Why Breeds Matter

Not all livestock are created for the same environment. Breed selection determines how well an animal can thrive on pasture, handle weather stress, and convert forage into nutrient-dense food. Animals that are well matched to their environment don’t require shortcuts to perform well.

The right breeds are calmer, hardier, and better suited to rotational grazing systems. Lower stress and natural movement support animal well-being, which directly impacts meat quality, flavor, and texture. Healthy animals raised with intention simply produce better food.

At Butterfield Farms, every breed we raise was chosen for its ability to live outdoors, graze naturally, and contribute to a regenerative system. When animals are allowed to do what they were designed to do, the result is honest food you can trust.

South Poll Cattle — Beef Built for Pasture

South Poll cattle were developed specifically for pasture-based systems in the American South. Instead of forcing cattle to adapt to confinement or grain-heavy diets, this breed thrives doing what cattle were meant to do: graze.

Why South Poll cattle matter:

  • Naturally heat-tolerant and well-suited for outdoor living
  • Highly efficient at converting grass and forage into quality beef
  • Calm temperament that supports low-stress handling
  • Thrive in rotational grazing systems without grain finishing

Our cattle are rotated to fresh pasture every 2–10 days, allowing forage to recover while nutrients are naturally returned to the soil.

This intentional breed choice allows us to raise beef that reflects the health of the land, the animal, and the family it feeds.

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Idaho Pasture Pigs — Pork Meant to Live Outdoors

Idaho Pasture Pigs were bred specifically for pasture-based systems rather than confinement. Their physical structure and foraging ability allow them to thrive outdoors while producing richly flavored pork.

Why Idaho Pasture Pigs matter:

  • Bred for strength, mobility, and outdoor living
  • Excellent foragers that support pasture-based nutrition
  • Naturally develop well-balanced fat for superior flavor
  • Adapt well to regenerative grazing systems

Pigs are moved through pasture on a 1–2 week rotation and have free access to fresh water, allowing them to wallow when needed for comfort and temperature regulation.

Our pigs are raised on pasture and supplemented with A2/A2 Jersey milk from our own cows, supporting a closed-loop system that nourishes the animals while reducing waste on the farm.

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A2/A2 Jersey Cows — Family Milk Cows Raised with Purpose

Jersey cows are known for their efficiency, gentle temperament, and rich milk. When paired with the A2/A2 milk protein, they make an ideal choice for families seeking a well-raised, pasture-adapted milk cow.

Why A2/A2 Jersey cows matter:

  • Naturally produce rich, high-butterfat milk
  • Smaller-framed and efficient grazers on pasture
  • Often easier to digest for many families
  • Well-suited for family milk cow environments

While our Jersey cows are not raised for beef sales, we offer select bred A2/A2 heifers to families who value thoughtful breeding and pasture-based care.

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The Practices Behind Our Pasture

  • Rotational Grazing

    Rotational grazing allows animals to move regularly between pastures, giving grasses time to recover and deepen their root systems. This practice supports healthier soil, stronger forage, and more resilient land.

  • Species Diversity

    Raising multiple species together mimics natural ecosystems, allowing animals to work in harmony with the land. This diversity improves soil health, reduces pest pressure, and supports balanced pasture growth.

  • Closed-Loop Nutrition

    Closed-loop nutrition uses resources from one part of the farm to nourish another, reducing waste and supporting animal health. By feeding A2/A2 milk from our Jersey cows to our pasture-raised pigs, we create a more efficient and intentional system.

Building Healthy Animals Starts with Healthy Soil

All of our animals have access to free-choice minerals, including kelp and Himalayan salt soaked in apple cider vinegar. These minerals support animal health while also addressing natural deficiencies in our soil, including iodine.

Through rotational grazing, nutrients are returned directly to the land as animals move across pasture. As minerals pass through the animals and back into the soil, they help rebuild fertility naturally—creating healthier forage without synthetic inputs.

Our grazing rotations are intentionally frequent and adaptive. Cattle are rotated every 2–10 days, while pigs move through pasture on a 1–2 week rotation, depending on conditions. This high-impact, short-duration approach supports soil regeneration, prevents overgrazing, and turns animals into partners in land stewardship.

Managing the Land Naturally

Goats play an important role in how we manage our land naturally. Their browsing habits help control brush, invasive plants, and overgrowth in areas that are difficult to maintain with equipment, reducing the need for mechanical or chemical intervention.

By allowing animals to do what they do best, we improve pasture access, support healthier ecosystems, and care for the land in a way that’s practical, sustainable, and respectful of nature.

What Happens When You Join the Waitlist

Joining the waitlist helps us plan ethically and ensures you’re notified when meat becomes available.

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Join the Waitlist

Add your name to the waitlist for beef, pork, or both. This lets us plan harvests responsibly while keeping you informed—no pressure, no obligation.

Get Availability Updates

When your name comes up, you’ll receive an email with cut availability, pricing, and pickup details so you can decide what works best for your family.

Reserve Your Share

Once you confirm, you’ll secure your share with a deposit and receive clear next steps for processing, pickup, and timing.

Ready for Meat You Can Feel Good About?

No pressure, no obligation — just honest updates when meat becomes available.

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