As a beef lover and consumer you likely care about where your beef comes from. The origins and source of your beef impacts its quality freshness, and even safety. One popular brand of beef you may see at your local grocery store is Ranchers Choice. But where exactly does Ranchers Choice beef come from? In this article, we’ll explore the roots of this beef brand.
An Overview of Ranchers Choice
Ranchers Choice is a common brand of beef sold mainly in the Midwest region of the United States. The company behind the brand is called Consumers Supply Distributing, LLC (CSD). They are headquartered in Sioux City, Iowa and have over 60 years of experience in animal nutrition and feed production.
In addition to beef, CSD sells animal feeds under the Ranchers Choice name. They operate feed mills in Sioux City where they manufacture the livestock feeds. The company has its own delivery system to distribute products throughout the Midwest. Both the Ranchers Choice feeds and beef are popular among cattle ranchers and consumers in the region.
Tracing the Origins of Ranchers Choice Cattle
The cattle that produce Ranchers Choice beef are raised on ranches and feedlots scattered around the Midwest. The exact locations are not disclosed by the company. But based on their geographic presence, most cattle likely come from:
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Illinois
The cattle start their lives on cow-calf farms in these states. They are then sent to feedlots for grain finishing – the last stage of raising cattle before processing.
Major Feedlot Areas Supplying Ranchers Choice
While Ranchers Choice does not reveal their specific feedlot partners, there are hundreds of feedlots in the Midwest where their cattle are likely finished. Major cattle feeding regions include
- Nebraska – Holds over 2.5 million cattle, more than any other state
- Iowa – Around 1.15 million cattle on feed
- Kansas – Approximately 2.45 million cattle finishing in feedlots
Grain finishing gives the beef good marbling and the signature corn-fed flavor the Midwest is known for.
Ranchers Choice’s Own Feed Mill
In addition to regional feedlots, Ranchers Choice also makes their own feeds. They operate a feed mill in Sioux City where they produce proprietary livestock feeds under their brand name. These are likely used by some of the same farmers who supply cattle to Ranchers Choice.
Their vertical integration from feed to beef allows Ranchers Choice to control product quality from start to finish.
Meat Processing Partners
While they don’t own processing plants, Ranchers Choice partners with regional beef packers to harvest cattle and package meats. The specific partners are confidential, but probable processors based on location include:
- Tyson Foods – Plants in NE, IA, IL, KS, MO
- JBS – Facilities in NE, IA, MN, KS, IL
- Greater Omaha – NE beef plant
- National Beef – KS and IA plants
Ranchers Choice technicians oversee production at partner plants to ensure quality criteria are met. The packers then package the final Rancher’s Choice-branded beef products for distribution.
USDA Beef Grades
Ranchers Choice provides beef in the Select, Choice, and Prime USDA quality grades. Most of their retail packages are Choice grade – the middle tier known for good marbling. Higher grades like Prime depend on cattle genetics and how they are fed and handled. Not all Midwest cattle reach Prime levels.
Common Beef Breeds
Ranchers Choice does not specify which breeds they use. However, prevalent beef breeds raised in the Midwest are:
- Angus – Very popular for marbling and flavor
- Hereford – Does well on grass
- Simmental – Lean, heavily muscled
- Charolais – Large white breed used for crosses
- Red Angus – Similar to Angus but handles heat better
Angus and Angus crosses likely make up a large portion of Ranchers Choice beef.
Where to Purchase Ranchers Choice Beef
You can find Ranchers Choice beef at retail stores throughout the Midwest, including:
- Hy-Vee – Grocery chain with over 280 Midwest locations
- Fareway – 120 stores in IA, NE, SD, MN
- Bomgaars – Farm and ranch supply stores in SD, IA, NE
- Lou’s Thrifty Way – Small IA grocery chain with 7 stores
- Various butcher shops and specialty grocers
Look for the Ranchers Choice label to identify their products. Meat counters typically stock popular cuts like ribeyes, ground beef, roasts, and brisket.
Why Choose Ranchers Choice?
