Two Delicious Finishes, One Shared Pasture

Now Offering Grass-Finished Beef: Two Delicious Finishes, One Shared Pasture

At Zabel Cattle Company, we believe in giving families food they can trust—and options that truly meet their needs. That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our grass-finished, pasture-raised beef, now available alongside our longtime favorite: pasture-raised, grain-finished beef.

Both finishing styles reflect our shared values of stewardship, quality, and integrity. Whether you prefer a leaner, more robust flavor or a buttery, tender cut with traditional richness, we have an option that suits your family’s table—without compromising how it was raised.

Let’s walk through the differences, the shared principles, and the reasons we believe both are excellent, nourishing choices.

🌾 What All ZCC Beef Has in Common

No matter how we finish our cattle, we start with the same foundation:

• Pasture-raised from the beginning, grazing on our carefully managed fields

• Low-stress handling, with the animals’ welfare at the center of our practices

• Rotational grazing that promotes healthy soil and regenerative land use

• Forage diversity, including newly seeded native bluestem, red clover, and creeping thyme—improving both environmental health and the quality of the beef itself

This kind of ranching takes time and care—but it’s the kind of food we want on our own plates, and we’re honored to share it with you.

🔬 Research published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems (2022) shows that rotational grazing paired with biodiverse forages improves soil carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and the micronutrient profile of beef raised in those systems.

Whether finished on forage or grain, all of our cattle are raised to thrive—and that translates to better beef for your home.

🌿 NEW: Grass-Finished Beef

This month we’re officially offering grass-finished, pasture-raised beef for those seeking a leaner cut, a stronger flavor profile, or beef that remains 100% forage-fed from start to finish.

What it means:
Grass-finished cattle are never fed grain. They spend their entire lives grazing a rotating mix of grasses and legumes on pasture—including species we’ve specifically introduced for their nutritional value and resilience.

What you get:

• A leaner cut with a deep, earthy flavor

• A strong nutritional profile, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA, and vitamin E

• Ideal for those pursuing clean eating, paleo, Whole30, or heart-healthy lifestyles

📚 A 2010 study in the Nutrition Journal found that grass-finished beef contains significantly more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants compared to conventional grain-fed, feedlot-finished beef. At ZCC, however, our grain-finished cattle are also pasture-raised, meaning nutritional differences are likely smaller—but still present.

Grass-finished beef appeals to customers who want a more natural, traditional grazing experience reflected on the plate. It’s clean, honest, and packed with nutrients.

🌽 Classic Favorite: Grain-Finished Beef

Our grain-finished, pasture-raised beef is the original favorite of many ZCC customers—and for good reason.

These cattle are raised the same way as our grass-finished herd, but are finished on a thoughtfully balanced grain ration during the final 90–120 days. This encourages marbling and enhances flavor and tenderness.

What you get:

• Juicy, buttery texture with richer mouthfeel

• Increased marbling and energy content

• Familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor perfect for steaks, burgers, and family meals

🍔 Research from Texas Tech University and other meat science programs has consistently shown that grain-finishing enhances beef tenderness and flavor—especially in premium cuts like ribeyes and filets.

For customers who want that traditional steakhouse experience—with the added trust of pasture-based, responsible production—our grain-finished beef offers the best of both worlds.

🤔 How to Choose What’s Best for You

Choosing between grass-finished and grain-finished beef depends on your preferences, goals, and how you like to cook:

Feature

Grass-Finished

Grain-Finished

Flavor

Bold, earthy, slightly leaner

Buttery, rich, traditional

Texture

Leaner, firmer bite

Tender, well-marbled

Nutrition

Higher omega-3s, CLA, vitamin E

Higher in energy and monounsaturated fat

Best For

Health-conscious eaters, lean meals

Family favorites, comfort food, grilling

ZCC Promise

Pasture-raised, forage-fed start to finish

Pasture-raised, responsibly grain-finished

Some families prefer the boldness of grass-finished. Others love the tenderness of grain-finished. And many—honestly—keep both in the freezer and rotate based on the dish.

Not sure what’s right for your household? We’re here to help.
Give us a call or send us a message, and we’ll talk through your cooking style, nutrition goals, and flavor preferences to guide you toward the best fit.

