March 2025

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes fresh growth—both in our pastures and in our community. This month, we’re taking things Back to Basics with a deep dive into pasture health and the role it plays in raising quality grassfed beef.  In our News Roundup, we’re shining a light on a young local entrepreneur, Sophia Sonnier, and her handmade jewelry business, Simply Sophie.  In Health & Wellness, we’ll explore the benefits of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a powerful nutrient found in grassfed beef that supports heart health, metabolism, and overall well-being.

There’s plenty to look forward to, so keep reading for the latest from the ranch!

Well, hopefully, the freezing temperatures of winter are behind us. Despite the snowstorm and recent freeze, our ryegrass pastures have held up well. Right now, we’re limit grazing most of our herds to avoid overgrazing too early. By early to mid-March, we plan to put them on full dry grass. We’re about 70% through our hay supply, which is typical for this time of year. The cattle are looking strong, and as pastures improve, they’ll only get better.

We’ve made it through the great snowfall of 2025. Even after taking every precaution to protect our water lines, the 3-degree weather still got the best of us in a few places. Fortunately, we only had to repair one main line. The cattle fared surprisingly well through the storm. A week before the freeze, we introduced high-quality alfalfa and peanut hay alongside our regular hay to help them maintain their energy. Nutrition plays a critical role in winter survival, especially during high-stress conditions like these.

The ryegrass is coming up as expected, and we plan to apply our first round of fertilizer within the next couple of weeks to target grazing by the end of February.

On the processing side, we hit another setback when the plant had to shut down due to a boil water advisory in Vermilion Parish. This delays our custom beef production, but unfortunately, it’s part of the process. We’re grateful for our customers’ patience and understanding.

Thanks for your continued support!

Sincerely,
Shannon Gonsoulin, DVM

Ms. Earline Ransonet keeps things running at the Gonsoulin Land and Cattle Farm Store, and she’s always excited to welcome new local vendors. This month, we’re shining a light on Sophia’s Creations, a jewelry business run by Sophia Sonnier, a talented student from Loreauville.

Vendor Spotlight: Sophia Sonnier and Simply Sophie

Sophia Sonnier’s handmade pieces reflect both her creativity and her dedication to quality—values we respect here at the ranch. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a little something special for yourself, her jewelry is a beautiful way to support a young entrepreneur right here in our community.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our fresh stock of Delcambre Direct Seafood—just in time for the Lenten season. From wild-caught shrimp to fresh Gulf fish, we’re proud to offer high-quality seafood straight from local waters. And of course, our freezers are full of grassfed beef, so you can plan your meals with the best of what South Louisiana has to offer.

Stop by the farm store to browse Sophia’s Creations, pick up some local seafood, and stock up on all your favorites. Ms. Earline will be happy to see you!

Calling All Local Farmers & Artisans

We’re always looking to support local growers and artists. If you raise fresh produce, bake homemade goods, or craft something special, we’d love to hear from you. Our farm store is all about bringing quality, locally made products to the community, and we’re always open to adding more. Stop by and chat with us if you’re interested in becoming a vendor!

Please come see us soon, and don’t wait too long to grab those winter veggies—spring will be here before we know it!

Did you know that there are different kinds of fats and that not all of them are bad for you? Most people don’t think much about the type of fat in their diet, but the right kinds of fats can make a world of difference for health. One of the most powerful fats found in nature is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), a unique fatty acid with benefits that stretch across multiple biological systems. When it comes to getting CLA naturally, grassfed beef is one of the richest sources available.

 

CLA in the Cardiovascular System: Protecting the Heart

Heart disease is one of the biggest health concerns today, and diet plays a major role in heart function. CLA has been shown to support cardiovascular health in several ways:

• Reduces LDL cholesterol oxidation – Oxidized LDL is what leads to plaque buildup in arteries. CLA helps keep LDL stable, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Improves arterial flexibility – Stiff arteries lead to high blood pressure. CLA has been found to help maintain blood vessel elasticity, promoting healthy circulation.
• Supports balanced cholesterol – Studies suggest that CLA can raise HDL (the "good" cholesterol) while reducing harmful triglycerides.

