Naturally Raised 4-H Beef and Lamb

Andrew, age 16, and Jake, age 13, have been raising 4-H beef and lamb for the past several years.  Like their father and grandfather, they are carrying on the family tradition of raising good quality livestock on the Middle Fork S Ranch.

Andrew raises Angus crossbred steers, and also shows purebred Herefords.  In 2011, a steer he calved and raised went Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.  His cows - Shannon, Buttercup, and Shelly are bred naturally in our fields, and the calves enjoy a happy life, grazing and playing in our clover pastures.  Show animals are trained with treats and back scratches, and are relaxed and content at the shows.  Andrew adds a custom mix of antibiotic-and-hormone-free grain, by hand, to their daily ration the last few months, to mellow and finish the flavor.  Andrew's steers consistently grade out Choice or Choice+, which is just one grade below the ultimate....Prime.  He will have two steers ready in April for purchase at the Puyallup Spring Fair NW Junior Livestock Show.

Jake's herd consists of five quality Suffolk ewes - LewLew, Holly, Lavendar, Winchester, and Harlow - and one laid back, friendly Romney ram named Milo.  The ewes are field bred; lambs are born in the early spring, and frolic together in our pastures all their lives.  Jake enjoys working with them, and even trained a pair of lambs to do canine agility.  Both chefs and butchers have requested lamb from Jake, and he always sells out.  This year, Jake will have two lambs ready in April for purchase at the NWJLS, and several more available in the fall.

May Be Reserved at Christmas

When you come for your tree, you may reserve your side of our kids' natural grass fed, grain finished 4-H beef and lamb.  Part or all of your purchase may be tax deductible due to the connection to 4-H, a non-profit organization.  Just ask the boys when you arrive, or call/email ahead of time.  They always sell out, so it's a good idea to have your reservation in place, before the butchers and chefs come around. 425.888.9170 or stringfamily@comcast.net. 

In general, a side of beef will give you around 250 pounds of meat (enough to fill a full size freezer) and will feed a family of 4 for a year.  Many buyers find one or two families to 'go in' on a side of beef, which keeps the cost and volume of meat a little easier to manage.  A whole lamb will give you about 50 pounds of meat for your freezer.  The price will be determined closer to butcher date, and is based either on hanging weight or live weight.  If you've never bought your meat direct from the rancher before, don't worry - we will help you through the butcher process, including the cutting and wrapping.

Testimonials

"We just want to thank you with all our taste buds so very much for the meat... mmmmm so wonderful and we love our hamburger, steaks.. the roast we are waiting for a special occasion. So again thank you for your kindness and please don’t take us off your list.. because if it is not Stringfellows its nothing kind of meat!"  - T. Johnson

"I will spread the word about your outstanding lamb.  I had some lamb on my Wyoming trip at a very nice restaurant and it was nowhere near the taste and texture of Jake-raised lamb.  AND, I will let everyone know that fact.  I want to purchase another lamb because I know I am a priority and would get the best of the best.  Jake, you are a great rancher and farmer."  - L. Christiansen