FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The beef you receive from Schnarre Beef has been in our control from birth to market or beginning to end. We choose what bull breeds every cow and take care of all the cows throughout their pregnancy, assisting at birth if needed, and ensuring all calves nurse their mothers in the first few hours of life. We control diet, health, and all management practices for each animal. Our success is dependent on the top-notch care provided to our livestock and we take pride in offering high-quality and safe products to our customers. 

The answer is: only when an animal is sick because this is the humane thing to do.

If an antibiotic is used on our farm, it is typically given in the first few months of a calf’s life. Occasionally, an animal will battle a condition such as diarrhea or a respiratory infection, in which an antibiotic is needed. Only a small percentage of our cattle will be medicated in this way. This typically occurs 12 months before the animal is used for food. We have a close working relationship with our herd veterinarian, who shares our priority of healthy livestock.

Farmers have an obligation not to sell an animal for consumption after it has been treated until the withdrawal period has been met. This means the animal has metabolized the antibiotic and cleared it through its natural system. Simply put, the withdrawal period is the time between the last dose of the antibiotic and the time when the animal can be safely slaughtered for food. We follow all USDA guidelines.

Great question!

USDA definition of organic beef: 

"Organic beef comes from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones."

We provide beef that is hormone-free. As previously noted, we only use antibiotics on an as-needed basis and only on a small percentage of our cattle. So, by definition, most of our beef would qualify to be organic beef but we do not market it that way, at this time.