Frequently Asked Questions

The Certified Angus Beef® brand ensures incredibly flavorful, tender and juicy beef due to high amounts of marbling in every cut. Only the best of the Choice and Prime grades is considered for our premium label. Then beef must pass the brand’s 10 science-based specifications for quality. But, it’s not up to us to decide whether beef makes the cut: that’s the job of independent, unbiased U.S. Department of Agriculture graders. Only truly exceptional Angus beef earns the distinctive Certified Angus Beef® brand label. We don’t just say the Certified Angus Beef® brand is tastier than anything else you put on your plate. We back it up with fact!

No.

Certified Angus Beef® brand Prime’s requirements elevate premium beef to the truly exceptional. Its incomparable flavor, quality and tenderness will satisfy the most distinguished steak connoisseurs.

Certified Angus Beef® brand Prime goes beyond USDA Prime-grade marbling by applying nine additional standards that other Angus beef doesn’t have to meet.

For more information, visit Certified Angus Beef® brand Prime

Yes, Shamba Meat Market is listed with Certified Angus Beef® Where to Buy.

We supplement with grain for the last sixty days for enhanced flavor. Our Black Angus cattle are bred for marbling, which is the fine flecks of fat within the muscle that enhance tenderness and flavor. While Angus cattle naturally develop good marbling, feeding them grain allows them to reach their full potential, producing beef that is rich, juicy, and flavorful. However, the amount of grain they eat is a small fraction of their diet—more of a supplement than a staple. Our cattle primarily graze on pasture, with grain in the final two months helping to fine-tune their nutrition and ensure they develop the high-quality marbling that makes for a consistently tender and delicious eating experience.

Yes, our animals are raised on pasture. Our Black Angus cattle spend the entirety of their lives grazing on open pasture, where they have plenty of space to roam and forage naturally. We take extra care to provide superior feed year-round, ensuring they receive the best nutrition in every season. While their diet is primarily grass-based, we supplement with a small amount of grain to help them reach their full potential in terms of marbling and flavor. This balanced approach results in high-quality, tender, and flavorful beef while keeping our cattle healthy and well-nourished.

No, we are not certified organic. However, Dr. Rone prioritizes high-quality, responsible ranching practices to ensure the health and well-being of our cattle. While we do not carry an organic certification, we focus on sustainable and ethical practices to produce the best beef possible.

No, we do not use pesticides on our pastures. Instead, we follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, which means we use natural, sustainable methods to control pests and maintain a healthy environment for our cattle. This includes rotational grazing, promoting beneficial insects, and maintaining strong pasture health to minimize the need for chemical interventions. Our focus is on responsible land stewardship, ensuring our cattle and bee hives thrive in a clean and natural setting.

We rarely use antibiotics, and only when absolutely necessary for the health and well-being of our animals. Dr. Rone takes special care of our cattle, ensuring they stay healthy through proper nutrition, pasture management, and preventative care. In rare cases, if an animal in our breeding program requires antibiotics to recover from an illness, we follow strict withdrawal guidelines to ensure there are no residues in the beef. However, we never use growth-promoting antibiotics. This commitment is for the safety of our consumers and ensures we provide the highest quality, responsibly raised beef.

Yes, we practice regenerative agriculture to maintain healthy land and support sustainable ranching. We take a proactive approach by planting shade trees and setting up wind breaks to improve pasture conditions and animal comfort. We also conduct annual soil testing to monitor soil health and apply erosion control methods to protect our land. Our herd is rotated across different pastures to prevent overgrazing and promote natural regrowth. Additionally, we grow our own hay and plant our own winter pasture, ensuring our cattle have high-quality, nutrient-rich feed year-round. These efforts help us build healthier soil, improve biodiversity, and create a more sustainable future for our ranch.

Our beef is processed at a USDA-inspected facility, ensuring it meets the highest standards for food safety and quality. A USDA inspector is onsite during processing, carefully monitoring every step to ensure cleanliness, humane handling, and proper inspection. This rigorous oversight guarantees that our beef is not only flavorful and tender but also handled with the utmost care and attention to safety.

Our beef is frozen to lock in freshness and maintain peak quality. Each cut is vacuum-sealed in clear wrapping, which helps preserve flavor, texture, and nutrients while preventing freezer burn. This packaging ensures that when you’re ready to enjoy our beef, it’s just as fresh and delicious as the day it was processed. Freezing also allows us to provide a consistent, high-quality product year-round.

Yes, we vaccinate our cattle as part of our commitment to their health and well-being. Dr. Rone has been a practicing veterinarian since 1978, caring for cattle herds all over the U.S. and providing veterinary consulting in multiple states. With decades of experience, he stays on top of all current health concerns for cattle, ensuring our herd receives the best preventative care. However, we do not use mRNA vaccines. Our vaccination program is carefully managed to protect our animals from disease while maintaining the highest standards for quality and safety in our beef.

Yes, we sell bulls and replacement heifers. Our Black Angus cattle are carefully selected for genetics, temperament, and performance. We focus on breeding cattle with strong maternal traits, efficient growth, and excellent marbling potential. If you're interested in purchasing a bull, please visit our Bulls page for availability and details.