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You are here: Home1 / Blog2 / Grassfed Beef

What is Regeneratively Raised?

Regeneratively, Grassfed Beef, Pastured Pork, Education


What does Regeneratively Raised mean?

Regenerative Farming is in our nature.

 

Our animals enjoy open pastures, full of nutrient-packed forage to graze.


At Hickory Nut Gap, we have been practicing sustainable farming for well over twenty years – long before the word “regenerative” was popularly used. Regenerative farming is a complex system, because nature is complex, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be difficult to understand. At our farm, our practices are based on one simple idea: to restore and heal our entire farming ecosystem through sustainable and fair treatment of both our land and animals.

The happiness of our animals is one of our top priorities as a regenerative farm. We ensure that our cows, pigs, and chickens all have a high-quality of life. We do this through our grass-fed and pasture-raised beliefs: our animals live their entire lives with the ability to roam outdoor fields, breathe clean air, and forage the healthiest foods. This ensures happier and healthier animals.

 

Through planned rotational grazing, we can ensure that our grass has the best growth and nutrients for our animals. Our cows can graze down a tall field in a week’s time!


Our scientific approach to regenerative farming consists of more than just healthier and happier animals – it’s also about restoring health to our soil by sequestering carbon within it. This is achieved through something called planned rotational grazing, a way to manage grass growth within pastures, ensuring enough carbon is stored in the soil to benefit both the forage and our animals. This is now being built on a measurable component of regenerative farming, Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV). EOV allows us and all our partner farmers to achieve measurable, consistent results with both our pastures and our animals. We were also recently certified as a Savory Institute Hub, permitting us to teach and guide other farms on how to implement the practices of EOV.

 

Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) is a measurable component of regenerative farming. This is what allows us and our partner farmers to achieve measurable, consistent results with both our pastures and our animals.


Ultimately, our ecosystem is an intentional connection that honors and respects the planet, our animals, and our farmers. Everything we do works to serve each of these pillars.

Our Regeneratively Raised label claim signifies that we are committed to a different path forward for the food system.

 

Our pigs are especially happy to lounge, graze, and “root” in our pastures. By digging their snouts into the ground – an action called rooting – they can access starchy weeds, delicious and healthy for them, while also helping us to rid our pastures of invasive species!


We recently received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to add “Regeneratively Raised” to our food labels! What does this mean, exactly? Essentially, our new label claim verifies that we are committed to farming practices that reduce carbon emissions and improve soil quality. It’s a sign that we’re making our mark in regenerative farming, but it doesn’t stop here.

How do Regeneratively Raised meats affect you?

We are what we eat.

 

Our 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised meats are both healthier and tastier thanks to our regenerative farming practices.


Regenerative farming is a relationship with people too! Since our animals consume high-quality forage, closer to what nature intended, we are able to provide you with high-quality products that are packed with nutrients. At our farm in Fairview, NC, we also make our own animal feed for our pigs and chickens. We purchase whole grains such as corn, wheat, barley, and soybean meal, and use our tractor-powered hammer mill to grind and mix the non-GMO feed. This ensures that both our pork and poultry receive all the vitamins and nutrients they need, as well as the added benefits of the forage they graze.

While a nutrient-rich diet promises for healthier animals, we also make sure that our animals are treated fairly and humanely. We proved them with ample pasture space to roam, run, and forage, allowing them to live their lives as active, happy animals. With the right diet and the right lifestyle, our animals are both healthier and happier, producing great tasting, high-quality meat.

This is what also allows us to produce meats superior in flavor. Not only does regenerative farming give you more nutritious options, but it also gives you tastier options – it’s a win-win situation!

Regenerative farming comes full circle: we work to improve the land, the land improves the livelihood of the animals, and the animals provide us with meat that improves our own health. We do this while also taking into consideration our animals’ quality of life, which also increases the quality of meat that you consume. Ultimately, Regeneratively Raised is much more than a label – it reflects our decades-long dedication to sustainable farming and animal welfare, and it’s an active choice to improve farming practices that can help restore entire ecosystems.

April 20, 2022/by Mia Cole
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-20-at-4.14.02-PM.png 1422 1666 Mia Cole /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Mia Cole2022-04-20 14:26:242022-04-20 16:15:15What is Regeneratively Raised?

Chickens and Regenerative Farming

Regeneratively, Grassfed Beef, Farm Work, Education

Our first batch of chickens are now out in the pasture to graze! Did you know that chickens are SUPER GREAT for our pastures? While grazing, they leave their chicken “litter” – full of nitrogen – to fertilize the grass for our cows to eat. This means that our cows are able to eat the freshest, naturally fertilized grass we can provide for them! Here’s how we use planned rotation with our chickens:

  • After spending their first four weeks with us rotating between an indoor run and an outdoor run, our chickens are moved to our pastures, where they can roam and graze to their hearts’ content!
  • We rotate our chickens between fields every few years to help keep them safe from predators.
  • Chickens are rotated within the same field every few weeks, so they have new forage to eat.

