Types of meat carried by Me & McGee Market.
100% Grass-fed Beef: Cattle that have never been fed grains and only consume pasture grasses and hay.
Grass fed is an ever more popular term when looking into beef. While this term seems straightforward, the confusion lies in a lack of uniformity when using it. The Farm at Barefoot Bend uses a rotational grazing method. This simply means the pastures are broken into sections, called paddocks, in which the cattle are moved from section to section routinely to avoid overgrazing. There are many benefits to this system, all of which lead to a better life for the cattle.
The location of The Farm at Barefoot Bend offers a unique benefit in that the cattle drink spring water from the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. The water is crystal clear and cool. Containing natural minerals, the spring water adds to the overall health of the cattle. Any farmer can raise grass-fed beef but not every farmer has access to spring water. Many times USDA inspectors and butchers have referenced the pristine condition of the livers, even saying they are cleaner than other grass-fed operations. To us, this is an undeniable indicator the cattle are healthy. If you’re not squeamish search cattle liver abscess, it will make you appreciate the clean ones.
There is a distinct variation in grass-fed from more conventionally produced steaks. Overall grass fed is very lean and interestingly the fat tends to be yellow versus white in commercial meats. Filet mignon, New York Strip, Sirloin, Skirt and Flank Steaks round out the commonly stocked cuts. Ground Beef is a top seller.
Bacon Grass-fed Beef Cheese Burger
Ingredients
¾ Small yellow onion, coarsely grated
1 lb. grass-fed beef
½ tbsp Burger Blast seasoning from Fennel and Fire
1 ¼ Salt
½ Ground Pepper
½ lb. Forested Bacon
1 tbsp bacon grease
Honey Suckle Cattle Company Raw Cheese
Directions
Cook bacon saving grease for later use.
With your hands, gently mix ground beef, onion, ½ tbsp Burger Blast, 1¼ tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper in a bowl. Form three 1½” thick patties.
Heat bacon grease in a large cast iron skillet, over medium-high heat. Season patties with salt and pepper, place in skillet, and immediately reduce heat to medium. Cook 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Serve on buns with Bacon, cheese and other toppings.
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Forrested Pork: Hogs raised in a wooded area.
The pork available at Me and McGee Market also comes from The Farm at Barefoot Bend. The hogs are rotated from wooded area to wooded area. This rotational system allows the hogs to move up and down the hills eating roots, acorns, hickory nuts, persimmons, grasses and anything else they find. The hogs stay on the move, exercising while they clear brush and clean up overgrown areas. While foraging, hogs root up the ground improving aerations and breaking up decomposing matter like logs and leaves.
The hogs are fed a non-GMO feed and watered with spring water. With clean spring water and the wide array of forage, the taste varies slightly depending on the time of year a hog is processed and whatever forage is abundant. The meat is very flavorful and we are very happy to support the humane way the hogs are raised.
Me and McGee Market stocks Bacon, Bratwurst, Pork Chops and Breakfast Sausage.
Pastured Poultry: Chickens living on pasture.
The Farm at Barefoot Bend also supplies the chicken we carry. They are sheltered in an open floor “Chicken Tractor”. The top picture is one of the Chicken Tractors. This is a moveable structure with a roof and walls. This allows the farmer to protect the chickens from predators and to a certain degree the elements. The Chicken Tractor is moved daily giving the birds a fresh plot of pasture to eat grass, seeds and bugs.
The chickens are fed a non-GMO feed and given fresh spring water. A very important contribution the chickens make to the farm is they fertilize the pastures. The grass that grows following where the chicken tractor has been is lush and a beautiful dark green. This improves the pastures. Healthier grasses, in turn, give more nutrients to the grazing cattle.
Poultry raised in this method are much smaller than commercial ones but the taste is much richer. Breasts, Thighs and Leg Quarters are a standard for Me and McGee Market freezers.
Exotic Meats
Also available at Me and McGee Market is Ground Buffalo and Lamb. Check back for articles on Ratchford Buffalo Ranch and McSwain Ranch.