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Meadowbreeze Farms Ltd. was originally started by Arjen and Nenette Sytsma who operated a dairy farm for 20+ years. In 2016, they sold their dairy farm and bought their first Speckle Park cows from the Prairies, starting a new chapter in their lives. Speckle Park is a Canadian breed, developed in Saskatchewan and Alberta, with a genetic base of black Angus, Shorthorn and white park. Speckle Park cattle are known for the following traits; docile nature, high fertility and calving ease as well as their high quality consistent carcasses. We use sustainable practices to grow our crops and livestock, striving for the best for our environment, cattle and our health.
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how they are raisedMeadowbreeze Farms Ltd. calves out 50 cows from late February to late April which are born inside a barn. Cow and calf pairs are moved onto pasture mid may where they spend the summer and fall. Pastured cows are supplemented with hay, corn silage and mineral to prolong the pasture. Cows and calves are moved back into the barn in early December. Calves get weaned in the late fall using weaning flaps. This is a low stress method as the calves are able to snuggle close to their mommas but are unable to drink. When they are separated, the calves are adjusted and there is minimal stress. At this time, the calves are split into 2 groups; steers (castrated males) and heifers (females). The heifers will grow and when they are a appropriate age and size with join the breeding program. The steers are moved into our feeder program. During the winter, cows and weaned calves receive a diet of corn silage, balage (fermented hay), dry hay. Our cattle are handled with low stress techniques.
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the finishing processSteers receive a diet of corn silage, hay, balage (fermented hay) and minerals. Steers finish at a weight of approx. 1200lbs dressing out around 720lbs. We use a local butcher. Beef came be bought as 'freezer beef' (1/4, 1/2 or whole beef) or individually from our on-farm store.
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