News from Rockin J Cattle
March - April
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Dear John,
Rockin' J Beef - 100% Grassfed and Pasture Raised

Thank you, everyone for your continued support!

As we transition from the dormancy of winter into spring, the seasonality of the weather plays a large factor in our business. This winter has brought us an abundance of moisture, which gives us great hope for a very productive year.

Like the changes in the weather this year, our business has also seen many changes in the past year, which are now starting to shine through.
Healing a broken water cycle

Knowing where your food comes from not only ensures a quality product for you, it can also go a long way in helping out environmentally. Another good reason to ask for grass finished beef, are the effects it has upon our watershed.

While driving on the front range in April of 2006, I could see the water evaporating from the soil and subsequently the Platte River watershed. With a covered soil surface, water tends to soak in rather than run off or be lost to evapotranspiration(as is visible to the left). When the water soaks in it not only provides for the plants, but also percolates through the soil structure, into our rivers and aquifers. By utilizing farming methods that ensure that most of the water is either used by the plants or percolates into our soils benefits us all.

By requesting grass finished beef you can help to improve the water cycle and reduce the effects of drought. Without altering your life too much, you can help to make the world a better place for our children.

Harissa-Crusted Tri-Tip Roast

Harissa is a North African flavor, which goes well with couscous. The taste testers, Blair and Ian, gave it two thumbs up. Ian was also given grief for eating it in front of an envious classmate, while she (the classmate) regretfully ate her peanut butter sandwich. Obivously, it makes great leftovers, too!

This took about two to three hours for me to make, as I was trying to film it and also create it at the same time. I think that in the future it would take an hour and a half (keep in mind that much of this is "resting time") as I mentally streamlined the process, which is how it is written today.

Ethanol byproduct scrutinized

CSU researchers, others looking into distillers grains impact on cattle, beef. Adding yet another reason to know where your food is coming from and what it is going into it.

Distillers grains, the leftovers from producing corn ethanol, have been linked to a 50 percent increase in E. coli when fed to cattle, according to a recent Kansas State University study that looked at dried distillers grains. E. coli is a foodborne fecal contaminant that can cause food poisoning or worse if consumed by humans who eat undercooked meat, raw dairy products or produce contaminated with cow manure.

"It has just blown up so quickly," said Shawn Archibeque, an assistant professor of animal science at CSU. "Seventy-five to 80 percent of the distillers grains are being fed to dairy and beef cattle."

The problems of distillers grains do not stop with ecoli. They also can contribute to sulfur toxicity in the cattle, or an increase in sulfur released into the environment.

Winter Savings! Stock up for the summer grilling season!

Was Now
Ribeye Steak $18.99/lb $15.99/lb
New York $18.99/lb $15.99/lb
Tenderloin Steak $24.99/lb $19.99/lb
Orders must be placed by 3/31/2008.

Hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

John Weibel
Rockin J Cattle


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Rockin J Cattle | 1601 MCR 4N | PO Box 375 | Great Divide | CO | 82321