Idaho
Discover local recipes, flavors and meet members of the beef community in Idaho.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
Idaho cow-calf ranch is dedicated to providing the highest levels of animal care
Situated on the Idaho-Oregon border is Brackett Ranches, owned and operated by husband and wife team Ira and Kim, alongside their four children. Dedicated to the stewardship of their land and cow-calf ranch, the Bracketts are constantly working to provide a low-stress working environment for their cattle. To accomplish this, the family has been Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified ever since they started more than 20 years ago. As part of this certification, the Bracketts coordinate with their veterinarians to ensure that their cattle are treated with the utmost care and safety. Brackett Ranches also rotationally graze their cattle across public lands, providing a sustainable food source for their animals while dually managing and improving the country's natural landscape. For the family's dedication to maintaining the highest levels of land and animal care, Brackett Ranches was awarded the prestigious Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Cow-Calf Award. The National BQA Awards recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators who demonstrate the highest levels of animal care and handling principles as part of their day-to-day operation activities.
"When we think about sustainability on our outfit, it's the decisions we make every day, and we want those decisions to be in the best interest of the ranch, of course, but also the cattle, the land, the wildlife, and the water, too." - Kim Brackett, Manager, Brackett Ranches
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
Lance Pekus
Lance Pekus, also known as the Cowboy Ninja, ranches with his father-in-law in Salmon, Idaho. Lance met his wife, Heather, in college and fell in love with the family, community and ranching lifestyle. While Lance’s day job is helping raise cows and calves in the central mountains of Idaho, he still finds the time and (thanks in part to beef and his family) the energy to compete as a Ninja Warrior.
raising beef in idaho
As one of the leading agricultural industries in Idaho, the cattle business touches many Idahoans every day - from the ranchers to the processors and plant workers, to delivery truck drivers to restaurant operators and supermarket managers. In the end, it benefits the people who eat it by providing safe, wholesome and nutritious products that fuel our bodies.
popular Idaho-inspired recipes
GRILLED RIBEYE STEAKS AND POTATOES WITH SMOKY PAPRIKA RUB
Smoky seasoned steak and wedged potatoes grilled to perfection. Served with a simple sour cream and onion sauce.
BALSAMIC MARINATED FLANK STEAK
Tangy balsamic vinegar makes this marinade. Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic and basil, pour over Flank Steak, then grill and serve with a variety of veggies for a simple, fresh meal.
GRANDMA PHYLLIS' IDAHO FINGER STEAKS
Native Idahoan Christie Prescott shares this family recipe, handed down to her from her grandmother. She has fond memories of her grandmother teaching her how to make it.
idaho fact
Idaho is home to culinary innovations such as Finger Steaks. These crunchy, breaded or batter-fried strips of whole beef are served with a tangy sauce and the options are endless when it comes to flavor.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
Finger Steak REcipes
Discover how you can create your own finger steak dishes with inspiration from these family-tested recipes.