Thundering Hoof Ranch
Offering grass fed beef, pastured pork, and lamb since 2006
"Preserving Tomorrow One Pasture at a Time"TM
- ABOUT US -
Thundering Hoof Ranch LLC
is a family owned and operated farm located within the beautiful and gentle rolling hills of Green Lake County. At The Ranch we have a strong tie to the land as we are 4th and 5th generation farmers.
We work to preserve and restore habitat for wildlife by replacing once highly eroded row crop land with sustainable forage based farming, restored windbreaks, and set aside habitats. We also believe animals should be treated with respect and be able to live in a more natural environment with a healthy diet.
Rotational grazing is a large part of what we do to preserve the land and ensure it is not overused. Rotational grazing is a livestock production system where livestock graze in one portion (a paddock) of a pasture that has been divided into several paddocks. Livestock are systematically moved from paddock to paddock based on the stage of growth of the plants. While one paddock is being grazed, the rest of the pasture rests.
Benefits of Rotational Grazing
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Improved plant health
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Improved rainfall infiltration
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Reduced runoff
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Improved soil health
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Reduced soil erosion
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Diverse wildlife habitat
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Reduced fuel and machinery use
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Carbon sequestration
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Reduced fertilizer and pesticide use
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Improved animal health
Our quest is to be a zero footprint farm. Every year we look for more ways to be even more sustainable,
We wish everyone could see the tremendous difference a few short years of working with nature can make.
We hope you will come see us soon!
John, Stephenie, Aiven, & Blake
Ranch Principles
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Not treated with hormones
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No Routine Antibiotics because of clean, healthy environment
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Forage Based Farming – no chemical fertilizers, permanent ground covers to protect soil from erosion and ground water contamination, sustainable agriculture
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Animals are raised in a low stress natural environment; no unnecessary confinement
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We raise all of our own products
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We allow the animals to express their natural instincts; pigs are allowed to root, sheep are allowed to frolic, chickens are allowed to scratch, and cows are allowed to keep their young by their side. We strive for heritage/heirloom breeds in everything we do so the animals can take care of themselves and have healthier immune systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What quantities do you sell in?
A: We sell small quantities like a single steak all the way up to quarters, halves, and whole beef, pork, and lamb. In the on-farm store we have small quantity cuts readily available. Stop-in to the store during our normal hours or make an appointment.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Check-out the Visit page for driving directions
Q: What does Hanging Weight mean?
A: Basically Hanging Weight means no hide, hooves, or entrails. It is the carcass of the animal
Q: Where do you sell your meats?
A: We currently have a full selection that we offer directly from the farm in our small store.
We also sell a limited selection at Webster's Market in Ripon webstersmarketplace.com Look for the freezer bin near the produce section!
Q: Can we come visit the farm?
A: YES! We encourage people to visit the farm and know where their food comes from! We do have an open door policy, but for liability reasons you must be accompanied by someone from the farm. We love visitors, but if you want a tour, please kindly give us notice so we can provide you with our full attention.
Q: How can I be notified when the farm has an event or charity fundraiser?
A: Join our Email Newsletter! Just sign-up below. We promise we will never sell your information! We consider our customers our friends and respect their privacy.
Q: Are you 100% Grassfed Beef ?
A: Yes, we do not feed our animals corn.
Q: Do you use chemicals sprays or fertilizers?
A: NO! We never use chemicals. We've been on this land since 2015 rebuilding the soil and landscape. We have over 120 acres in rotational grazing and have restored wind breaks by planting 20,000+/- trees and bushes to prevent further erosion. When we bought the property it had been crop farmed for 16 years. We've witnessed a restoration of biology where earth worms, butterflies, birds, and other creatures have returned and we are not about to mess that up!
Q: Do you practice rotational grazing that is healthier for the environment and the animals?
A: Absolutely!!!
Q: How can I send you an email?
A: The "Contact Us" form will send an email directly to our inbox. We do not post our email address because web-crawlers pick-up email addresses and send SPAM.
Q: If I want to make an appointment, what times work better?
A: Evenings work well but other times can be accommodated. We ask that you please be prompt.
Q: I have some items that could be reused, do you take them?
A: We recycle a lot of things! Clean egg cartons, paper bags, scrap lumber, water hose that has good sections left, ice cream pails are just a few of the things people frequently bring us!