Idaho
See how Idaho beef farmers and ranchers are rethinking the ranch to raise sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
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.
Discover more great beef Recipes
Slow Cooker Comforts
Treat yourself to an easy dinner tonight with these slow cooker recipes. A few ingredients and some patience are all you need for a delicious, comforting meal.
tailgating treasures
The biggest games of the year deserve the best recipes. Whether the tailgate is in the parking lot, backyard, or home kitchen you'll be the MVP with these great tailgating recipes.
Gotta Try Beef Chilis
It’s hard to deny that a warm, savory bowl of chili brings a certain nostalgia to the table. Whether it’s a weekly tradition or a special occasion dish, chili is one of our favorite ways to warm the soul. Discover a few of our tastiest, coziest beef chili recipes.
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.
rethink the ranch
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
Environmental Stewardship Award
The Environmental Stewardship Award has annually recognized the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers from across the nation.
Beef Quality Assurance
The Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program trains farmers and ranchers on best practice cattle management techniques to ensure their animals and the environment are cared for.
Finger Steak REcipes
Discover how you can create your own finger steak dishes with inspiration from these family-tested recipes.