Baby Calves, Snowmagedon Prep, and Imperial Russian Stroganoff

Right now, we have about 15 adorable calves out in the field with their moms, and we will be welcoming more each day. These little ones are raised with care from day one, and it is heartwarming to watch them frolic and bond with their mothers. Here is a glimpse of one of our newborns, peacefully resting in a bed of straw while mom takes a quick break. This nurturing environment is just one way we ensure the highest quality of life for our cattle.

Go outside and play.

Not as a way to get them out of your hair. Just as a natural benefit. And if I am honest, I think that little sentence has shifted over the generations. It used to mean “go be a kid and come back when you are hungry.” Now it can quietly mean “give me a little room to finish what I am doing.” I understand why. But kids still need the first version more than we realize.

Everything starts with small cow–calf operations, many with fewer than a hundred mother cows. These families carry the full cost of land, feed, genetics, veterinary care, and equipment, often for months before they see any return.

In Oklahoma, farming families are navigating a tough wheat harvest season.

Heavy rains in late May and early June soaked the fields, leaving combines idle and harvests stalled. We managed to start cutting on June 10, but by the next day, the moisture levels were too high to continue. With more rain in the forecast, it’s a reminder that the weather still writes the rules.

A late wheat harvest affects everyone, even if you don’t grow wheat.

I was out walking through a pasture today and saw this beauty standing tall in the breeze. That bold fuchsia puff perched on a spiny stalk sure does grab your attention, doesn’t it? It was just the kind of scene that makes you pause for a picture.

But if you’re standing in the middle of your pasture admiring the beauty of a musk thistle, we need to have a little talk.

You’ve probably noticed that beef prices keep climbing. Maybe you’ve also wondered why it’s getting harder to find real, pasture-raised beef that actually tastes the way beef should.

It’s not your imagination. Right now, we have the smallest national cow herd since 1950, and that’s driving up prices and making it harder for families to access high-quality, locally raised beef.

But there’s more to this story than just numbers.

When it comes to brain health, you might be surprised to learn that the foods we eat can have a profound impact on our cognitive function, development, and even our daily focus.

Here at Zabel Cattle Company, we’ve always been passionate about producing the highest-quality beef, and it turns out our nutrient-rich, pasture-raised beef is a perfect partner for brain health. Let’s explore how high-fat, high-protein diets (and Zabel beef!) can support your brain and overall health.