Raised on Tradition: Native American Beef
Cattle graze on natural resources at the Mescalero Cattle Growers Tribal Ranch in Mescalero, NM. Photo courtesy of LaBatt Food Service
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methods have created generations of superior cattle ranchers who are producing top quality beef and the ranchers are now paired with a company that provides support in selling the cattle. “Our brand was first established in 2012 and aims to connect ranchers to commercial distribution. Since the first cattle sale, we have been able to purchase over 5,500 head of cattle and give over $5.5 million back to producers,” said LaBatt Food Service.
LaBatt Food Service started this program about six years ago, partnering with the Native American communities where traditional Native American ranching practices have continued. These traditional
The partnership with La Montañita Co-op between LaBatt Food Service and Native American Beef is personal. La Montañita team members were invited to Padres Mesa Ranch, one of the main ranches that facilitates the Native American Beef program. It began on a Friday morning in
By Lea Quale, Marketing & Community Development Director, La Montañita Co-op Food Market n April 2018, La Montañita Coop Food Market launched a new beef brand, one that is not only local, but supports Native American communities around the Southwest. The Native American Beef brand under LaBatt Food Service partners with ranchers who maintain traditional practices and uphold the highest standards.
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September 2018
February. Seventeen La Montañita team members piled into two vans driven by LaBatt team members, several hours before sunrise, and headed out to Padres Mesa Ranch, just past Gallup and over the state boarder into Arizona. When La Montañita and LaBatt team members arrived, everyone was greeted and introduced to several families who are a part of the Native American Beef program. After the introductions everyone split into groups and toured the property. The intimate tours were an opportunity to learn about the ranching process, how it supports the Native
