Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is Potter 8 Ranch?

A: Potter 8 Ranch is a family owned and run direct-to-consumer beef operation that raises and sells all-natural, pure 100% grass fed beef. All beef comes directly from our pristine 1200-acre ranch in Northern California.

Q: What is grass fed beef?

A:In 2007 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a legal definition for the term grass-fed in the federal registry, which is the government’s “dictionary of terms” for labeling. The USDA’s definition of grass-fed requires that the animal eat a 100 percent forage-based diet, but this label does not guarantee that the animal has not been given antibiotics or added hormones. And it does not guarantee how or where the animal was fed grass. The USDA does not guarantee that the meat you are eating was produced on an American family farm (it could be foreign beef). To further confuse the issue, anyone who was using the term “grass fed” prior to the filing of the definition can continue to use the term, even if they’re not following the current requirements.

So, knowing who you’re buying from is very important. Going to the ranch or farm is the ultimate way to find out for yourself how your food’s being grown. It’s also the most cost-effective way, since you typically negotiate directly with the ranch, on the ranch. And it’s always a great way to spend a few hours out in the country.

Potter 8 Ranch beef is true grass fed beef, in that grain is never introduced to their diet. Grass fed beef is higher in nutrients and Omega-3s, which are sourced from the grass. The Omega-3 content of beef goes down when grain is introduced to the cow’s diet. Therefore, grass fed and grass finished Potter 8 Ranch beef is among the most healthy beef on the market. And you’re always invited to visit us and see for yourself how your beef is raised!

Q: How is Potter 8 Ranch beef different from other grass fed beef?

A: Potter 8 Ranch is a true grass fed beef in that cattle are never “finished” with the addition of grain to their diet. Many companies introduce grain to their cattle’s diet in addition to grass, and label it “grass fed”, misleading the customer. Potter 8 Ranch beef is exclusively grass fed beef.

Potter 8 Ranch beef derives its flavor from the grasses and plants the cattle graze on at the Potter 8 Ranch in Northern California and from the humane and stress- free environment we provide. Also, we rotate our cattle to new pastures depending on the needs of the herd and the condition of our grass during various seasons. In doing so, this ensures that cattle graze only upon lush pastures each and every day so they provide a superior beef.

Potter 8 Ranch beef also sets itself apart by the virtues provided by the ranch’s remote location. Spanning 1200 acres, and sitting at an altitude of 5000 feet, the Potter 8 Ranch is a pristine, unpolluted, vast landscape where the cattle enjoy the most natural, unadulterated life possible.

Q: Is Potter 8 Ranch beef organic?

A: Potter 8 Ranch grass fed beef, like organic beef, means no hormones, antibiotics or pesticides. Grass fed beef is beef that comes from cattle that feed exclusively on a grass and plant based diet. Potter 8 Ranch beef is true grass fed beef, in that grain is never introduced to their diet. Grass fed beef is higher in nutrients and Omega-3s, which are sourced from the grass. The Omega-3 content of beef goes down when grain is introduced to the cow’s diet. Therefore, grass fed grass finished Potter 8 Ranch beef is among the most healthy beef on the market.

Q: Are Potter 8 Ranch cattle raised in a humane, stress-free environment?

A: Potter 8 Ranch believes in an ethical and humane approach to the raising of cattle. To that end, our cattle spend their lives grazing in a natural environment and are never placed in grain feed lots.

Apart from the responsibility we feel toward our cattle, a stressful environment can lead to production of beef that is tough and of poor texture. By ensuring a stress-free environment – enabling cattle to always graze upon lush pastures and providing humane treatment through every step of the production process – Potter 8 Ranch fulfills its commitment to providing our customers with the highest-quality and most flavorful beef available.

Q: What are the benefits of grass fed beef?

A: Potter 8 Ranch beef has set a standard for practicing traditional, yet forward thinking ranching methods that are good for the cows and good for the environment. Because Potter 8 Ranch cattle graze at a high altitude and are never finished on grain, Potter 8 Ranch beef is very high in Vitamin E and Beta Carotene, while containing 1/3 the fat of grain fed beef. To insure high quality nutrients in the beef, Potter 8 Ranch beef is free of antibiotics, pesticides, and hormones.

Q: Where can I get Potter 8 Ranch beef?

A: Potter 8 Ranch beef is sold online or by calling 1.530.993.1199 or local 993.1199. Potter 8 Ranch beef comes directly from the Potter 8 Ranch to you.

Q: How is Potter 8 Ranch beef different from conventional supermarket or mail-order beef?

A: Potter 8 Ranch’s two main distinguishing qualities are: Potter 8 Ranch beef is grass fed, grass finished and straight from the source.

All Potter 8 Ranch beef comes from cows raised exclusively on our ranch. The beef is shipped directly from our ranch to your door. Most conventional brands’ beef does not come from one ranch, but from several ranches, often with not so good methods of quality control. Potter 8 Ranch beef is able to administer stringent quality control, due the fact that we oversee all of our operations from beginning to end on one ranch. All Potter 8 Ranch beef are grass fed, grass finished, which offers greater health benefits to you, the cow, and the land. Grass fed grass finished is the most healthy, natural, and stress-free way to raise cattle. While conventional beef producers feed their cows grains and corn. Cows are ruminant animals, which means they are designed to eat grass. Eating grain causes the cows to get sick, in turn causing the animal to be given high doses of antibiotics. At Potter 8 Ranch we never use antibiotics or hormones.

