Beef

Jackson Pastures - Ben's Hens, does NOT have the land or resources to produce quality, nutrient dense Pasture-raised Beef. In addition, because of the altitude, climate, and short growing season of this area, a truly, quality Pasture-raised Beef at marketable scale is simply NOT possible.

Because of these limitations, Ben's Hens has mindfully observed, investigated, and searched for a locally produced Beef that would fulfill this gap in quality meat production. Ben's Hens has high standards for quality raised meat. See below for some of these standards.

Ben's Hens fully endorses and has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch in Loa, Utah. They are the Primary Recommendation. See below for more information about this wonderful farm / ranch.

In order to provide quality Beef for our Members, Ben's Hens leverages our Group Buying Power to purchase Shares directly from Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch.

There are two methods for receiving -DE Beef through Ben's Hens:

Receiving Individual Cuts.
Purchasing a Share (typically 1/4 Share).

Perhaps your are NOT ready for the higher quality Beef raised by Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch, but are still interested in Beef raised by a local Wayne Country Beef producer. If this is you, scroll to the bottom for our Secondary Recommendations.

Receiving Individual Cuts of Beef

Whether you are interested in USDA Inspected Ground Beef, Steaks, and / or Roasts, you will be able to receive those directly through Ben's Hens. Depending upon our supply, we will be able to accommodate you.

This is available to both Retail Customers and Members. However, Members will receive the Member Discount (20% off) toward the Individual Cuts of Beef.

Receiving Beef Shares

For the household interested in more than just a few Individual Cuts of Beef, but would NOT be able to purchase OR use a Whole Share of Beef.

Because you would be partnering with Ben's Hens and potentially with others, we would be able to leverage our Group Buying Power. In general, this would be 1/4 Share per household.

Below are the steps you would follow:

Contact Ben Jackson and inform him that you would like a Beef Share (typically 1/4 Share, but it could be a 1/2 Share too)
Decide if you want this to be connected with a Ben's Hens Membership, or Retail Member. The price is the same either way. Plan for $1,000 per 1/4 Share.
A time block will be discussed. (Either Early Spring or later in the year).
Depending on Membership and time block decided, pay the $1,000 per 1/4 Share directly to Ben's Hens. ($250 of this is a Non-refundable Deposit). See below for more information on this.
We will communicate with -DE Farm & Ranch, via Milly Edwards, and have her connect with you directly to discuss a Custom Cut List. This will be on her time, when she knows it is best to collect this information.
Once your Beef Share is ready, we will reach out to you for pick up or delivery.
Thank you for being patient.

Do I need to be a Ben's Hens Member?

No, you do NOT need to be a Ben's Hens Member. This is open to anyone.

I am a Member, can I use my Member Balance toward this?

No, you can NOT directly use your MB toward a 1/4 Beef Share. You will need to pay out of pocket. Along with other payments, it will pass through Ben's Hens to -DE Farm & Ranch.

Who do I pay the $1,000 too?

All money transactions will go through Ben's Hens. Once the full amount for a Whole Share of Beef is collected, it will be past onto -DE Farm & Ranch.

Why do I need to pay the full $1,000 before receiving the 1/4 Share?

Ben's Hens has always been about Community Supported Agriculture and Prepaying for Products. This fits the bill. By Prepaying, your are reserving your spot. You can pay at a later date, but you will be moved down the reserve list accordingly.

What about a refund?

You can request and discuss a refund with Ben up to 1 week after your initial payment. After this 1 week period, refunds are subject to a Non-Refundable Deposit. Due to the nature of farming and the CSA model, these funds have been used toward the purchase of this years feed, animals, and supplies.

However, you can transfer your investment to another person or have it become part of donations to the Wayne County Food Bank. Visit our Preorder Information page for more general information about our Refund Policies.

Is there a Non-Refundable Deposit?

Yes, there is a $250 Non-Refundable Deposit. This is part of the $1,000 that you paid. After the initial 1 week mentioned above, you may ask for a refund, but it will only be $750. In addition, there may be a 2 - 4 week wait on your refund.

Do not fear, this $250 is not lost. This can be used toward any Ben's Hens Products.

Why $1,000 per 1/4 Share?

