Tracking code: 3811
Our journey into organic farming started in 1989 when our mixed farm became certified organic for the first time. Our location at Ernfold in southwest Saskatchewan offered us land that was a combination of cultivated and Native Prairie. This combination allowed us to produce nutritious organic food (crops and Angus beef) for our family and other families both near and far.
What does it mean to be certified organic?
Our farm has followed the Canadian Organic Standard and Regulations for over three decades. This involves documenting thorough records and having an annual inspection which maintains the organic integrity of our farm and the organic industry. Specifically, in regards to certifying beef it means they are raised in a vast, stress-free prairie environment that allows the cattle to express their natural behavior. They are raised without the use of: growth hormones, parasiticides, and anti-biotics. All feed: grass, hay, grain, and straw are certified organic which is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Any additional supplements such as Vitamins and minerals must be approved by our certification body, TCO Cert.
From Start to Finish
Our cows begin calving in April, the pregnant cows are kept in a smaller pasture. As the cows calve the newborn calves are ear tagged and thus begins the record keeping of each individual animal. The cow and new born calf are moved to a larger pasture. Cows and calves graze native pasture, hay land, or cover crop over the summer and into the fall. In late November the calves are weaned. Weaned calves are kept in a smaller pasture for a short time. During this time calves are fed organic hay and a measured amount of organic oats or fodder.. The cows have gone back to the pasture or cultivated land where swath grazing is available. The weaned calves are moved to a pasture or swath grazing. Over the winter, hay is fed to the pregnant cows and to the weaned calves (Under Thirty Months -UTM). During extreme winter cold temperatures pregnant cows and UTM’s are supplemented with a oats/lentil ration. UTM’s are also supplemented with an oat/lentil ration at different intervals. Of the UTM’s some are slated for butcher, others are kept as replacement heifers which will return to the cow herd when breeding season starts. The animals for butcher are slaughtered at a provincially inspected plant. The plant is also certified organic to process our beef and is inspected along with our farm annually.
Our goal is to keep our cattle content and healthy, in turn they make a vital contribution to the soil on our farm and provide us and consumers with delicious, nutritious food!
2 B Organic Our certified organic farm in Southwest Saskatchewan raises certified organic Angus beef. The cattle graze large areas of native prairie, hay land and cover crops and have access to clean water. Minimal handling lowers the stress level and keeps the cattle content and healthy. Our herd’s welfare is an integral part of insuring the balance on our farm: healthy animals, healthy soil, healthy food for families.
Kevin Beach & Donna Bryck-Beach
Box 59
Ernfold, SK
629-3811
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