With that in mind, you can thank our chickens the next time you eat some of our 100% grassfed beef!

April 4, 2022/by Mia Cole
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-04-at-2.30.44-PM.png 384 534 Mia Cole /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Mia Cole2022-04-04 14:31:412022-04-04 14:31:41Chickens and Regenerative Farming

Corned Beef + Cabbage

Recipes, Beef Recipes, Grassfed Beef

You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without corned beef, but did you know the holiday staple is primarily celebrated within the United States? Corned beef and cabbage were popularized by Irish-American immigrants who craved a taste of their homeland during the Irish immigration to the States. Since immigrants were poor, they turned to the cheapest cut of meat available: beef brisket. Cured with corn-sized salt crystals to preserve the brisket, “corned” beef was popularly served with cabbage an affordable vegetable for Irish-Americans at the time.

Now, it’s a great way for the descendants of those immigrants, and anyone who loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, to experience a taste of Irish culture. Here’s our corned beef and cabbage recipe!

If you make this recipe, please share it with us online and use the hashtag #hngrecipes!

Ingredients:
  • 2-2.5 lb Hickory Nut Gap Corned Beef
  • 1 Tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 Tsp ground allspice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/2 lb diced carrots, approximately 4 small
  • 1/2 lb diced onions, approximately 2 small
  • 1 lb potatoes, peeled and chopped, approximately 3 medium
  • 1/4 lb diced celery, approximately 2 stalks
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped, approximately 2 lbs
Let’s Get Cooking:
  • Rinse corned beef very well.
  • Place the corned beef, pepper, allspice, and bay leaves into a large 8-quart pot along with 3-quarts of water. Cover and set over high heat. Bring to a boil, decrease the heat to low and cook at a low simmer for 2.5 hours.*
  • After 2,5 hours, add the carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery. Return to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, add the cabbage and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and cabbage are tender. Taste veggies for salt and season with a touch of salt if needed. Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately.

*This could take 3-3.5 hours depending on the size of your brisket.

March 9, 2022/by Mia Cole
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/190213-corned-beef-brisket-179-1551391553.jpg 1033 1550 Mia Cole /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Mia Cole2022-03-09 11:36:192022-03-09 11:37:14Corned Beef + Cabbage

The Perfect Valentine’s Steak

Recipes, Beef Recipes, Grassfed Beef

Valentine’s Day holds different levels of importance for all types of people. No matter the type of love, this February 14th is a great day to show the people in your life that you care about them. Here at Hickory Nut Gap, we are grateful for you – YOU who have helped us to create a community dedicated to building a better environment and better-tasting meats. This year, we wanted to share with you one of our favorite recipes for Valentine’s Day – our Perfect Valentine’s Steak.

If you make this recipe, please share it with us online and use the hashtag #hngrecipes!

Ingredients:
  • Two 8oz Filets Mignon (can substitute NY Strip or any other steak of your choice)
  • 2 Tbsp oil
  • 1 Medium-sized shallot, minced
  • 1 Clove garlic, minced
  • 8 Cremini mushrooms, sliced very thin
  • 4 Sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 Sprig rosemary
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2oz Red wine
  • 1 Cup beef bone broth
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 Tbsp cold butter
  • A few crumbles of blue cheese (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking:
  • Turn oven to 375°.
  • Place steaks on counter to take the chill off while the oven preheats.
  • Preheat stainless steel pan on medium-high burner.
  • Season steaks with salt and pepper.
  • Add oil to stainless steel pan and let the pan get nice and hot without burning the oil.
  • Once hot, add the steaks to the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes before flipping. Once flipped, sear for another 3-4 minutes. The steaks should be nice and brown.
  • Once steaks are well browned, transfer steaks to the oven, leaving behind the cooking pan for your sauce.

Note: Depending on the thickness of your steak, you may need only a few minutes in the oven or if using a very thin cut, no time at all. So be sure to monitor your steaks doneness with a meat thermometer.

  • In the same cooking pan, add mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes.
  • Next, add your shallot, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Cook another 1-2 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste and wine.
  • Let the liquids reduce until almost dry and then add your broth.
  • Check steaks while your broth is reducing and pull them once their internal temperature hits your desired doneness (125° – 130° for medium-rare).
  • Let steaks rest and finish your sauce by letting the broth reduce by more than half.
  • Remove your pan from the heat and stir in your butter and blue cheese.
  • Slice your rested steaks and spoon the pan sauce over.
  • Serve immediately.

