“Customers buying our products continually ask how we raise our cattle and what sustainable practices are being implemented. High-quality beef starts with high-quality care.”
- Ed Greiman, UIB General Manager

Sustainable Beef Production

Raising cattle that meet the needs of existing and future generations while ensuring environmental responsibility, maintaining animal health and care, and achieving economic security.

Your beef tastes better when it's raised by family farmers who prioritize caring for the land, the cattle, and the community.

Upper Iowa Beef Sustainability Logo decorative

Our Commitment

At Upper Iowa Beef, we believe the agriculture industry has a responsibility to meet the needs of both current and future generations. Sustainable beef production requires a balance that is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. Achieving this balance involves collaboration across every step of the supply chain, from cattle producers to product distributors and through our own role in beef production. We work closely with our producers to understand their operations and provide guidance on best practices for sustainability. Upper Iowa Beef is proud to be an active member of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB), advancing initiatives that promote a more sustainable future for the beef industry.

Partners in Sustainability

Sustainable Beef Production Practices

Utilized By Our Cattle Producers

Our cattle producers are Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified, ensuring proper humane care and responsible animal transport. We source our cattle primarily from small, independent family farms located near our plant, helping to reduce our carbon footprint. Feed rations make use of other industry byproducts, reflecting our commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

Our farmers embrace the latest technology to improve animal health, nutrition, and overall production. Manure and nutrient plans are carefully managed to enrich the soil, increasing organic nutrients and improving soil health. They also employ conservation practices to protect the land and water, including reduced tillage, wind and solar power, crop rotation, grass waterways, variable rate fertilizing, cover crops, and tile drainage.

Many of our cattle producers participate in our unique Tri-State Supreme program, which adds value to sustainably-raised cattle while rewarding their dedication to responsible, forward-thinking practices.