🥩 Taste the Difference for Yourself

We’re proud to offer beef raised with purpose, processed with care, and delivered with integrity. Whether you choose our new grass-finished option or the classic grain-finished cuts, you’re getting:

✅ Pasture-raised, nutrient-rich protein
✅ Transparent, responsible ranching
✅ Flavor you can feel good about feeding your family

📞 Reach out to us today—we’d love to help you build the right box.
🌐 www.zabel.co/contact

With gratitude,
Janelle Zabel & the ZCC Family

"Why Buying Beef From a Small Farm is Like Flying First Class: Elevate Your Family’s Meals With Farm-to-Table Quality"

Comparing Farm-to-Table Beef and Large Corporate Processing Plants to Air Travel: Why Economy of Scale Isn’t Bad, But You Can Do Better for Your Family

These days, most of us make choices based on convenience, price, and availability. It’s true with beef, just like it is with air travel: we all have options, from economy class to first-class or even private charters. The path your beef takes from farm to plate varies just as much. Large corporate beef suppliers operate on an economy-of-scale model, similar to flying standard coach, to serve the masses as efficiently as possible. But, as with air travel, upgrading to first class can be a whole different experience, and choosing farm-to-table beef from a small family farm like Zabel Cattle Company 🐄 offers better quality, personalization, and health benefits for your family. The economy of scale has its place, no doubt—but for those of you who want to make a choice with more health, flavor, and sustainability in mind, there’s a better way.

🛫 Standard Coach: Large Corporate Processing Plants and the Power of Economy of Scale

🔄 Mass Production and Efficiency

Think about how airlines use coach seating to serve hundreds of passengers on every flight; large corporate processing plants take the same approach, focusing on the economy of scale to produce beef for the masses. This helps keep prices down and makes beef affordable for most consumers. The benefit here is affordability—just like coach class makes air travel more accessible. However, this mass-production approach has a cost: quality and traceability are harder to control. Studies have shown that when processing thousands of cattle each day, larger plants can lose touch with these important factors 📉 (Smith, 2018). It’s like a bare-bones flight experience—effective, but without the care and attention that smaller operations can provide.

🏭 Supply Chain Complexity and Efficiency

Just as economy flights mean busy terminals and long lines, the corporate beef supply chain is a complex system. Large feedlots, high-volume processing plants, and wholesalers each serve a purpose in keeping prices lower and production levels high. But with that comes the sacrifice of freshness, traceability, and sometimes, nutritional quality ⚖️ (Jones et al., 2020). Mass production certainly has its place; it keeps beef available and affordable. Still, it’s limited in what it can offer if you’re looking for something better for your family.

💺 The Consumer Experience

Flying coach works for many people, but we can all agree it’s a bit restricted: tight seats, minimal flexibility, and just the basics. Similarly, large-scale beef production delivers what’s needed—affordable meat—but without the same quality, flavor, or traceability as smaller, more personal farming practices. It’s not that economy of scale is “bad”—it’s just that many of us want more from our food.

🥇 First Class: Zabel Cattle Company and the Benefits of a Direct-to-Consumer Model

🌿 Artisanal Production with Care

Choosing Zabel Cattle Company beef is a lot like upgrading to first class. You’re getting beef that’s raised with care, each animal given the space and attention it needs. Unlike the mass-production model, we raise and process every animal with your family’s health in mind. Research shows that beef from pasture-raised cattle is generally higher in beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and conjugated linoleic acid, which support brain health 🧠, heart health ❤️, and immune function 💪 (Daley et al., 2010).

📈 Economy of Scale on a Smaller Level

At Zabel, we operate on a smaller scale but still create value through a more personal, local approach. By connecting directly with our community, we reduce environmental impact 🌍, maintain quality, and keep costs fair by cutting out the middleman. Think of it like first-class travel—paying for better service and quality that’s worth it because you know exactly what you’re getting. This approach allows for more transparency 🔍 and accountability, so you know exactly where your beef comes from and the care that went into it.

🎉 The Consumer Experience

Upgrading to first class isn’t just about extra comfort; it’s about a better, more rewarding experience. With Zabel Cattle Company, you’re choosing to support sustainable, ethical farming and to enjoy beef that’s more flavorful and nutrient-rich 🥩. It’s a “first-class” choice for your family’s meals, giving you peace of mind and the health benefits that mass-market options just can’t match.

🚁 Private Charter: The Ultra-Exclusive Beef Experience

✨ Ultra-Exclusive Options

Just as private charters offer a fully personalized, luxurious experience, some boutique farms raise cattle in extremely small batches to cater to high-end restaurants or private clients. This level of exclusivity is appealing but comes with a premium price tag, and studies have shown that the added benefits don’t always justify the steep cost for most families 💵 (Johnson & Smith, 2017). For most, the difference between a well-run family farm and boutique beef is marginal at best.

