Animal Welfare

Much more than a buzz-word!

We’re always focused on keeping animal welfare at the core of our business. We’ve designed our operations around the animal’s welfare. Our herds receive weekly visits from our veterinarian and nutritionist because a healthy cow is a happy cow.

Speaking of a happy cow, nothing makes a cow happier than healthy, lush pastures. With three farms, we are able to manage our land in a way that benefits the cattle and keeps them thriving. We rotate our cattle’s grazing locations regularly to ensure their well-being and the ongoing vitality of our farms.

Respect for the Animals

Raising beef cattle with integrity is not the easy way, but it is the right way. Our cattle live their lives in the fresh Vermont air and sunshine, enjoy cold filtered water, and get optimal care! We have almost 1,000 acres of farmland which provides each cow with well above the industry standard for acreage per head.

Our cows are raised by a passionate team, and without any added hormones or antibiotics. All of this, paired with the best nutrition makes us a leader in the ethical and sustainable cattle farming business in Vermont.

NO ADDED HORMONES OR ANTIBIOTICS

Our Thoughts on “Ethical Beef”…

At Shepherds Brook Farms, we are committed to raising our cattle with care, respect, and attention to their well-being throughout their lives. For us, ethical beef means giving our animals access to open pastures, fresh grass, and the ability to engage in natural behaviors. Our farming practices focus on providing a healthy, nurturing environment where our animals thrive. We believe that when animals are treated with dignity and raised responsibly, it not only leads to better quality beef but also aligns with our values of sustainability and respect for the land. Ethical beef, to us, is about creating harmony between animal welfare, the environment, and the food we provide to our community.

Our Herds Diet

    • What it is: Corn silage is made from the entire corn plant, including the stalks, leaves, and cobs. The plant is chopped and stored in silos where it ferments. This fermentation process helps preserve the feed and makes it easier for cows to digest.

    • Nutritional Benefits: Corn silage is high in energy due to its carbohydrate content, which is crucial for maintaining the cows' energy levels. It also contains fiber, which is important for their digestive health.

    • What it is: Grass is a natural and primary component of a cow's diet, often provided through pasture grazing or as hay when fresh grass is not available.

    • Nutritional Benefits: Grass provides essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps keep the cows' digestive systems functioning well, particularly by promoting the chewing and saliva production needed to buffer the rumen (a part of the cow's stomach).

    • What it is: Brewers grain is a byproduct of the brewing industry, consisting of the leftover grains after the brewing process. It is often used as a protein and energy supplement in livestock diets.

    • Nutritional Benefits: Brewers grain is rich in protein and fiber. The protein supports muscle development and milk production in cows, while the fiber aids in digestion. Additionally, it can contribute to the overall energy intake of the cows, especially when combined with corn silage.