There are several good reasons to select Ranchers Choice beef products:
- Source verified Midwest beef
- Vertically integrated from feed to meat
- Choice is baseline grade
- Competitively priced
- Family owned Midwest company
- Long-term rancher relationships
- 60+ year history in cattle feeds
Customers looking for locally sourced Midwest corn fed beef often prefer Ranchers Choice.
Is Ranchers Choice Higher Quality?
While quality is subjective, Ranchers Choice provides tasty corn fed Midwest beef. However, it’s not marketed as “premium” beef. Many competitors offer niche premium programs, while Ranchers Choice hits the mark on quality and value for an affordable commodity option.
The Verdict on Ranchers Choice
For shoppers wanting quality corn fed Midwest beef on a budget, Ranchers Choice is a great choice. It may not meet expectations of those demanding premium brands like Certified Angus Beef. But overall, Ranchers Choice delivers satisfying Midwest beef flavor at a fair price point.
How Technology is Changing the Farm
The way we bring beef to the table has changed from the way it was done even a decade ago. Although we still have cowboys and ranches, these modern cowboys are embracing technology just as much as any other industry. Today’s ranchers use drones, apps, and computers to make sure they’re bringing the best product to your table. Here are some ways technology has changed the way Americans raise beef.
Beef is a Heavily Regulated Industry
The slaughter process is subject to strict government oversight to ensure that the animals are always treated humanely, and the resulting product is clean, safe beef for the consumer. The USDA inspects all facilities and oversees the process from start to finish. Cattle are always inspected by a veterinarian before entering the food supply. You can be sure that the beef that ends up in your grocery or specialty store has been carefully monitored to ensure the best product for consumers.
DARK TRUTH About Industrial Meat Processing You Need to Know. Buy Ethical Beef from local Ranchers
FAQ
Where does good ranchers beef come from?
All of our livestock grow in a stress-free environment, never fed anything unnatural, and are sourced from local ranches and farms throughout the heartland of America. We use the most innovative techniques to ensure every cut of meat that hits your table is a cut above the rest.
Where does choice beef come from?
Prime beef comes from young cattle (A or B maturity). Less than 3% of U.S. meat is graded Prime. Meat from Choice cattle comes from young (A or B maturity) cattle. Found at grocery stores, Select beef has a slight marbling and comes from young cattle only (A maturity).
Where does Winn Dixie source their meat from?
WD beef, chicken and pork are 100 percent products of the U.S.A., ensuring customers are grilling up and serving the best quality products to their friends and family.
Is choice beef better than Angus?
Certified Angus Beef represents the top 3% of USDA Choice beef, offering more marbling and a better eating experience.
Where does Good Ranchers meat originate?
Good Ranchers meat comes from carefully selected local farms throughout the heartland of America. They sell their meats out of tents at very affordable prices and also have a meat delivery service that sells directly to consumers from their website.
Where does American Rancher beef come from?
At American Rancher Beef, we believe that the best beef comes from proven bloodlines of cattle and harsh conditions. Our cattle feed on wild grasses 365 days per year. These North Dakota grasses provide an unmatched richness to our beef. In the winter, when weather gets brutally harsh, we often see temperatures in the -40F range.
What is Beef Ranchero?
Beef ranchero is a delicious one pot meal that can be eaten in various ways, such as tacos, quesadillas, as a soup, or over rice. It is a perfect dish to make when you need yummy things that can be prepared in an electric pressure cooker, especially when you don’t have access to gas.
Where does beef come from?
Cattle are raised all over the United States, but the largest percentage of beef comes from the Midwest. The top states for the beef industry are Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, California, Wisconsin, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Cattle ranchers are people, just like you and I, trying their hardest to make it in a difficult industry.
Why do ranchers care about beef?
Ranchers take the responsibility of providing beef for our country seriously. They view their cattle and the land they graze on as their livelihood as well as their legacy to share with future generations. If you’ve ever wondered where American beef comes from, you’re in the right place.
Does Choice beef get a USDA grading?
“Choice cuts take a marinade or spice rub particularly well because they’re not as fatty,” according to Steve. “If you’re doing a stew or braise, put veggies underneath the cut of Choice beef—these will become your aromatics.” Not all beef sold gets a USDA grading—it’s a voluntary system.