One of the missions of Royal Family Farms is to educate transparently about the common practices in our industry so that you, as a consumer, have access to a trusted resource. We value honest communication and aim to provide helpful information so that you can make educated decisions for your family. Over the last decade we have cultivated our regenerative farm, and it has taught us how we can use our resources and distribute them to produce quality beef. Our beef program is integral to our regenerative system, and we care for all of our land and animals with methods that leave the world better than we found it.
Common catchphrases like “100% grass fed,” “Made in the USA” and “No Antibiotics” are often misleading and cause confusion regarding what meat is most sustainable and nutrient packed.
100% Grass Fed
Many people who opt for grass fed beef have the assumption that because cattle are certified “100% Grass Fed” it means they are supporting a method of farming that includes regulations for animal welfare, sustainability, and better nutrients. According to the USDA, the only regulations that are required to be 100% Grass Fed is a cow whose “diet shall be derived solely from forage consisting of grass (annual and perennial), forbs (e.g., legumes, Brassica), browse, or cereal grain crops in the vegetative (pre-grain) state. Animals cannot be fed grain or grain byproducts and must have continuous access to pasture during the growing season. (1)”
Our amazing beef cattle spend their life grazing and are also responsible for reducing plant waste because of something we like to refer to as “The Kitchen.” Our family farms a variety of crops, including potatoes, apples, hay, and triticale. Many of these crops ship out to feed America, but along with a nutritionist we have been able to repurpose what’s left behind by incorporating it into our ruminant’s diet. The time spent grazing also enriches our soil and creates nutrient dense environments for future crops. This combination of pasture grazing and grain supplementing creates the perfect balance of flavor, quality, sustainability, and nutritional value.
Made in the USA
We have a lot of hometown pride in our hearts and have been blessed one generation after another with a community we love to support. Our cattle are born and raised right here in Washington State and proudly processed in a Dr. Temple Grandin approved facility.(2) Unfortunately until very recently the sticker that represents “made in the USA” or “Product of the USA” has only required partial truth to the claim. Your beef could have been born in an entirely different country and packaged here to be awarded the title. As of 2024, the USDA has amended their regulations for meat, poultry and eggs to require them to be of United States origin, but packaging does not need to comply until the year 2026.(3) We believe that knowing where your beef came from shouldn’t require you to sift through the fine print and should be accessible and clearly sourced.
No Antibiotics
Cows, just like humans, are susceptible to diseases and illness and can be treated with antibiotics. Farms throughout the world have caused alarm by utilizing antibiotics to speed up and supplement growth in their livestock. The concern here of course is the care for the animal and the health of the consumer who purchases such beef. In 2023 the FDA’s regulations require a) a veterinary prescription for antibiotics, b) antibiotics from a licensed pharmacy, c) the removal of livestock that have been treated for over-the-counter purchase and d) requirements for licensing at feed stores to accept prescriptions.(4) All this to say, regulations for the use of antibiotics for livestock and poultry are in their infancy.
At Royal Family Farms, antibiotics are used only when medically necessary to ensure the ruminants health. Any cattle that receive antibiotics are removed from our beef program. We are proud to produce antibiotic free beef and believe you should never feel unsafe about what is in the food you’re eating.
Try Regenerative!
We’d love for you to try our beef and experience what it means to have ethical, quality beef locally born and raised in Washington State, shipped right to your door. Your support of our regenerative farm enables us to continue promoting transparent farming at scale and create a pathway forward that promotes care and respect above all else.
Curious about more food labeling terminology?
The USDA website linked below offers a resource guide to commonly used food labels for your meat and poultry.
1. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-is-grass-fed-meat
