Beef Farms in Florida
Beef farms in Florida are gaining popularity as a growing number of health-conscious Floridians are looking for high-quality, sustainable beef options.
In recent years, the trend of sourcing meat directly from local farms has been on the rise, and Florida’s beef farms are once again in the spotlight.
In this blog, we’re going to cover:
- Revival of local beef farming
- Glimpse of Florida beef farming history
- Advantages of buying from a Florida beef farm
- Cowpools: collective beef purchases
- Ways to buy beef from Florida beef farms
- Supporting Florida Beef Farmers: a note about patience
- List of top Florida beef farms
- Storage and freezing tips for buying fresh beef in bulk
The Revival of Florida Beef Farms
Decades ago, Florida was a major player in the beef industry, boasting large-scale ranches and farms spread across the state. To this day, there are large swaths of vacant land where you can see man-made circle ponds! These were the watering holes for grazing cattle.
However, with changes in agricultural practices going back to the mid 1900’s, plus a shift in consumer preferences, many of these farms faded into obscurity. But now, there’s a renewed interest in locally sourced food, and Florida beef farms are reclaiming their place in the market.
Despite facing challenges such as oppressive regulations affecting the small farmer while benefitting the large commercial outlets, Florida beef farms are adapting to meet the demands of modern consumers.
Most small beef farms embrace eco-friendly, health-first, sustainable practices, focusing on grass-fed and pasture-raised beef. This aligns with the growing number of health-conscious consumers looking to buy farm-to-table instead of trusting the shady labeling and manufacturing practices of mega-beef producers.
A Glimpse into Florida's Beef Farming History
Florida’s beef farming roots run deep, with a rich history dating back to the days of Spanish colonization. Cattle were introduced to the state in the 1500s, and by the late 19th century, Florida was home to numerous sprawling ranches.
Historically, Florida had more cattle ranches focused on finishing cattle for beef production. Today, most calves raised in Florida are shipped to other states for finishing before processing into beef.
Today, while the scale of beef farming may not be as large as it once was, Florida remains an important hub for locally sourced meat. With a diverse landscape ranging from lush pastures to subtropical regions, Florida provides an ideal environment for raising healthy cattle.
As of 2022, Florida is #13 in cattle production in the U.S. The Florida cattle industry is worth about $1 billion per year.
Advantages to Buying Beef from Florida Farms?
Here are some reasons to consider Florida beef for your next meal:
- Transparency: By buying directly from a farm you know, you can know exactly how their animals are raised and and ensure they meet the standards you want (ex: grass-fed, grass-finished)
- Freshness: You’ll be getting beef that hasn’t traveled long distances, ensuring optimal flavor and quality.
- Supporting Local Farmers: Your purchase helps sustain small businesses and keeps money within your community and the state of Florida
- Strengthens Florida’s Food Supply Chain: Buying direct from local Florida beef farmers keeps food production going close to home instead of relying on other states and countries
Cowpools: Collective Beef Purchase
Looking to stock your freezer with high-quality Florida beef but the thought of buying a whole cow seems daunting? Consider a cowpool!
This collaborative approach allows you to team up with friends, family, or neighbors to purchase a portion of a cow directly from a farm. You’ll get delicious, local beef at a potentially lower price per pound compared to individual cuts at the grocery store, and everyone wins!
Several Florida beef farms cater to cowpool purchases. One example:
- Florida Beef Farms (Ocala, FL): This farm offers “Cowpool” options on their website, allowing you to split the cost of a grass-fed steer with friends. They also provide processing and delivery services for an additional fee.
- Many Other Farms: While not all Florida farms advertise cowpools specifically, contacting them directly is a great way to inquire about the possibility of splitting a beef purchase.
Remember, cowpools are a fantastic way to support local farmers and enjoy delicious Florida beef. You’ll probably need an extra freezer to store all the meat; we’ve got a few tips on storing beef below.
Ways to Buy Beef from Florida Cattle Farms
For health-conscious Floridians looking to purchase beef directly from suppliers, there are several convenient options available:
Visit the Farm: Many Florida beef farms open their doors to the public on Saturdays or during special events. This provides an opportunity to see firsthand how the cattle are raised and to purchase fresh meat directly from the source.
Online Purchase: Several Florida beef farms offer online purchasing options, allowing consumers to buy directly from their website and have the meat shipped to their doorstep. This convenient option ensures access to high-quality, locally sourced beef regardless of location.
Subscription Boxes: For those looking for a hassle-free way to receive regular shipments of fresh beef, subscription boxes are an excellent choice. Many Florida beef farms offer subscription services where customers can sign up to receive a curated selection of meat on a weekly or monthly basis.
