October 31, 2007

Dakota Beef clinches supply deal with largest US organic-certified ranch

Howard, S.D.-based organic processor Dakota Beef has negotiated an exclusive deal for all cattle produced by the McEwen Ranch in Burns, Oregon.

The farm recently gained organic certification from USDA's National Organic Programme. Spanning over 150,000 acres, the farm is believed to be the largest certified-organic ranch in the US.

To gain organic certification, the USDA requires ranches to be free from all chemical inputs such as fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides.

Although the ranch has the capacity for 5,000 head of cattle, a Dakota Beef news release said it has the potential to significantly increase that number.

While there has been abundant supply of organic cattle on the market, the issue is with the quality supplied, said Dennis Crowell, manager of the McEwen Ranch, adding the ranch would bring a change to the current situation.