September 2024
Well, the mornings have started to get cooler lately, and the recent rains have also provided a much needed break from the unrelenting summer heat of south Louisiana. Everyone here at the Ranch has been staying cool, and we always make sure to get plenty of shade and fresh water... but we are ALL looking forward to the first cool front of September!
As the seasons move through the cycles of nature, we shift our attention back to our pastures. The native plants start to slow their growth, the quality of forage declines. We accordingly prepare our hay reserves and Ryegrass pastures, but before we even think about planting winter forage, we make sure the soil is ready to support the next cycle of growth. This means taking the time to assess the pastures, applying necessary amendments, and giving the land a bit of rest where needed.
We not only bale our Outback hay but also "stockpile" some of our pastures. This process involves fertilizing the pastures around August 1st and then withholding grazing until we need them. When the time comes, we let the cattle graze these pastures using a strip-grazing method, where we provide them with a new strip of pasture each day. This approach minimizes the need for additional baling and allows the cattle to graze the dormant grass, making efficient use of our resources.
We then begin feeding our stored hay, which gives the Ryegrass time to grow. By the time the hay supply runs low, the Ryegrass pastures will be ready for grazing. This strategy works well for us, though we always have to account for the unpredictability of Mother Nature in our annual plans.
When our pastures are healthy, our cattle are too. Grazing on nutrient-rich, chemical-free pastures allows our cattle to naturally develop the qualities that make our beef both flavorful and healthy. This cycle—from soil to pasture to cattle—ensures that the food we bring to your table is not just tasty, but nutritious as well. As we eagerly await Mother Nature's mercy and begin to move into the cooler months, we remain dedicated to these principles, knowing that they are the key to healthy families and healthy communities.
In every bite of Gonsoulin Land and Cattle beef, you’re tasting the results of a careful balance—nurtured soil, healthy pastures, and the commitment to making the best possible quality beef, every time.
Thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Shannon Gonsoulin, DVM
Cattle Pen Renovation Progress
We’re always working to ensure the best care for our cattle, and that includes maintaining the infrastructure that supports our daily operations. These past few months, we’ve been hard at work repairing and replacing our cattle pens, an essential part of our ranch that plays a critical role in the health and safety of our herd.
Our cattle pens are where we manage everything from routine health checks to sorting and moving cattle across the ranch. Over time, the wear and tear from daily use, combined with the impact of Louisiana’s weather, can take a toll on these structures. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to invest in upgrading and maintaining our pens, ensuring that they are safe, secure, and efficient.
The recent repairs have included reinforcing existing structures, replacing worn-out materials, and even redesigning certain areas to improve the flow of cattle during handling. We’ve also taken this opportunity to incorporate some new features that make the pens more user-friendly for our team, reducing stress on both the cattle and our crew during operations.
These improvements are all part of our ongoing commitment to animal welfare. Well-maintained pens allow us to handle our cattle more efficiently and with less stress, which is crucial for keeping our animals healthy and content. Healthy, well-cared-for cattle produce the best quality beef, which is what we’re all about.
We’re excited to see the positive impact these upgrades will have on our day-to-day operations and, ultimately, on the beef we bring to your table. As always, we’re dedicated to doing everything we can to ensure that our cattle are raised in the best possible environment, and these pen repairs are just one more step in that direction.
Summer Beef Picnic Success
Gonsoulin Land and Cattle had the honor of participating in Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse Summer Beef Picnic, a celebration of the finest beef Louisiana has to offer. This annual event, held in New Orleans, brought together top chefs, ranchers, and beef enthusiasts for a day dedicated to showcasing locally produced beef. Nothing brings people together quite like food!
Our grass-fed beef was featured in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, each prepared by the talented chefs at Dickie Brennan’s. We were proud to see our beef served alongside other local producers, contributing to the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana.
The Summer Beef Picnic wasn’t just about great food; it was also a chance to connect with the community, share our story, and educate attendees on the importance of supporting local agriculture. We had the pleasure of meeting many of you at the event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to engage with so many passionate supporters of local, sustainable beef.
