Our Cooperative - Wisconsin Meadows

Who is Wisconsin Meadows™?

We are over 230 Wisconsin family farms who are all owner-members of the Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative. We collectively believe that regenerative agricultural practices that focus on pasture management, rotational grazing, and animal welfare is the best way to raise our lean, healthy, tasty beef (and pork!) – sold under the brand Wisconsin Meadows^™. Our well-managed pastures protect Wisconsin’s soil and water resources and provide wildlife habitat. We care about those things because we live here, too!

Our member farm families are committed to producing high quality, sustainably-raised beef (and pork!) for you and your family. Working cooperatively, we’re able to keep the best interests of both our customers and the families who farm the land in mind. We are grateful to those who support our mission with their food dollars and allow us to keep on grazing!

What are the benefits for grass-fed and pastured raised livestock?

Rotational or Managed Grazing

Managed grazing, also called rotational grazing, is a type of regenerative farming that benefits the environment, herd health, wildlife, and our families – all at the same time! When livestock are moved on a regular basis – typically daily – to new pasture to feed, it gives them access to higher quality feed, prevents waste, and allows for good nutrient distribution.

Plus, rotational grazing also gives the plants in the paddocks a chance to recover and re-grow.

Because the land is in sod – grasses and legumes such as clover and alfalfa – the topsoil (and nutrients) stay in place, leaving little chance for runoff or erosion.

Rotational Grazing Benefits the Environment

Properly managed pastures have more diverse plant life and their soils teem with beneficial microorganisms that turn animal and plant “waste” material into soil rich in organic matter. Rainfall is better absorbed, preventing runoff and keeping aquifers cleaned and recharged.

There is now evidence that perennial pastures can sequester even more carbon than woodlands, whereas tilled crops such as corn and soybeans both require more fuel to plant and harvest, but also release greenhouse gasses after harvest as the leaves and stalks decay.

Since the livestock harvest their own feed and spread their own manure during the growing season, less fuel and machinery is used. This enhances the environment for wildlife, especially in the spring when ground-nesting birds and other immature animals are hidden in the grass!

Livestock Benefit from Managed Grazing

Rotational grazing improves livestock health, and keeps vet costs low by reducing the stress that can come from overcrowding in confinement operations.

Since they are regularly moved to fresh paddocks, our animals have far less exposure to flies and manure. Yes, this takes more planning and careful observation on the part of the farmer, but we think it’s well worth the effort!

Cattle who have access to diverse plant life can choose what they need for a balanced diet and best of all they are outside getting plenty of exercise, sunshine and fresh Wisconsin air and water!

What are the Wisconsin Grass-Fed Beef Cooperative Production Protocols for Wisconsin Meadows?

Our cooperative’s focus is on production, processing, and marketing. We strive to provide:

A high-quality eating experience
Animal age and source verification
Food safety – Inspected processing facilities and farm to table traceability
Product purity: No growth hormones, GMOs or antibiotics used
Environmental Stewardship (improving and enhancing soil and water quality)
Human health benefits (CLAs, Omega 3s, Omega 9s, etc.) – Independent research confirms grass based livestock products are best for human health.

We believe in full transparency! Click here to see our production protocols.

Wisconsin Meadows is a proud supporter and sponsor of the “Something Special from Wisconsin” program. If you see this logo, know and trust these products are produced by producers from Wisconsin.

On behalf of all our member-owners, Thank you for supporting Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative and Wisconsin Meadows by choosing local grass-fed beef and pastured pork products for your table!