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:
mink land and livestock
Jodie and Justin Mink and their family’s dedication to ranching is evident in their meticulous care for both their cattle and the land. Their commitment to tradition, community, and environmental stewardship offers a glimpse into the heart of the beef industry and the passion that drives it forward.
j lazy s angus ranch
The J Lazy S Ranch sits in Carmen, Idaho, just shy of the Montana border. It’s here that Jay & Chyenne Smith and their family run a cow/calf and seedstock operation, raising high-quality beef to feed consumers.
popular Idaho-inspired recipes
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.
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.
idaho fact
There are nearly 488,000 more cattle than people in the state of Idaho.
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.
