and naturally fertilized by our cattle.  Our Cattle  Our animals are handled in a humane and low-stress manner and we find that they thrive under these conditions. When choosing which cattle are ready for harvest, we are very careful in our selection. We look for a broad, thick frame all the way through from the rump to the shoulders. We also look for fat deposits, which is a sure sign that the beef is ready.  Our Promise It is important to know where your meat is coming from and how it was raised. Here at Cunningham Pastured Meats you can rest assured that you are getting the healthiest and best-raised beef in the Treasure Valley. 

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