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Beaver Vale farms – outstanding in their field

September 5, 2013   ·   0 Comments

It’s no secret small farms are disappearing and when dairy farmer, Craig Wilcox was faced with change, he did what many farmers do and examined his options. In 2006, Wilcox, seeing a relatively untapped market in the certified organic market, decided to convert his 120 acre farm to a certified organic farm. Wilcox went from being a dairy farmer to raising grass fed beef and hasn’t looked back.

Trying to keep up with the supply and demand of this growing niche, Wilcox made a few discoveries via positive customer feedback. Those seeking out this particular kind of product are truly interested in what they are eating and that includes what the beef are fed. Wilcox revealed some clients feel that taking certain foods, and food related pesticides, preservatives and chemicals out of their diets have seen dramatic positive changes in their health. Some with severe allergies find that corn and grain fed beef is a problem for them and are grateful for the alternative choice, and the benefits do not stop there becoming quite a heartfelt matter.

According to New York Times, bestselling Author, Dr. Joseph Mercola’s website,  grass fed beef are factually found lower in saturated facts, higher in omega fatty acids, specifically heart healthy omega three, higher in both vitamins A and E and much higher in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) widely believed to play a part in the prevention of breast cancer, diabetes, obesity and more.

Although Wilcox’ cost of production is almost double to that of a grain fed cattle, taking anywhere from 24–30 months to raise beef, in his opinion, the wait is worth the reward, and his customers with specific requests agree.

“You get what you pay for. Organic products cost more to produce and so they cost more to supply,” said Wilcox. “There are a growing number of health conscious individuals and it’s about meeting supply and demand.”

A highly controversial health concern still in debate around the world is the growing use of genetically altered corn and other products. People just aren’t sure if eating genetically altered food is something they are interested in, and that includes eating meat that was fed genetically altered corn. Wilcox also supplies organic corn to a producer of natural corn flakes, meeting yet another need in the niche of specialized clientele.

While there are many methods of farming Wilcox is quick to point out there are  no absolute right or wrong answers when discussing organic versus mainstream, feeling the topic is mainly about choice and he is one farmer doing his best to meet the supply and demand of his new niche and customers would agree, he is outstanding in his field!

For more information, contact Beaver Vale Farms at beavervale@gmail.com; online at www.beavervale.ca; or by phone at 905-775-7639

For more information on making natural food choices, visit www.mercola.com/ or www.eatwild.com/products/canada.html

By Alex Sher

Photo Submitted
GRASS FED BEEF FARMER – Craig Wilcox meets the demand supplying specialized clientele organic products and he is definitely out standing in his field!

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