Proud to produce nutritious, delicious Canadian beef
Beef farmers and ranchers use a variety of farming methods to provide choices in the beef that you buy. No matter what production methods are used, conventional, organic or natural, all Canadian beef is wholesome and nutritious. Both conventional and organic methods produce high quality beef subject to the control and review of Canada’s stringent food safety systems.
It’s also important to remember that all Canadian beef is nutritious to eat and is part of a balanced diet. Lean beef is full of nutrients, 14 that we need every day, including zinc for healthy growth, iron for oxygen and protein to build and repair your body. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide recommends 1 to 3 servings of Meat & Alternatives per day, 75 g per serving, based on age and gender.
All farming methods take into account the well being of the cattle. Cattle are allowed free movement, as well as exposure to fresh air and natural daylight. They also have regular access to fresh water and high quality feedstuffs, appropriate bedding and resting areas.
Mark and Cindy Gerber own Oakridge Acres, a cattle farm just outside of Ayr, Ontario. They’re proud of the way they raise their animals and of the quality Canadian beef they provide for consumers. The Gerber’s were both raised on farms, and wanted the same experience for their children. They moved onto the farm in 1996 and started out small with a few dairy cows. But by 2000 they moved into raising Black Angus cattle and they’re pleased with the choice they’ve made.
“Our farm is a beautiful place left in its’ natural state,” says Mark. “We are so lucky to have this opportunity. It’s a great way of life.”
The Gerber’s recognize that consumers can be concerned about food and what they feed their families. So every year they invite the public to visit their farm. This annual “Fall Farm Day” offers people a chance to experience what it’s like to live on a farm, and to see how the animals are raised.
“We’re very proud of how we treat our animals,” says Cindy. “We have a sign saying ‘Welcome’ at the front of the farm, and we mean it. We want others to see firsthand how we farm. People who come to visit have said how happy our cows look. It’s true. They are content and well-cared for and it shows.”
Like many of Canada’s cattle producers, the Gerbers run a retail store right on the farm. In addition to selling their own beef, the family teamed up with local farmers to offer lamb, chicken, pork, venison, elk, bison, wild boar, trout and arctic at their “Oakridge Acres Country Meat” store. The popularity of the shop and their beef has grown with requests now coming in from local restaurants.
“Our business has really grown over the last few years,” says Mark. “We take a simple approach to farming and we feel the results show in the quality of our product. People love it.”