They are smart, strong, gentle and dependable. Colts and fillies from Babbitt Ranches’ historic Hashknife heritage draw ranchers, ropers and riders from all over the country during the annual Colt Sale. But as equestrians hope to take home a living legacy of the rodeo champion Driftwood bloodline, something else beyond the sleek buckskin and bay beauties may catch their attention.
For the first year, bidders and spectators who come out to the Spider Web Camp event off Highway 89 on Saturday, July 13 will also have the opportunity to take home some locally grown, grass-fed beef from Babbitt Ranches.
“You can feel good about making a healthy choice with the purchase of this beef and also feel good that the proceeds are going to Northland Hospice,” said Babbitt Ranches President Bill Cordasco.
Similar to the Colt Sale, beef customers will be able to name their own price. The difference is they won’t be bidding against anyone. They can pay what they think is fair for up to five pounds until all 400 pounds of the prime ground beef are gone.
“We call it Your Price, Not Ours,” said Cordasco. “Through the Babbitt Ranches LifeScapes Initiative Open Hands Country Beef, this is our way of promoting healthy living by making grass-fed beef available to the community. Also, it’s always been important to Babbitts to give back. And Northland Hospice is an organization that touches so many families.”
Along with one-pound packages of Omega-3 rich beef harvested through humane conservation practices, Babbitt Ranches will be handing out words of inspiration that guide the company such as Sincerity, Ambition and Integrity.
“I buy only grass-fed beef, and I’m a big fan of Babbitt Ranches. Everything they do is about quality,” said Dr. Allison Clough, a Kayenta emergency physician.
Through its award winning nutritional and genetics programs, Babbitt Ranches strives to produce the highest quality Hereford beef. For years the pioneering land company has been considering how to bring this locally grown product to market.
Research from Northern Arizona University’s W. A. Franke College of Business indicates there is a growing demand for beef products that are hormone free and nutritionally rich, even if they cost a little more.
“You’re not going to get a better package of meat than this,” said Eddy Babbitt. “The hamburger you get at the grocery store is made from the trimmings of other cuts, but this hamburger has sirloin, New York strip and roast mixed into it. It’s amazing the quality of food we’ve been able to get off the high desert.”
Research shows grass-fed beef is leaner and lower in calories. According to eatwild.com, a six-ounce steak from a grass-finished steer, for example, has almost 100 fewer calories than a six-ounce steak from a grain-fed steer. In addition, its nutrient profile is similar to salmon, with high amounts of the good fat, or Omega 3s. These are the fats that promote brain health, lower LDL cholesterol levels and slow the growth of a number of cancers. It is also richer in antioxidants; including Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C.
“We think this is the future of what we eat, locally grown food, beef included,” said Paul Babbitt. “It won’t happen in my lifetime, but we will get away from industrial agricultural use.”
Babbitt Ranches participated in the Northland Hospice Run For Life 5K and 10K race last summer by raising more than $1,500 for the charity through the sale of beef.
“We’re so grateful to Babbitt Ranches,” said Northland Hospice CEO Diana Watt. “It means everything to us to have local support from a family that has been such an important part of the Flagstaff community.”
Those who take home the beef will receive a receipt from Northland Hospice for their charitable contribution. FBN