I was fortunate enough to attend the annual BBQ at Full Circle Bison Ranch in Williams, Oregon. My family toured the ranch, seeing how the pigs and bison were raised and cared for. I was even toppled into the mud by a lively pig that “goosed me” as I was kneeling down to help my son pet them. They are a heritage breed of Large Black and Tamworth pigs, humanely raised and organic, allowed to graze pastures all summer and forage acorns in the oak forest every fall. It’s a happy bunch of animals out there.
We then feasted on pastured roast pig, three types of smoked bison sausage, organic cole slaw, lavender lemonade and berry cobbler while listening to music. We also learned how to roast a whole pig in a box in just four hours. I can’t wait to utilize this knowledge somehow. Additionally, we picked up some discount priced products – the best bacon I’ve ever tasted (among other great finds)!
Grass-fed meats are the highest quality and buffalo meat has some even more interesting traits. It’s lower in total fat than beef, lower in saturated fat (up to four times less), higher in Omega-3 fatty acids, is one of the riches natural sources of conjugated linoleic acid, has up to four times more vitamin E and is a good source of beta carotene and vitamin B-12. Plus, it’s really tasty!
Full Circle is a family ranch located in the Williams Valley in the southwest corner of Oregon. The ranch, operated by Tobias and Abigail Hatfield, is home to a herd of 100 bison. Animals graze certified organic pastures, spring through fall, and are fed organic alfalfa and no-spray hay during the winter. Yep, that’s hay that has not been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides and no antibiotics or hormones are used in producing Full Circle’s meats. The majority of the herd consists of bison cows that bear a calf each year. They are committed to raising premium quality grass-fed bison in an ethical and environmentally sustainable way.
Additionally, with the help of the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the local Watershed Council, they improved salmon habitat and created wildlife corridors on the creeks that run through the ranch. In 2003, the ranch was certified “Salmon-Safe” for the preservation of riparian wetlands and native biodiversity.
As Tobias walked us around the fields he explained that there is a ceremonial tobacco offering following the Native American traditions before the buffalo are harvested in the field under state inspection. Then they are taken to a small processing plant where the buffalo meat is custom cut, vacuum sealed, and flash frozen.
He personally samples a steak from every buffalo harvested and guarantees that the buffalo meat has an excellent flavor and tenderness. If you are not satisfied with the products and service you will be completely refunded! What have you got to lose?
Full Circle Bison’s Grass-Fed Buffalo Meat is shipped directly from the ranch in Southern Oregon to your doorstep. Read more about them, the health benefits of grass-fed pasture raised meats, and check out the products at Full Circle Bison Ranch.
mike mitchem says
October 2, 2012 at 9:34 amBuffalo steaks are a healthy alternative to beef with less fat, higher nutrients and higher in protein than other red meats. When not overcooked they are tender and juicy. They are also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential to every cell in the body. Higher protein means more energy and lower fat equals less cholesterol. Range fed Buffalo isn’t pumped full of hormones, antibiotics and other harmful chemicals like beef, pork and chicken.
Kellie says
October 2, 2012 at 10:34 amVery well stated and all the reason why I recommend them. I feel very fortunate to have a supply of parture raised buffalo in my own valley. But luckily for those that don’t live so close to a source there are fabulous options for shipping.