Our Production Practices
Our cows are Red Devon (a Heritage Breed), Red Angus and Devon/Angus crosses. Red Devons are a heritage breed that came over with the Pilgrims but fell out of favor as the feedlot model began to take over as the conventional way of ranching. This English breed is naturally docile, fertile, good mothers, and genetically predisposed to finish naturally and nicely on grass.
We calve on pastures in May and June. It takes around 20–26 months to finish a steer on grass in this part of the Country, slower than a feedlot, but much healthier and more flavorful meat with higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids and CLA (the good stuff). We raise and feed our own hay for winter feed. We are taking reservations for our next group of steers that finish in early July. These will be ready to deliver in late July and early August 2024, with more finishing in the Fall if one prefers to take delivery later in the year.
Our sheep are South African Meat Merinos (SAMMs) which are known for their outstanding carcass traits and flavor (along with very good wool). They also take a little longer to finish than some sheep breeds, but once again, are well worth the wait. We are currently sold out of lamb and are taking reservations for purchase and delivery in late 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025.
Beef and lamb marrow bones, organs, and fat also available on request. These are very healthy components of the animal that can be used for bone broth, freeze drying, and rendering. We try to utilize as much of the animal as possible. Hides are also available with advance notice.
The integrity of our business is entirely dependent upon the integrity of our processor, and we have a great one. Try our grass-finished products and we think you will agree. Please note, we also have beef and lamb organs, fat, and broth bones for sale.
We sell beef by the whole, half, and quarter; lamb by the whole and half. Please contact Doug Lair, 406-930-2233, lairs@mtintouch.net. We offer free delivery within 100 miles of Big Timber and our processor offers shipping services.
Visitors are always welcome! Please call in advance as we’re out pushing water (irrigating), pulling weeds, moving livestock, or fixing something most of the time.