 

February 4, 2022/by Mia Cole
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/pexels-photo-5213972-e1644001158612.jpg 843 843 Mia Cole /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Mia Cole2022-02-04 14:39:342022-02-04 14:39:34The Perfect Valentine’s Steak

Chili

Recipes, Beef Recipes, Grassfed Beef, Pastured Pork
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October 27, 2021/by Abby Houston
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Screen-Shot-2021-10-26-at-2.28.13-PM.png 684 701 Abby Houston /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Abby Houston2021-10-27 14:49:042021-10-27 14:50:19Chili

Mama’s Meatloaf

Recipes, Beef Recipes, Grassfed Beef
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May 28, 2021/by Abby Houston
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/minced-meat-5615395_1280.jpg 863 1280 Abby Houston /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Abby Houston2021-05-28 15:48:242021-10-26 11:21:04Mama’s Meatloaf

Mimi’s Meatballs

Recipes, Grassfed Beef, Beef Recipes
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May 28, 2021/by Abby Houston
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/madmax-chef-3a4gRjgdweQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg 2560 2048 Abby Houston /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Abby Houston2021-05-28 15:29:152021-10-26 11:19:26Mimi’s Meatballs

Hickory Nut Gap Relaunches 100% Grassfed Beef Hot Dogs

News & Press Releases, Grassfed Beef

HICKORY NUT GAP RELAUNCHES GRASSFED BEEF HOT DOGS 

WITH A NEW PROCESSOR, NEW PACKAGING AND EVEN BETTER TASTE.

ASHEVILLE, NC, February 7, 2021 —Over the past year, Hickory Nut Gap has been refining ours grassfed beef and seasoning blends to prepare for a relaunch of our Uncured Grassfed Beef Hot Dogs. The retail ready packaging will feature prominent Hickory Nut Gap branding to attract attention and give shoppers confidence they are getting the healthiest best tasting hot dogs on the shelf. Hickory Nut Gap Uncured Beef Hot Dogs will debut at Whole Foods markets, as well as at a growing list of grocery stores including the newly reopened EarthFare locations. Alberts Organics has been named as the distributor for other retailers.

Jamie Ager, a Fourth Generation Farmer, continues to expand Hickory Nut Gap’s production of packaged fresh meats for retailers in response to the changing dynamics of the grocery industry.

“We are super excited to be rolling out a fantastic new hot dog at Hickory Nut Gap! My family loves hot dogs and being able to support local farmers and offer the community a great product is what we are all about. Enjoy!“ stated Ager.

Not only will consumers discover the great new taste of Hickory Nut Gap’s uncured beef hot dogs, but they’ll be eating a healthier hot dog — one made from 100% grassfed/grass-finished cattle that are humanely raised on high-quality pasture without the use of antibiotics or added hormones. Minimally processed, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no added nitrates or nitrites, no gluten, no lactose, and no MSG. The result is a perfect combination of flavors and quality that will bring a smile to America’s hot dog lovers.

“Hot dogs made from grass-fed beef are typically lower in calories and fat, with more ‘good fats’ and omega-3s,” according to Beaumont Health System. “Cured hot dogs are preserved … artificial additives that may increase your risk of heart disease. Instead, uncured hot dogs are preserved using natural sources of nitrates, like celery juice.”

About Hickory Nut Gap: Hickory Nut Gap Meats is a leading producer of pasture-raised meats based out of a family farm in Western North Carolina. Hickory Nut Gap values and respects the complex relationships between humans and nature. By using regenerative agriculture and ethical animal welfare practices, Hickory Nut Gap produces extraordinary meats that are unsurpassed in flavor and healthiness – while making a net-positive impact on climate change and overall ecosystem health.

For more information visit HickoryNutGap.com or contact 828-628-1027 x305 / marketing@hickorynutgap.com. Find @hickorynutgapmeats on Facebook and @hickorynutgap on Instagram and LinkedIn.

April 11, 2021/by Craig McAnsh
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Hot-Dog-Label-2021-e1619565323294.png 626 800 Craig McAnsh /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Craig McAnsh2021-04-11 11:48:072021-04-27 12:56:46Hickory Nut Gap Relaunches 100% Grassfed Beef Hot Dogs

Hickory Nut Gap Corned Beef Stew

Holiday, Recipes, Grassfed Beef, Beef Recipes
Read more
February 24, 2021/by Craig McAnsh
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/190213-corned-beef-brisket-179-1551391553.jpg 1033 1550 Craig McAnsh /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Craig McAnsh2021-02-24 16:29:112021-03-05 13:12:39Hickory Nut Gap Corned Beef Stew

Starting 2021 with Hope

CSA, Recipes, Grassfed Beef, Beef Recipes
Read more
January 13, 2021/by Abby Houston
https://www.hickorynutgap.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wes-hicks-sBb-yeowatU-unsplash-scaled-e1619565799334.jpg 400 600 Abby Houston /wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Hickory-Nut-Gap-Meats-Logo.png Abby Houston2021-01-13 14:32:102021-02-25 14:52:56Starting 2021 with Hope
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Shop Online
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We accept: Visa | Mastercard | Amex | JCB

Wholesale
Careers
Press
Contact Us
Terms & Conditions
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Get Directions

Farm Store 828-628-1027

©2021 Hickory Nut Gap :: Website by Native Marketing :: Asheville, NC

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