Ardent Acres Farm

Ardent Acres Farm

Ardent Acres Farm is dedicated to providing a superior beef experience through enhanced taste, texture, nutrition, and value. The farm focuses on raising Scottish Highland cattle and producing chicken, emphasizing animal welfare and natural feeding practices.

A Different Kind of Beef

The mission of Ardent Acres Farm is to deliver high-quality beef that stands out for its nutritional benefits and flavor. The farm's approach includes grass-fed practices, where cattle are primarily fed natural forage, leading to a product lower in cholesterol and fat compared to conventionally raised meats.

The Breed

Scottish Highland cattle have remained largely unchanged for centuries and are not suited for feedlot fattening. These animals excel in converting grass into high-quality meat, which has been shown to be healthier than beef from commercial breeds.

The Feed

Cattle at Ardent Acres are grass-fed, with minimal grain fed during handling in cold weather. The beef produced is free from artificial hormones and antibiotics. Grass-fed beef from Ardent Acres contains significantly higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to feedlot-raised beef.

The Care

The farm prioritizes animal welfare through specific handling methods and facilities designed to minimize stress. Reduced stress in cattle leads to lower hormone levels and results in more tender and flavorful beef.

The Processing

All beef from Ardent Acres is cold-aged for a minimum of 10 days, enhancing the meat's texture. The processing methods include thicker packaging to prevent freezer burn and extend the product's shelf life.

Nutritional Benefits

Research conducted by the Scottish Agricultural College indicates that Scottish Highland beef offers:

• Over 25% less cholesterol
• More than 60% less fat than other breeds
• Higher protein levels compared to other meats

Healthier Animals

Cattle raised in the free-range environment of Ardent Acres benefit from their genetic resilience, resulting in a reduced need for veterinary chemicals and antibiotics.

Unique Characteristics

The Scottish Highland breed possesses a shaggy coat that reduces the need for fat in winter, yielding a leaner product. The breed's slower growth rate contributes to its quality, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

Ardent Acres Chicken

Similar to its beef, Ardent Acres chicken is free from artificial hormones and antibiotics. The chickens are allowed outdoor access during the day, and their diet includes fresh greens and additive-free grain feed.

Processing Practices

The chicken is processed on-site under Minnesota Department of Agriculture guidelines, ensuring freshness and cleanliness throughout the process. Chickens are dispatched, processed, and frozen within 30 minutes, with no recycling of processing water, ensuring a consistently clean product.

Comparison of Costs

Purchasing a quarter of beef from a typical big-box retailer costs approximately $725.05, without knowledge of the livestock's diet or welfare. For just 6% more, consumers can buy directly from Ardent Acres Farm, gaining insight into the food's origins and the practices involved in its production.

Meet the Farmers

Francis, inspired by his family's farming legacy, began working in agriculture after serving in the Army and earning an engineering degree. In 2012, he purchased the farm, which has been operational since 1919. Veronica joined the team in 2014, bringing her own family farming background. Together, they focus on raising healthy animals and producing high-quality beef and chicken.