💰 Is It Worth It?

While boutique beef can provide a unique experience, it’s often impractical. For most families, Zabel’s approach—offering balanced quality, sustainability, and nutrition—hits the sweet spot. You enjoy better beef without the ultra-high price tag of boutique beef and without compromising on health and flavor.

💡 Conclusion: Economy of Scale Isn’t Bad, But You Can Do Better

Economy of scale serves an important role in making both air travel and beef accessible for most people. But just as choosing first class can make travel more enjoyable, choosing farm-to-table beef offers benefits of taste, quality, and transparency for your family’s health and well-being 🏡. It’s not about dismissing the advantages of large-scale production—it’s about recognizing you have a choice when it comes to feeding your loved ones. With Zabel Cattle Company’s pasture-raised, family-farmed beef, you’re choosing health, supporting sustainable practices, and enjoying a taste difference that truly makes the upgrade worthwhile.

🥩 Taste the Difference Today! Contact us to learn more about how our beef can elevate your meals and support your health.

Hit Reset on Your New Year’s Resolutions: A Better Choice for Your Family Starts with Beef

We all start the new year with the best intentions—better food choices, more home-cooked meals, a little less takeout. But then life happens. Work piles up, schedules get hectic, and suddenly, those quick-fix options start sneaking back in. It’s easy to feel like you’ve already fallen off track. But here’s the truth: it’s not too late to make a better choice. A fresh start doesn’t require a new plan—just a simple decision to fuel your family with real, nutrient-dense food. And that’s where high-quality beef comes in.

Fuel Your Family with Real Nutrition With all the diet trends and ‘health food’ fads out there, it’s easy to forget that one of the most complete, naturally nutritious foods has been on our plates for generations: beef. Iron for Strength & Energy – Essential for preventing fatigue, boosting focus, and supporting growing kids. Zinc for Immune Health – Helps keep your family strong through the tail end of flu season. B Vitamins for Brainpower – Fuels mental clarity, concentration, and endurance. Protein for Muscle & Metabolism – Keeps you satisfied longer, curbs cravings, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Research Insight: A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition confirms that high-quality protein, like beef, plays a key role in muscle retention, metabolism regulation, and long-term energy stability. And here’s something else to consider—growing children need real food. The nutrients in beef support cognitive development, immune function, and overall growth, making it one of the best foods you can put on their plate. Where Is Your Beef Coming From? Most people don’t think twice about where their food comes from, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter. Grocery store beef? It’s often mass-produced, pumped with additives, and shipped from who-knows-where. Highly processed, factory-made meat substitutes? They rely on synthetic ingredients, preservatives, and a level of processing that your body wasn’t designed to handle.

At Zabel Cattle Company, we do things differently. Pasture-raised cattle, cared for with integrity. Nutrient-dense beef, free from unnecessary additives. A direct relationship with the people raising your food. When you buy from a local farm, you’re not just getting better food—you’re investing in transparency, sustainability, and a level of quality that grocery store meat just can’t match. Making Healthy Eating Easier (Even on Busy Days) Simple & Healthy Recipes: Beef Stir-Fry – A quick, one-pan meal packed with protein and vegetables. Grass-Fed Burgers – No fillers, no mystery ingredients—just real beef. Steak & Veggie Bowls – A balanced, satisfying meal with high-quality protein and whole foods. Meal Prep That Works for You: Stock your freezer with Zabel’s premium beef so you always have a nutritious meal ready. Cook in bulk and portion meals for the week—it’s cost-effective, time-saving, and stress-free. Pair beef with fresh, colorful vegetables and whole grains for a balanced plate.

Limited-Time Offer: Get a FREE Freezer! When you order a half or whole beef, we’ll include a free freezer to help you stock up. That means fewer grocery trips, more savings, and the peace of mind that your family has real food ready when you need it. It’s Not Too Late to Choose Better If your New Year’s resolutions have faded into the background, that’s okay. What matters isn’t a perfect plan—it’s making one better choice today. Choose food that nourishes instead of just fills. Choose quality over convenience. Choose beef raised the way it should be—naturally, responsibly, and with care.

