Cattle Procurement – through our Partnership for Quality and other cattle procurement programs, we are able to source-verify an increasing number of cattle every year. These cattle are raised by western ranch families who use specific genetics and follow prescribed best management and animal health practices.
Feeding Practices – cattle (typically 18 – 24 mo. of age at processing) are fed a diet consisting primarily of Midwestern corn and other locally grown feeds. Our cattle rations have never contained animal proteins, and they never will. Finally, we regularly test incoming feedstuffs for unwanted pesticide residues.
Animal Health – cattle are evaluated every day for health status. Those requiring treatment are moved to hospital pens, individually identified, then managed with strict adherence to health product withdrawal periods. Cattle are routinely tested for antibiotic residues through our Residue Control Program.
Residue Control Program – was initiated in 1985, and since then, we have never had a violation of stringent standards (above those required by USDA) for either antibiotic or pesticide residues!
Commodity Transport – using our own freight company allows us complete control of all commodities (feedstuffs and live cattle) that move to and from the feeding facility. As such, there is no chance for cross-contamination of prohibited feedstuffs to occur.
Truck Sanitation – all trucks and trailers are cleaned in a state-of-the-art truck washing facility before each load of cattle is transported to the processing facility. This helps avoid any possibility of cross contamination.
Cattle Washed – upon arrival at the processing facility cattle are washed to remove physical material (dust/manure) from the hide prior to entry into the processing area.
Intervention Strategies – are employed in our processing facility, utilizing the most advanced food safety technologies. During the harvesting phase of production, the use of steam vacuums, a thermal pasteurization cabinet, and carcass rinses with organic (lactic) acid provide an additive role in assuring safe and wholesome beef products. We even take the extra step to randomly test beef carcasses to make sure no antibiotic residues are present.
Cold Chain Management is a core intervention in the prevention of microbial growth. The use of a spray chill system and refrigerated air quickly reduces carcass temperature. Temperature control and monitoring continues throughout the production system, including fabrication, storage, and shipping.
Quality Assurance – is provided by our highly trained Quality Assurance staff that oversees all aspects of beef processing. They provide Harris Ranch with a food safety track record second to none.
Third-Party Auditors – have repeatedly given Harris Ranch exceptional marks for food safety. We have been recognized by major Quick Service Restaurants as an industry leader for low microbial counts of raw materials. The USDA’s testing program regularly confirms these low microbial counts.