CLA in Metabolism & Fat Regulation: A Natural Fat-Burner

One of CLA’s most well-documented effects is its ability to help regulate fat metabolism:

• Increases energy expenditure – CLA enhances the body's ability to convert stored fat into energy, which may support healthy weight management.
• Promotes lean muscle growth – Research suggests that CLA helps prevent muscle breakdown, making it beneficial for those looking to maintain strength as they age.
• Regulates insulin sensitivity – CLA has been shown to improve how the body processes insulin, reducing the risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

CLA in the Immune System: Strengthening Defenses

CLA plays an immunomodulatory role, meaning it helps regulate and strengthen immune function:

• Enhances white blood cell activity – CLA supports the function of macrophages and T-cells, which are essential for fighting infections.
• Reduces chronic inflammation – Many diseases stem from uncontrolled inflammation. CLA has been shown to lower inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), which is linked to heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune conditions.
• Boosts gut immunity – Since much of the immune system resides in the gut, CLA’s anti-inflammatory effects may help promote a healthier gut microbiome.

CLA and Cancer Prevention: Potential Protective Effects

Emerging research suggests that CLA may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. While studies are ongoing, possible mechanisms include:

• Inhibiting tumor growth – CLA has been shown to reduce the ability of cancer cells to multiply.
• Triggering apoptosis – Apoptosis is the natural process of programmed cell death. CLA may encourage this in cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
• Blocking carcinogen activation – Some studies suggest CLA may reduce the activation of harmful carcinogens in the body.

How to Get More CLA from Your Diet

Since humans cannot synthesize CLA, it must come from food sources. The best sources? 100% grassfed beef and dairy.

• Grassfed beef contains 3-5x more CLA than conventional grain-fed beef. That’s because cattle raised on pasture naturally produce more of this healthy fat.
• Best CLA-rich cuts include ground beef, ribeye, short ribs, and brisket, which contain higher levels of fat where CLA is stored.
• Grassfed butter & dairy are also excellent sources, making them a great addition to a CLA-rich diet.

At Gonsoulin Land & Cattle, we believe in producing beef that’s not only delicious but nutrient-dense and beneficial for your health. By choosing 100% grassfed beef, you’re fueling your body with one of nature’s most powerful health-supporting fats—CLA.

Want to add more CLA to your meals? Check out our grassfed beef bundles and start nourishing your body from the inside out! 

Read more about CLA here:

CLA and Heart Health

• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN): Studies have shown that CLA can help reduce LDL oxidation, a key factor in heart disease.
• Source: Kritchevsky, D. (2000). “Antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties of CLA.” AJCN, 72(6), 1464S–1469S.

CLA and Fat Metabolism

• Journal of Nutrition: Research suggests that CLA supplementation can aid in fat loss and improve body composition.
• Source: Whigham, L. D., et al. (2007). “Efficacy of conjugated linoleic acid for reducing fat mass: A meta-analysis in humans.” Journal of Nutrition, 137(3), 537–543.

CLA and Immune Function

• Journal of Lipid Research: CLA has been shown to modulate immune function by reducing inflammatory markers.
• Source: Belury, M. A. (2002). “Inhibition of carcinogenesis by conjugated linoleic acid: Potential mechanisms of action.” Journal of Nutrition, 132(10), 2995–2998.

CLA and Cancer Prevention

• Cancer Research: Studies indicate that CLA may slow tumor growth, particularly in breast and colorectal cancers.
• Source: Ip, C., et al. (1999). “Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and cancer prevention: Mechanisms of action and implications for human health.” Cancer Research, 59(3), 560–566.

CLA and Insulin Sensitivity

• Diabetes: Some studies suggest CLA may improve insulin sensitivity, though findings are mixed and more research is needed.
• Source: Riserus, U., et al. (2004). “Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and insulin sensitivity: A review of current evidence.” Diabetes, 53(1), 237–243.