Reserve your beef today and take the first step toward a healthier year: www.zabel.co/contact

Taste the Difference Today! Contact us to learn more about how our beef and local butchering can elevate your meals and support your health.

www.zabel.co/contact

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Farming Ranching and Cost of Doing Business

Beef, Land, and Legacy: What Every Family Should Know About Their Food

I was talking with a family the other day about where their beef comes from. They’d never bought direct from a rancher before, and they had a lot of great questions—ones I hear often from people who care about feeding their families well but just aren’t sure how to navigate the system.

It makes sense. Grocery store beef doesn’t come with a story. There’s no connection to the land it was raised on, the people who cared for it, or the quality of life that animal had before it became food. It’s just another shrink-wrapped package on the shelf.

But beef should be so much more than that. It should be about nutrition, security, and supporting the land that sustains us. And that’s what we do at Zabel Cattle Company—we raise our cattle with the same care and integrity that’s been passed down through generations of my family.

I want to break it down for you—why beef prices are rising, why small ranchers are disappearing, and why your food choices matter more than ever. This isn’t just about beef—it’s about securing real, quality food for your family before the system makes it harder to do so.

Why is Beef Getting So Expensive?

You’re not imagining it. The price of beef is rising, and it’s not going to stop anytime soon. But most people don’t realize why.

1️⃣ The National Cattle Herd is Shrinking—Fast

We have the smallest cattle herd in the U.S. since 1950, and it’s getting smaller every year. Fewer cattle mean higher prices for everyone.

🔹 Many ranchers are retiring and selling off their herds, and fewer young people are stepping in to take their place. This isn’t an easy life, and with rising land and feed costs, fewer families can afford to stay in business.

🔹 Every time a family ranch disappears, that land is rarely kept for agriculture. Instead, it’s turned into housing developments, industrial wind and solar farms, or marijuana production.

2️⃣ Why Ranchers Can’t Afford to Hold Onto Cattle

Ranchers don’t want to sell their herds—we’d love to hold onto our cattle longer and build bigger herds. But the reality is, that’s just not financially possible.

🔹 Droughts are shrinking pastures – Less available grass means we must buy expensive supplemental feed.

🔹 Feed costs are skyrocketing – Corn and hay prices have surged, making it too expensive to keep cattle through the winter.

🔹 Interest rates are rising – Many ranchers rely on loans to manage land and cattle operations, and as interest rates climb, carrying costs become impossible.

The tough truth? We have to sell cattle while the prices are high because we don’t know when they’ll drop. If we wait too long, we could be left with a herd we can’t afford to feed, and no buyers willing to pay what the cattle are worth.

This has happened before: in 2014-2015, beef prices skyrocketed, but by 2016, the market crashed—and ranchers who waited lost everything.

How This Affects Your Family

If you’ve ever felt like you have no control over your grocery bill, that’s because in many ways, you don’t. Big corporations and unpredictable markets dictate what ends up on the shelf, and families are stuck paying whatever the price happens to be that week.

But it’s not just about cost—it’s about food security, quality, and trust.

Grocery store beef is an unknown. You don’t know where it came from, how it was raised, or what kind of nutrition it really has.

Quality beef is disappearing. Small ranches that prioritize low-stress, responsible cattle care—like we do at Zabel Cattle Company—are being replaced by mass-production feedlots.

Your kids’ future food supply is at risk. Every acre of farmland lost to urban sprawl is an acre your children won’t have to raise food on in the future.

But here’s the thing—you have more control than you think.

How to Take Back Control of Your Family’s Food Supply

🔹 Buy Local & Fill Your Freezer – This is the single best way to lock in quality beef at today’s prices and ensure that you always have premium, locally raised beef on hand.

🔹 Get to Know Your Rancher – When you buy local, you know exactly where your beef comes from, how it was raised, and that it’s free of unnecessary additives.

🔹 Support Local Agriculture – Every dollar spent on locally raised beef is a vote for sustainable ranching and responsible land stewardship.

This is the Moment to Act

Once farmland is gone, it’s gone forever. And once the small ranchers are forced out, we don’t get them back.

If you’ve been thinking about making the switch to real, local beef, this is your sign. Don’t wait until prices rise again or supplies run low.

Reserve Your Beef Today & Get a FREE Freezer! Contact us now to secure your half or whole beef before the next price hike. www.zabel.co/contact

Have questions? Let’s chat! Comment below or send a message—I’d love to help.

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#ZabelCattleCompany #FarmToTable #KnowYourRancher #SupportLocalFarms #SustainableBeef #OklahomaRanching