Colorado has two distinct beef worlds. On the Eastern Plains, large-scale commercial cattle operations produce much of the nation's feedlot beef. In the mountains and Front Range communities, a growing network of small ranches sells premium, locally raised beef directly to consumers who care about sourcing. Here is how to find the latter.
What Makes Colorado Beef Distinct
Colorado's high-altitude rangeland in the Rockies and the productive grasslands of the San Luis Valley and mountain valleys produce cattle with a specific flavor profile. Animals raised at elevation on native grasses develop leaner muscle with more complex flavor than feedlot beef - and Colorado's artisan ranching community has built a market around exactly this.
The Front Range corridor from Fort Collins through Denver to Pueblo has a food-conscious consumer base that has driven significant investment in local and direct-marketed beef. Several Colorado ranches have been selling direct to consumers for years and have mature distribution systems.
Finding a Colorado Beef Share
- Search Colorado beef share farms on Butcher Bud
- Denver Farmers Market and the Boulder County Farmers Market both have cattle farmers selling direct
- Local food co-ops in Denver and Boulder often connect consumers with specific ranches
Elk and Game Processing in Colorado
Colorado has one of the country's most active elk hunting programs - the state issues more elk licenses than any other. The state's game processors handle enormous volumes during October and November seasons. If you are hunting elk in Colorado, arranging your processor before you leave for camp is essential - drop-offs during peak season can mean significant waits.