Pierce Creek Cattle Company

“The Pierce Creek Cattle Company offers grass fed beef an hour away from St. Louis, Missouri, on the land our family has owned for four generations.”

Sustainability and conservation are a way of life at the Pierce Creek Cattle Company. In order to raise great beef, you have to raise great grass. That starts with healthy pastures. We focus on creating healthy pastures for grazing. A healthy pasture not only supports the cattle but also the insects, birds, and animals that live there and pass through.

The pastures are never treated with herbicides or pesticides, and the insects and wildlife that they provide habitat and food to are important in providing the nutrients needed to grow great grass. Our primary focus is on creating healthy pastures and the cattle play an important part in the pasture’s health. Everything just works better when you work with nature instead of against it.  Wholesome land makes wholesome beef.

Why do we pay so much attention to the processing? Because we care for and respect our animals. It’s better for the cattle, and much less stressful for them. Our cattle live their lives free-range grazing in grassy fields. We interact with them on a daily basis to ensure their health and well-being. When it is time to leave they only have a short trip to make. There is no pain or suffering so there is no build-up of adrenaline or other stress-causing toxins in the meat. Our butcher is independently owned and operated and handles the processing with care.

Farm Size

240 acres

Herd Size

• 32 cows (Black and Red Angus and Charolais)
• 42 calves and yearlings

Products

• Grass fed beef

Animal Feed

• Cattle: 100% grass fed, eating hay from their own fields when pastures are unavailable, grass- or grain-finished

Rotation

The cattle have gotten used to coming when called and are offered “range cubes” to be moved to fresh pasture. Recovery time is variable, but they have enough land to be sure that cattle are not returned to the same ground before it has had time to recover.

Conservation Practices

• Nutrient management plan
• Riparian herbaceous cover
• Field border
• Animals fenced out of waterways
• Grazing management plan
• Animals forage for food