It’s important to note that each beef farm may offer different purchasing options, so it’s worth exploring multiple farms to find the one that best suits your preferences and needs.
A Note About Supporting These Beef Farmers
Be patient with these beef farmers! They are experts at producing healthy beef, and they are probably producing lots more than just beef on their farm.
But farming, especially beef farming, is a very tough business.
Most of these Florida beef farms are trying to offer a farm-to-table business model, selling and shipping directly to you, but it’s very challenging. They aren’t all going to have the extra time or employees dedicated to creating stellar ecommerce solutions.
They offer a valuable product… what’s more important than healthy local food for your family! So unless and until they can grow and hire the extra help to take their ecommerce and sales efforts to the next level, they need our patience and support.
Moving away from buying from mega-corporate meat manufacturers who aren’t required to be 100% transparent on their labels so we know exactly what we’re eating… means moving away from the highest of expectations of a stellar ecommerce model.
Let’s make Florida Beef Farming great again by lifting these local beef farmers up.
Supporting Local: A List of Florida Beef Farms
Even if a farm isn’t open for tours, consider supporting these Florida beef producers. Check their websites, find them on social media… because some of these beef farmers sell their meat at local Farmer’s Markets on the weekends.
A popular local farm market that some of these beef farmers listed below sell at is Brown & Brown Farms in Oxford Florida. In addition to farm meat there’s also lots of local produce sold here as well (great place, check it out!).
- Pasture Prime Family Farm (Oxford, FL): This family-owned farm raises Wagyu cattle (Kobe beef), known for their exceptional marbling and flavor. Also free range non-GMO chicken and turkey. Their cattle are grass-fed and grass-finished (no filler grains or corn which are often GMO). They offer tours and order pick-ups on Saturdays from 9 AM to 11 AM. Website for more info and online store: Pasture Prime Family Farm
- Florida Fields to Forks (Malabar, FL): This is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm which sells fresh beef, chicken, vegetables, eggs, and all kinds of other fresh healthy foods from their website to their members. They offer weekly market pickups of orders plus delivery service to a limited area. Or shop at their store which is open 1-2 days a week, info on their website: Florida Fields to Forks Malabar Florida
- Deep Roots Meat, LLC (Greenville, FL): This family farm offers grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and elk. They sell at several local farmer’s markets, and do offer delivery to a limited area. Check their website: Deep Roots Meat LLC
- Adena Farms (Williston, FL): They specialize in 100% grass-fed and finished beef with no added hormones or antibiotics. They aren’t selling direct to the public, but look for their meat in local stores and at Farmer’s markets. Website: Adena Farms
- Okeechobee Farms (Central South Florida): This large-scale farm raises grass-fed beef cattle and lamb. They sell online and on weekends at local farmer’s markets which are listed on their website: Okeechobee Farms
- Florida Premium Beef (North Florida): This family farm offers high-quality, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished Angus beef. They have an online store and ship anywhere in Florida. Check current details on their website: Florida Premium Beef
- Sampson Family Farm (Live Oak, FL): Specializing in antibiotic and hormone-free, all-natural, grass-fed beef. Order whole, half or quarter certified beef for your freezer (bulk). Great for cowpooling or if you have a big freezer! Website: Sampson Family Farm Florida
- Florida Beef Farms (Ocala, FL ): This beef farm specializes in cowpools and selling beef in bulk direct to customers and to resellers. Website: Florida Beef Farms
Storage and Freezing Tips for Buying Fresh Beef in Bulk
When purchasing beef in bulk, proper storage is essential to maintain freshness and flavor. Here are some tips for storing fresh beef:
- Refrigeration: Store fresh beef in the coldest part of your refrigerator, preferably below 40°F (4°C). Use airtight containers or wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap to prevent exposure to air, which can cause oxidation and spoilage.
- Freezing: If you’re not planning to consume the beef within a few days, freeze it. Divide the meat into portion-sized packages and wrap them tightly in freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn. Label each package with the date to ensure proper rotation.
- Thawing: When ready to use, thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Need a bigger freezer? Here’s the general rule of thumb: for (approximately) every 35 lbs of meat will require 1 cubic ft. of freezer space.
By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your fresh Florida beef stays delicious and nutritious for longer periods.
Conclusion
Florida’s beef farms offer a fantastic option for those seeking high-quality, locally-sourced beef. By supporting these farms, you’re not only getting a delicious and healthy, natural and fresh product but you’re contributing to a stronger, more sustainable food supply system.
Let’s make Florida Beef Farming greater than ever before!!
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