Labels, labels, labels. What do they really mean?
We all care about what we eat—and what we feed our families. We want food that’s healthy, raised ethically, and produced in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. But how do we know for sure? Can a label give us that confidence?
Meat products often carry labels that reflect the way the animals were raised. One you may have seen is “regeneratively raised.” If you’ve spotted this on packaging or heard about regenerative ranching, you might be wondering, “What does that really mean?” Let’s break it down.
What is regenerative ranching?
Ever heard the phrase, “Take care of the land and the land will take care of you”? That’s regenerative ranching.
Regenerative ranching takes a holistic approach, considering the health of the animal, the land, and the entire ecosystem where the animals are raised. It uses grazing practices that restore and enhance soil health, biodiversity, and the function of the ecosystem.
Country Natural Beef rancher members are committed to regenerative ranching. They create and follow grazing plans that improve soil health, water retention, species diversity, and more. They monitor pastures closely over time, gauging improvements to the land and surrounding ecosystems.
How does it make my beef better?
At Country Natural Beef, we combine regenerative ranching with careful grain finishing to give you beef that’s both delicious and responsibly raised. Our regenerative practices restore the land, support healthy ecosystems, and ensure cattle are raised with care. After time on nutrient-rich pastures, cattle are finished on wholesome grains, which enhances flavor, tenderness, and marbling. The result is beef that not only tastes better but also aligns with your values- supporting ranchers who care for their animals and the land.
What’s the difference from organic, natural, and other label claims?
That’s a great question- and it’s important to understand the differences. While no one label is “better” than another, each tells a different story about how the animal was raised.
Starting with natural, this label means minimally processed meat without artificial interventions such as hormones, antibiotics, or other performance-altering products. The natural label has grown in popularity as ranchers can pursue a premium from naturally raised cattle.
Organic claims capture cattle raised without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, following strict USDA certification and record-keeping standards. This gives consumers more insight into how their food is produced.
Regenerative ranching builds on these principles with a holistic approach- caring for the land, water, and animals together. By rotating grazing, restoring soils, and supporting biodiversity, regenerative ranches actively improve the ecosystem while raising cattle. Ranchers use adaptive grazing, reduced pesticide and fertilizer use, and site-specific monitoring- like soil tests or plant tissue sampling- to make informed decisions about their pastures. Choosing beef from regenerative ranches means supporting responsibly raised animals and healthier land for a sustainable future.
A quality beef product can come from any of these label claims, and choosing the right one often comes down to preference. If you want high-quality, nutritious beef raised in a way that regenerates soil, the environment, and ecosystems, then Country Natural Beef raised in a regenerative system is the choice for you.
Country Natural Beef cattle are raised and finished on pasture by ranchers who work in harmony with the land. Cattle are handled with care—no hormones or antibiotics are ever used—and eat only vegetarian products. Our cooperative of family ranchers takes great pride in delivering the best to your table.
