About Me
I’m Becca, the farmer behind Barksdale Homestead. I’m also a mom, hobby entomologist, and nutrition nerd.
My family and I are the 5th generation to live on Ten Eyck Ranch, which is owned by my Grandpa. Through the years, the land has been in timber, berries, wheat, and dairy cows, but for the last 50+ years, it’s been a beef cattle ranch. I grew up helping my Grandpa eartag calves and move cows, and from the time he gave me my first calf at 8 years old, I’ve known this is what I wanted to do.
I went to college and got a degree in Animal Science before moving back to the farm with my husband Josh in 2020. For the last 6 years, we have taken over the majority of the farm management, although we’re lucky enough to still have my Grandpa involved.
Why Grass Fed?
Grass fed beef is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can put into your body. It’s also meaningfully sustainable, requiring very few outside inputs. I believe the most ethical life for an animal has to include eating a species-appropriate diet. And it just so happens that cows eating exclusively forage become much more delicious beef too.
Our Management Practices
Since becoming the primary farmer on the ranch, I have been passionate about restoring the fertility of our pastures through regenerative practices. During the grazing season, we rotate our cows every day to new paddocks, and have seen better soil health and animal performance as a result.
The property includes 100 acres of woodland, which we take advantage of as silvopasture, just like my great grandfather did with his dairy herd. During the hottest part of the year, the pastures get a rest while the cows cool off in the shady north woods. They browse not only on grass, but also on blackberries, maple trees, salmonberry, and other forage that gives our beef dramatically more flavor than feedlot beef. As an added bonus, they do a fantastic job of knocking brush back for forest fire prevention.
If you’re looking for nutrient-dense food for you and your family, and want to support local ranching that prioritizes happy cows, you’ve come to the right place. Learn more about buying beef shares on our pricing page, or come visit the farm to see our animals yourself!