Markegard Family Grass-Fed

Doniga Markegard

Agricultural Operation

Meats (carcass/butchered)

Certifications

American Grassfed Certified, Audubon Bird Friendly, Food Alliance Certified

Health and Safety Certifications

N/A

Who They Sell To

Direct to Consumer (includes farmers markets-CSAs-farm/ranch website-on-farm sales), Restaurants (includes chefs)
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Markegard Family Grass-Fed

Regenerative agriculture is a systems- and place-based approach to agriculture that restores ecosystems, communities, and economies. It builds healthy soils, reduces air pollution, utilizes water efficiently, and increases biodiversity while promoting equity and public health.

By simultaneously storing carbon, building resilience to extreme weather, and eliminating chemical inputs, regenerative agriculture also empowers farmers and ranchers to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The overall REGEN1 score is a combination of community engagement and education, practices, and outcomes; weighted based on the level of verification from self reported to certification to 3rd party validated.

Click on the tabs to learn more about each REGEN1 Benefit

Practices

Animal grazing, Brush management, Compost application, Fire management, Livestock exclusion areas to protect habitats, Managed grazing, Planting perennials, Riparian buffer

Products

Pork, Beef, Sheep, Poultry

Certifications

American Grassfed Certified, Audubon Bird Friendly, Food Alliance Certified

Farm/Ranch Vision

Our philosophy in grazing is to manage the cattle herd to simulate the large herds of Elk and Antelope which once roamed California’sgrasslands. We accomplish this by keeping the herd moving with Holistic planned grazing.

Membership in Hubs/Networks

Savory Hub, Holistic Management International, Point Blue: Rangeland Monitoring Network, Carbon Farming Network and Hubs, FEED Sonoma, Rancher to Rancher, Mushroom Farm, OAEC (Occidental Arts and Ecology Center), National Young Farmers, Kitchen Table Advisors, Other networks

Region: San Mateo, Marin (Nicassio) and Sonoma (Jenner) Counties

San Gregorio Coastal Terrace

What is distinct about this region?

Coastal Terrace Prairie and abundance of Native Perennial grasses The most bio-diverse grassland type in all of North America (more species per square meter than any other grassland in NA)

Can you share a story about how you connect to the land?

As I approach the rise in the rolling hill, some of the cattle are grazing while others lie resting, chewing their cud, their new calves nearby. They glance toward me, anticipating their next pasture move as I walk closer. I am to call the cattle into a new pasture, move their water trough, and check to make sure all of them are content. This is what I love, connecting with nature, the livestock and actively tending to our food source.

Is there something about the location of your farm/ranch that lends your product special qualities?

We ranch where the salt air meets the redwoods. The coastal fog keeps the Native perennial bunch grasses green year-round with high nutrition for livestock so they are able to thrive on what the range provides year-round.

What is unique or special about your farm/ranch?

We are family owned and operated. We have been selling direct certified grass-fed beef in the Bay Area since 2005. We are responsible for the whole life cycle of the animal from birth to slaughter.