For those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry—there’s always next year!
Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to experience Gonsoulin Land and Cattle beef in the coming months. We’re looking forward to sharing more of our journey with you as we continue to bring the best of our pastures to your plate.
September is here, and so are some fantastic deals to help you stock up. Whether you’re looking to fill your freezer with premium cuts, customize your beef order, or enjoy exclusive rewards, we’ve got something for everyone this month!
Bundle and Save
Our beef bundles are the perfect way to enjoy a variety of cuts while saving money. Each bundle is carefully curated to include a selection of our most popular and freshest cuts, from juicy steaks to tender roasts and ground beef. Not only do these bundles offer great value, but they’re also a convenient way to keep your kitchen stocked with high-quality, nutrient-rich grassfed beef.
GLC Custom Beef: Tailored to Your Taste
For those who want to buy in bulk, our GLC Custom Beef option allows you to order quarters, halves, or whole sides of our grassfed beef. You’ll work directly with us to choose the cuts you prefer, ensuring that your order is tailored to your family’s needs. With GLC Custom Beef, you’re getting exactly what you want, from ribeyes to roasts, all at a price that reflects the savings of buying in bulk.
Lock in your price today with a deposit of $100
Ranch Rewards: Loyalty Pays Off
Our Ranch Rewards program is our way of thanking you for your ongoing support. Every purchase of $20 on GLC Beef at The Farm Store earns you a stamp on your Rewards Card. Once you get 10 stamps, you can use your Rewards Card as an entry ticket for our yearly raffle. Then in December, we'll raffle off a Quarter Cow, a Bundle Box, and more!
Save 10% When You Sign Up for Our Email List
Stay in the loop with the latest news, recipes, and exclusive offers by signing up for our email newsletter—and as a thank you, you’ll receive 10% off your first purchase. Please note that we are not able to offer this 10% discount on Quarter, Half, or Whole sides of beef.
By joining our email list, you’ll be the first to know about new products, seasonal specials, and upcoming events, plus you’ll get insider tips on how to make the most of your GLC beef.
The Power of Bone Broth from Grassfed Beef
There’s nothing quite as comforting—or as nourishing—as a warm, hearty bone broth. When made from grassfed beef bones, this time-honored staple becomes a powerhouse of nutrition that supports your health in a multitude of ways.
Rich in Essential Nutrients
Bone broth made from grassfed beef is packed with vital nutrients. The slow simmering process extracts a wealth of minerals from the bones, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and overall health. Grassfed beef bones also release collagen and gelatin into the broth, which are known for supporting joint health, skin elasticity, and gut integrity.
Boosts the Immune System
Sipping on bone broth is a traditional remedy for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season. The amino acids found in bone broth, such as glutamine, proline, and arginine, play a crucial role in supporting the body’s immune response and reducing inflammation. When you choose grassfed beef, you’re ensuring that your broth is free from antibiotics and hormones, providing pure, natural nourishment.
Supports Gut Health
The gelatin in bone broth helps to soothe and repair the lining of the digestive tract, making it an excellent choice for those with digestive issues or those looking to improve their gut health. A healthy gut is the cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing everything from nutrient absorption to immune function. Grassfed beef bones, rich in higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and lower in omega-6, contribute to a balanced diet that supports gut health and reduces inflammation.
Enhances Skin, Hair, and Nails
The collagen extracted from grassfed beef bones isn’t just good for your joints—it’s also a beauty booster. Regular consumption of bone broth can improve the health and appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. Collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and strengthen hair and nails from the inside out.
A Wholesome, Versatile Ingredient
Bone broth is not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re sipping it straight from a mug, using it as a base for soups and stews, or incorporating it into recipes for added flavor and nutrition, bone broth made from grassfed beef is a simple, yet powerful way to enhance your diet.
As the weather cools down, consider adding homemade bone broth to your diet—you’ll taste the difference and feel the benefits.