Even though the final price of the 1/4 Share may be less than $1,000, we simply want to ensure there is enough money to pay for any variables in the final price.

What happens if the final price is less than $1,000?

The remaining balance can be use toward any Ben's Hens Products and / or -DE Farm & Ranch Products. Supporting local food is more than just paying the bare minimum. Often, it is the extras that make the difference. You will receive the full value of your investment.

What happens if the final price is greater than $1,000?

The remaining balance owed will be required at the time of pick up or delivery. Depending on the context, this will go to Ben's Hens or potentially direct to -DE Farm & Ranch.

Does Ben's Hens receive any monetary compensation for this?

No, Ben's Hens receives $0 for facilitating this opportunity. In other words, there is no fee. We are simply operating as the monetary pass through to -DE Farm & Ranch.

Why would Ben's Hens offer this amazing opportunity?

Sometimes, we just need another person to help share the load / cost of a Whole Share of Beef. Supporting Food Freedom and Food Choice starts with each one of us. If this helps and encourages you too support local food production, then all of us benefit. This is a Win, Win, Win situation for all parties involved.

Primary Recommendation

The best way to know your food, it to meet the person/s who produces your food. Shake their hand and ask all the questions. This may even include a visit to the farm / ranch.

Ben's Hens may fully endorse Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch, but the best way is to connect with Derik and Milly Edwards directly. Even though their website allows you to order online, Ben's Hens recommends talking directly to Derik and Milly. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Questions about how the Beef is raised or how the feed for the Beef is raised:

contact Derik Edwards @ 435-691-1169

Ready to order a Whole Beef or have general questions:

contact Milly Edwards @ 435-691-2545

Ben's Hens Standards - Beef

Below are some of the Standards that Ben's Hens has been looking for in a Beef producer.

Truly locally raised in the same valley as Ben's Hens. Supporting food that is truly local, is the only honest way to have Food Freedom and Food Choice.
Prioritizes Grass Fed and Grass Finished over Grain Fed and Grain Finished. Simply put, nature did NOT intend for ruminants, like cows, to eat fully mature grains. Ruminants are designed to eat grasses and other vegetation.
Ability to scale up as needed, but knows there is an upper limit and respects this upper limit. Ben's Hen Members need a reliable source of beef, whether this is 5 beef, or 20+ beef per year.
From birth to freezer. The cow needs to spend the full duration of life under the care of one Farm / Ranch.
Absolute minimum use of animal medication. Sometimes a situation happens that does require medication. In general, nature was designed to be healthy and naturally heal. If animal sickness is present, it is often due to the living conditions.
Cares for soil heath and seeks to improve soil heath using natural methods. Soil heath should be an absolute priority.
Zero use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Bare minimum, the use of these are at a minimum and used only as a last resort.
Willingness to work with Ben's Hens and accept input from Ben.
Desire, willingness, and actively working with nature to improve the world around them.
Openness to learning 'new things' and in some cases, unlearning 'old things'. This one is interesting, because many of the best methods for raising food, were learned before modern day technology was even a thought. Nature is our best teacher.
Resources should NOT be exported to other countries.

There are others, but Ben's Hens believes you get the picture. Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch may NOT fulfill all of these, but they come closer than anyone else.

Secondary Beef Recommendation

Some individuals might be making the first step out of the grocery store to purchase Beef. They know the 'mystery beef', that is often found in a grocery stores or 'big box stores', is junk, lacks healthy nutrients, and is often difficult to track the place of origin. These individuals have stepped out of the box and want truly local Beef. They want to 'Meet the Farmer'. However, they might NOT be ready or might NOT be able to afford the higher quality of Grass Fed / Grass Finished Beef of Bar D.E. Farm & Ranch.

Because of this, Ben's Hens recommends the following:

At this time, we don't have any Secondary Recommendations. If you, or someone you know would like to be added to our list, please let us know.

As a small farmer, it can be intimating to sell Beef direct to consumer, especially if said small farmer has been sending beef to the Auction for decades. Trying something new can be scary.

In addition, the best way to know your food, it to meet the person/s who produces your food. Shake their hand and ask all the questions. This may even include a visit to the farm / ranch.