Farmers who raise livestock in ways other than conventional feedlot or confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can sell their animals to businesses that market alternative meat products. Here are some businesses that buy from Minnesota farmers:
Local/Regional Sales
Minnesota Specialty Meats markets chevon (goat meat) and lamb to individuals and retailers.
Thousand Hills Cattle Company markets grass-fed beef to restaurants and grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Animals sold to Thousand Hills must be raised according to protocols: http://www.thousandhillscattleco.com/producerinfo.html
National Sales
Laura's Lean Beef markets specialty beef nationwide. Animals must be raised according to protocols: http://www.laurasleanbeefcattle.com/cattleSpecifications.php
Niman Ranch markets beef, pork, and lamb; most marketing is to restaurants on the east and west coasts. Animals sold to Niman Ranch must be raised according to protocols: http://www.nimanranch.com/control/view/protocols
Organic Prairie (the non-dairy arm of Organic Valley) markets certified organic beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. Information for farmers: http://www.organicvalley.coop/our_story/join_our_coop/index.html
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