Q: How is the taste of Potter 8 Ranch beef different from that of grain fed beef?

A: Potter 8 Ranch beef offers a truer, more genuine beef flavor. It is subtler and more sophisticated in taste than grain fed beef and is also lighter and cleaner tasting. We ask you to try it for yourself and taste the difference.

Q: As a grass fed beef, is Potter 8 Ranch beef as tender as grain fed beef?

A: Beef tenderness results from a number of factors, the primary of which is the breed of cattle and the degree of stress they experience as they are maturing. Potter 8 Ranch beef is produced from select Black Angus and Belted Galloway cross cattle raised in a humane, stress-free environment. These cattle spend their lives grazing on the pastures of the Potter 8 Ranch. Additionally, Potter 8 Ranch beef is aged for enhancing tenderness. As a result, Potter 8 Ranch beef offers exceptional taste and tenderness.

Q: Why is Potter 8 Ranch beef healthier than grain fed beef?

A: Grain is not a natural component of the diet of cattle. Cattle do not digest grain well, and as a result, antibiotics must often be used to help treat health issues that arise.

Grass fed beef gleans many of its health benefits from the nutrients in the grass. The grass at the Potter 8 Ranch is high in Omega-3 fatty acids because they act as a natural plant anti-freeze. These Omega-3s are then present in the meat and dairy products of grass fed beef. Grass fed beef also has
higher numbers of Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, and Conjugated Linoleic Acid – another beneficial fatty acid, all derived from the cow’s exclusively grass diet.

Q: How does the fat content of grass fed beef compare to other heart-healthy foods such as chicken?

A: In addition to being significantly lower in fat than grain fed beef, grass fed beef has less fat than dark-meat chicken or white-meat chicken with skin, and nearly the same amount of fat as skinless white-meat chicken breasts. This is great news for you health-conscious individuals who have decided to forego the beef that they love because of health concerns.

Q: What measures does Potter 8 Ranch take to reduce the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease?

A: Potter 8 Ranch cattle feed on a grass-only diet and are never provided feed containing animal by-products – a main source of transmission of BSE. Potter 8 Ranch beef is produced from cattle raised on the Potter 8 Ranch. Our cattle are 18 months of age at the time of processing – BSE is known to have an incubation period of at least three years. Additionally, Potter 8 Ranch beef never processes injured or ill cattle. Our beef is hand-processed by skilled butchers. When a cow is fed it’s natural diet of grass, the healthy, natural acidity levels in cow’s stomachs are maintained (unlike grass fed).

Q: Where is your meat processed?

A: We are fortunate to have Wolf Pack Meats, a USDA facility, just a short distance from the ranch. The short travel time means less stress on the animal. Stress drains the intra-muscular fat or ‘marbling,’ from the animal. “Marbling” is critical for tender, juicy meat.

Q: How is your grass fed beef packaged?

A: Our steaks, roasts and beef patties are packaged in vacuum sealed, clear, heavy weight plastic so that the meat can be viewed through the packaging. This does an excellent job of providing fresh beef even with extended storage in your freezer. Each steak and roast is individually packaged, so you can easily prepare what you need. You will find it is very easy and quick to thaw in a basin of water or in the refrigerator.

Q: I have been told that grass fed beef has to be cooked differently than the beef that you buy in the grocery store, is that true?

A: Grass fed beef cooks much faster than conventional beef. Grass fed beef needs to be cooked at a lower temperature and for less time. Grass fed beef cooks 30-40% faster than feedlot/grain fed beef. It is a good idea to use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature rather than just your eye to “watch” for doneness, until you have been cooking with grass fed beef for a while. You will be very happy with the results if you take this step. Please refer to our Cooking with Christine for cooking tips and recipes.

Q: Does Potter 8 Ranch beef need to be cooked differently from grain-fed beef?

A: You will find grass fed beef much leaner than what you are familiar with, and care is needed to bring out the best in Potter 8 Ranch beef (any grass fed beef for that matter). Overcooking can make it tough, and browning hamburger may require the addition of a small amount of oil because there is little internal fat to fry the meet. You won’t need any special tools or equipment, nor does cooking our beef require extra effort. You just need a few tips. Please refer to our Cooking with Christine for cooking tips and recipes.

Q: What is the best way to defrost Potter 8 Ranch beef?

A: Your order of Potter 8 Ranch beef will arrive frozen and vacuum-packed. Individual cuts can be defrosted by placing the vacuum-packed bag in the refrigerator, in a stainless steel pan of cold water, or by placing on a stainless steel plate or cutting board.

Q: What should I do if my order is no longer frozen when I open my delivery?

A: Potter 8 Ranch beef is vacuum-packed and then immediately frozen at the time of processing, and your order will be shipped as such. If your beef is no longer frozen at the time of arrival, as long as it is cool to the touch, you can either simply place the beef in your freezer or cook it that day.

