Question 1

What is your farm like?

Accepted Answer

We currently have cattle herds in 3 different farm locations. We run bulls with each herd and calve year-round. We rotate cattle among the pastures on each farm, resting and regrowing grass in between grazings. Our supplemental grain and roughage is fed in the pasture. With our climate, our cattle live the in the fields full-time with access to water and tree cover.

Question 2

Are your cows happy?

Accepted Answer

Animal behaviorists have found that cattle interact in socially complex ways, developing friendships over time and sometimes even holding grudges against others who treat them badly. It's not unusual to witness our animals frolicking and playing in the field or snuggled up for a nap. We follow Temple Grandin's Behavioral Principles of Livestock Handling (fun fact - we've had breakfast with her too!) The entirety of our animals' lives, we try to minimize stress. Happy cows means happy babies. Happy babies grow up to be great beef.

Question 3

What do you feed your animals?

Accepted Answer

Our cattle are pasture-raised and their diet is supplemented with hand-mixed grain and roughage. In addition to hay and grain, we feed a cotton gin byproduct, baled corn stalks, and baled peanut vines.

Question 4

Are you organic?

Accepted Answer

We are not certified organic. We feed recycled crop byproducts that are not guaranteed certified organic. While we will never give unnecessary medicine, we also feel it is important to administer veterinarian recommended antibiotics if an animal becomes ill. We work closely with our farm vet to maintain herd health. Administering antibiotics to an animal knocks it out of our freezer beef program.

Question 5

Can I visit the farm?

Accepted Answer

We are not open to the public at this time. All of our orders are available for pick up in New Bern, or, with a minimum purchase, delivered within a radius.

Question 6

How do you process your beef?

Accepted Answer

Our processor is NCDA and USDA inspected. Our beef is dry aged for a minimum of 2 weeks and each cut is vacuum-sealed before it is frozen. Each package is labeled with its weight from the processor. Special cuts are available from time to time, but mostly they must be requested before processing.

Question 7

How do I buy beef?

Accepted Answer

You can place an order by emailing us: sales@encbeef.org. Our most up to date prices and availability can be found on the "Our Beef" page. We do not offer same day pickup or delivery. We take cash and credit at pickup or delivery. All sales are final and will be charged NC sales tax.

Question 8

Can I buy an actual cow?

Accepted Answer

We have purebred Beefmaster bulls available for purchase; they are able to be registered. We sell heifers and steers who are at least a year old and bred heifers. Interested in a grandma cow? They're hard for us to part with, but for the right price, Susie Q can be yours too.

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