Alderspring Ranch
Alderspring Ranch
Alderspring Ranch is dedicated to raising high-quality grass-fed beef while promoting the health of the land, livestock, and surrounding community. The ranch operates under the principle of regenerative agriculture, which focuses on improving the health of the ecosystem through sustainable practices.
Products
Alderspring Ranch offers certified organic 100% grass-fed beef sourced directly from Idaho's wild mountain pastures. Their commitment to quality ensures that the beef produced comes from cattle that have spent most, if not all, of their lives on the ranch.
Key Practices
Alderspring Ranch employs several regenerative practices to enhance land health and productivity:
- Rotational Grazing: The ranch uses an electric fence system to manage grazing and control cattle movements, allowing for pasture recovery and increased biodiversity.
- Minimal Tillage and Cover Crops: Practices such as minimal tillage and the use of cover crops help improve soil health and plant diversity.
- Water Management: The ranch has shifted to watering cattle from portable stock tanks, ceasing nearly all use of riparian areas to protect native plant species.
- Employee Range Riders: Alderspring employs range riders to guide cattle across their range lease continuously. This practice not only manages grazing but also helps deter predation by wolves and mountain lions.
Significant History
- Founding: Alderspring Ranch was founded and is operated by Glenn and Caryl Elzinga and their family. They have been raising black Angus cattle for over 30 years, with a focus on direct marketing their products to consumers throughout the U.S.
- Certification: The ranch has been certified organic since its inception and is also certified by the Real Organic Project (ROP) since 2020, which ensures adherence to additional regenerative organic practices beyond the USDA Organic standards.
Commitment to Transparency
Alderspring Ranch prioritizes transparency with its customers. They share data, practices, and results related to their regenerative efforts, allowing consumers to understand the effectiveness of their methods.
Continuous Improvement
The ranch is committed to ongoing testing and improvement of their practices. They recognize that regenerative agriculture is a continuous journey and are dedicated to learning and adapting their methods for better outcomes.
Community and Integrity
Alderspring Ranch promotes integrity in all dealings with customers, aiming to foster a community based on trust and shared values. They adhere to ethical practices that reflect their commitment to health and sustainability.
Conclusion
Alderspring Ranch exemplifies a commitment to regenerative agriculture, focusing on the health of the ecosystem while providing high-quality, organic grass-fed beef. Their practices and dedication to transparency highlight their mission to improve agricultural systems for the benefit of all involved.