5 Questions to Ask Before Buying Beef From Any Ranch

If you’re thinking about buying beef directly from a ranch, you’re already ahead of the game.

You're taking control of your food, looking for better quality, and wanting a real connection to the people and land behind your meals. That’s awesome.

But not all beef is raised the same — and not all ranches are transparent about how they do things. So whether you’re buying a quarter cow or just trying out some steaks, here are 5 important questions to ask any rancher before you buy.

1. Is your beef 100% grass-fed and grass-finished?

Many ranches advertise grass-fed beef, but the truth is — most cattle are still grain-finished in feedlots. That means they ate grass for a while, but were fattened up on corn or soy before processing.

At Hunters Lake Ranch, our cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished. That means they eat pasture — and only pasture — for their entire lives. It makes a difference in flavor, nutrition, and animal health.

✔️ Ask if the cattle were ever fed grain, confined to a feedlot, or given growth enhancers.
You deserve to know.

2. Where is the beef raised — and by whom?

Some “local” beef is actually bought at auction, imported, or raised elsewhere and just processed nearby.

If you care about local food, regenerative farming, and animal welfare, make sure the rancher you're buying from actually raises their own cattle — and ideally, lets you learn more about their land and practices.

At Hunters Lake Ranch, we raise every animal ourselves — right here in Moses Lake, Washington — using regenerative methods that improve the land, not degrade it.

3. What do you not use in your beef production?

Ask directly about:

• Antibiotics
• Growth hormones
• Pesticides or herbicides on the pasture
• Synthetic fertilizers
• GMO feed (if the cattle are grain-finished)

If the ranch avoids these, they’ll be proud to say so. If they hesitate or aren’t clear — that’s a red flag.

💡 At Hunters Lake Ranch, we never use antibiotics, hormones, or chemicals on our land or animals. Just sunshine, clean water, and rotational grazing — the way nature intended.

4. How is the beef processed and packaged?

This one’s often overlooked, but it matters!

Is the meat processed at a USDA- or state-inspected facility? Is it vacuum-sealed and flash-frozen for freshness? Do you get to choose your cuts if you're buying in bulk?

We partner with a trusted, USDA-inspected local butcher who handles every order with care. You get clearly labeled, professionally packaged cuts that go straight to your freezer and stay fresh for months.

5. Will you help me understand what I’m getting?

Buying beef in bulk can feel intimidating — especially if it’s your first time. A good rancher won’t just take your order and disappear. They’ll walk you through:

• How much freezer space you’ll need
• What cuts you’ll receive
• How to cook grass-finished beef for best results
• When your beef will be ready
• Any other questions you might have

👋 We're here for all of it — from freezer tips to recipe ideas to real, honest answers.

Final Thoughts

Buying beef from a ranch is more than just a transaction — it's a relationship.

Ask questions. Expect transparency. And don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t sit right. The food you feed your family matters — and you deserve to know exactly what you're getting.

If you're curious about how we do things at Hunters Lake Ranch, we’d love to talk.

Send us your questions — no pressure, just real answers!

Thanks for caring about where your food comes from.

— The Hunters Lake Ranch Family