Q: What are the primary advantages to buying meat in bulk from Potter 8 Ranch?

A:The primary advantages to buying meat in bulk from Potter 8 Ranch are:

• You know where it comes from – Unlike buying meat in a supermarket, which might be a mix of meat from may different farms in many different places, bulk meat from Potter 8 Ranch comes from a single ranch that you pick.
• Excellent Pricing – Buying beef in bulk from a local rancher saves you money as the only costs are raising the cow, processing, and delivery (If applicable).
• It supports the local rancher – Small-scale ranchers are traditionally price-conscious just like you are. Selling direct allows for a win-win for both you and Potter 8 Ranch.
• Convenience – You don’t have to plan your meals around what’s on sale.

Q:I’ve heard about live weight, hanging weight and dressed weight. What does all of this mean to me?

A: When purchasing larger bulk or “freezer” meat as it is sometimes called, there are some important variable to consider. At the time you agree to purchase beef from Potter 8 Ranch, the animal from which it will come is still wandering around the pasture. We price our product based on what it cost to raise that animal and our margin, but no-one can be sure how much meat that animal will yield until that animal is processed. We put an estimate of how many pounds of meat each whole cow or half cow will probably yield, but there is no way to know until after processing exactly how much meat will be produced. However, this small uncertainty is a minor consideration and is a natural part of buying meat direct from a rancher and knowing exactly where your meat comes from. We receive accurate information for the meat processor as to the various weights at different stages in the process to make certain you get the best price. So remember that while we always do our best to estimate how much meat you’ll get for the price, only nature knows for sure.

• Live Weight – This is the weight of an animal while it is living
• Hanging Weight – This is the weight of an animal as it hangs on the rail at the meat locker. After hide, head and hooves, etc have been removed. Depending on the breed and animal, hanging weight is commonly around 60% of live weight.
• Dressed Weight – Also called “Finished” or Take-Home” weight, this is the weight of the actual meat that you will receive after excess fat and bone are removed. Depending on the breed and animal, dressed weight is commonly around 60% of hanging weight.

Q: How much actual beef do I get from the cow?

A: The average cow will weigh about 850 lbs live weight. This will produce about 350 lbs. of usable processed meat. The exact amount will depend on the cuts that you choose when you have it processed.

Q: How much freezer space do I need?

A: A half cow takes about 8 cubic feet of freezer space, or about 11 brown grocery bags.

Q: I have NO IDEA what to get. Can you help me?

A: Of course! But, even better is to speak with the experts at Wolf Pack Meats. We provide their cut sheet with your welcoming registration package. You can go over the cut sheet with them to make sure you get what you would like. They will guide you to decide which cuts are best for you.

Q: When is meat available?

A: Potter 8 Ranch grass fed beef is a seasonal commodity due to the growth of the grass in the state of California. Our bees is available from August through September. It is best to place your order early as our cows go fast. Get your order in for delivery for 2011. Place your order online or call 1.530.993.1199 or local 993.1199.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: For your convenience, we accept checks drawn on a US bank or direct wire deposits.

Q: When do I pay for my order?

A: You make three easy payments:

1. Non-refundable deposit of $500. to reserve whole cow or half cow.
2. Balance of purchase price one month before meat is processed.
3. Processing fee to Wolf Pack Meats when picking up order.

Q: Is my information confidential?

A: Please refer to our Privacy Notice

Q: What is the Potter 8 Ranch Guarantee?

A: Potter 8 Ranch is committed to providing our customers with the highest-quality products and services. Your satisfaction means a great deal to us. Therefore, if you are unhappy with your purchase for any reason at all, we will replace the purchase or refund your money, whichever you prefer. When you place an order with Potter 8 Ranch, your satisfaction is always unconditionally guaranteed. If at any time you have problems with an order, please call us at 1.530.993.1199 or locally 993-1199, or send an email to info@potter8ranch.com. We are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, except on major holidays.

Q: Do you deliver?

A: Potter 8 Ranch does not delivery. We prefer that you pick up your meat from Wolf Pack Meats located in Reno, Nevada. Pick up dates are dependent on Wolf Pack Meats schedule.

Q: How is Potter 8 Ranch beef prepared for pickup?

A: Potter 8 Ranch beef is processed at Wolf Pack Meats, a USDA-certified facility located in Reno, Nevada. It is aged, hand-cut and trimmed with care, vacuum-sealed and then immediately frozen at the time of processing.

Q: Can I request a specific pickup date?

A: We will work with you to ensure a convenient delivery date. You can request a specific delivery date either online or by phone.

Q: How will I know when my meat is ready to be picked up?

A: Upon purchasing Potter 8 Ranch beef, you will receive two confirmation e-mails. The first confirmation will be sent upon receipt of your $500. non-refundable deposit. You will receive the second email one month prior to the processing date. This will include an invoice of the remaining balance of the purchase price. Once we receive your payment you will receive a paid receipt with an estimated pickup date. You will firm up the pick up date with Wolf Pack Meats.

back to top