by Denise Boeckmann
Boeckmann Family Farm, located in Loose Creek, Missouri, is owned and operated by Denise and Chris Boeckmann along with our four children, Rae, Eric, Kristen and Paul. Our farm produces All-Natural Grass-Fed Beef utilizing a management intensive rotational grazing system with high quality forages.
For twenty five years, we raised poultry under a corporate contract. We have since ended this contract because we didn’t agree with their management techniques and use of antibiotics in the meat. We want to emphasize healthier meat and better environmental practices. We do not use antibiotics, added hormones or growth promotants in our production system. Management practices emphasize reduced stress resulting in improved herd health and the elimination of the need for antibiotic treatment. In addition to our management system, we rely on the proper genetics to produce our high quality grass-fed beef.
Our cattle operation is a family business. We own approximately 200 acres that has been in the family for 50 years. Our children help in all areas of the farm and have worked since a very young age. Rae, a Physical Therapy Major at Maryville University in St. Louis, Eric, a Pre-Vet major at Westminster College in Fulton, Kristen a Junior in High School and Paul, a Sixth Grader, all “pitch in” with the farm chores. They rotate the cattle daily and help sort the animals. They also deliver meat and help with the other animals on the farm. We have started raising chickens. They are sold when they are ready to start laying eggs. Because all of our animals are free-range, we have miniature donkeys that we use as guard animals around our livestock. Our children are also very proficient gardeners. We raise our own vegetables and also pick fresh blackberries and blueberries on the farm.
Many people are aware that Grass fed beef is better than grain fed beef for human health. Here are six reasons why.
- Grass-fed beef is much higher in nutrient levels. Beta carotene levels are higher in grass-fed beef and that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Grass-fed beef is a good source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which is a very healthy fat that protects against many kinds of cancers. Additionally, vitamin E levels are up to four times higher in Grass-fed beef. Grass-fed beef is up to six times higher in Omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for heart health and reduce the risk of arthritis, obesity, insulin resistance, allergies and autoimmune diseases.
- Grass-fed beef is better for the animals. Farmers who raise grass-fed beef are committed to a natural and humane approach to sustainable farming.
- Grass-fed beef is better for the ecosystem.
- Grass-fed beef supports local food production. In order for grass-fed beef to be tender and succulent, the cattle need to be foraging on high quality grasses and legumes.
- Grass-fed animals are healthy and drug free.
- Grass-fed production techniques are a better alternative than the industrial model that often accompanies the production of grain fed beef.
Visit our website at boeckmannfamilyfarmllc.com or visit us on Facebook at Boeckmann Family Farm for more information. Our products can also be found at Greene’s Country Store.