Maine
Discover local recipes, flavors and meet members of the beef community in Maine
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
Maine farm centers their enterprise around cattle welfare
Shaw Road Farm in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine exists as the thriving, sustainable business it is today due to the hard work and care of Fred and Karen Cookson and their family. It is the Cooksons' belief that to deliver on their promise of raising the best beef possible, cattle welfare comes first. Through low-stress cattle handling techniques inspired by Temple Grandin, Colorado State University animal science professor and humane livestock handling expert, everything on the farm is configured to ensure their cows are taken care of every step of the way. The family has also implemented rotational grazing, and ensures that all fields are managed and fertilized organically. With an increased emphasis on selling directly to consumers, the Cooksons do not take these sustainable measures for profit, but feel that it is a duty to their customers. For their care for the land, people, and cattle, Shaw Road Farm was recommended for the National Beef Quality Assurance Award (BQA). The National BQA Awards recognizes outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators that best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of the day-to-day activities on their respective operations.
"Every animal has a basic fundamental right to life in an environment which is as comfortable as possible, and if my charge is to care for a herd, then it is my duty to provide such an environment." - Benjamin Cookson, Shaw Road Farm
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
JESSE AND CORINNA CARON
Meet Maine cattle farmers, Jesse and Corinna Caron of Casa Cattle Company. The Caron family has specialized in registered Belted and White Galloway cattle for 15 years. They take pride in producing high quality beef from pasture to plate while maintaining a cow herd of over 30 cattle with diverse genetics that promote the amazing beef quality traits. The Caron family maintains that hard work is rewarded with animals that provide the best beef possible.
Raising beef in maine
Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way by using the latest technology and resources. Today, there are more than 80,000 cattle and over 1,700 cattle farms in Maine. Learn more about beef farmers and ranchers who are raising beef from pasture to plate in The Pinetree State.
popular Maine-inspired recipes
FOIL PACKET BEEF AND VEGETABLE MEAL
Build a packet with shredded beef, beef sausage and vegetables and cook on the grill. Super easy and fun for the whole family. And … no clean up.
MAPLEWOOD-SMOKED BACON BEER BURGERS
What's not to love about this recipe? Ground Beef patties are grilled and topped with smoked bacon and cheddar.
Maine Fact
Maine leads the world in production of wild blueberries and is 2nd in the nation in the production of maple syrup.
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.
Northeast BEef Promotion Initiative
Learn more about the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative and the work they do in the Northeast Region.