Finding quality grass-fed beef in the Erie area has never been easier. More and more local farms are raising cattle on pasture, and families across Northwest Pennsylvania are discovering the benefits of buying direct from the farmer. But not all grass-fed beef is created equal. Here is what you should know when looking for the best grass-fed beef farms near Erie, PA.

What to Look for in a Grass-Fed Beef Farm

The most important question to ask any farm selling grass-fed beef is simple: "Is your beef 100% grass-fed and grass-finished?" This matters because some farms start their cattle on grass but finish them on grain in the final months before processing. True grass-fed beef means the animal ate only grass and hay for its entire life.

Beyond the feed question, here are other things to look for when choosing a farm:

Visit the farm if possible. A farm that welcomes visitors has nothing to hide. You should be able to see the cattle on pasture, observe the condition of the land, and talk to the farmer about their practices. At Deer Run Acres, we offer farm tours specifically so families can see exactly how their food is raised.

Ask about antibiotics and hormones. Many conventional cattle operations use growth hormones and routine antibiotics. Look for farms that never use these — not just during the finishing period, but throughout the animal's entire life.

Understand the farming practices. Does the farm practice rotational grazing? Do they focus on soil health? Regenerative farming practices produce healthier animals and better-tasting beef. It is worth understanding how the farm manages its land.

Check their processing. Where is the beef butchered? Local, state-inspected butcher shops ensure quality and give you the ability to customize your cuts. Ask if you will work directly with the butcher to choose your cuts.

Deer Run Acres: Our Approach

At Deer Run Acres in Edinboro, PA, we raise 100% grass-fed and grass-finished cattle on open pasture. Our cattle never receive antibiotics or hormones. We practice regenerative agriculture, using rotational grazing to build soil health and support the local ecosystem.

We sell beef by the quarter, half, or whole animal, priced at $6.50 per pound hanging weight plus butcher costs. All beef is processed at a local state-inspected butcher shop, and you work directly with the butcher to select your custom cuts — steaks, roasts, ground beef, stew meat, and more.

We serve families across Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, and surrounding areas. Farm tours are available by appointment so you can see our operation firsthand.

Why Buy Direct from a Local Farm?

When you buy grass-fed beef directly from a local farm, you get several advantages that you simply cannot get from a grocery store.

Transparency. You know exactly where your food comes from, how the animals were raised, and what they ate. There is no guessing, no misleading labels.

Freshness. Your beef goes from the farm to the butcher to your freezer. There is no sitting on a truck for days or weeks, no unknown handling in between.

Value. Buying in bulk (quarter, half, or whole) brings the per-pound cost down significantly compared to buying individual grass-fed cuts at the grocery store. A freezer full of grass-fed beef can feed your family for months.

Supporting your community. Every dollar you spend at a local farm stays in the local economy. You are supporting a family, not a corporation.

How to Get Started

If you are new to buying bulk beef, the process is straightforward. You place a deposit to reserve your beef, and when the animal is processed, you pick up your custom-cut, vacuum-sealed, frozen beef from the butcher. We walk you through the entire process and are happy to answer any questions.

The best way to start is to reach out to a local farm, ask your questions, and if possible, schedule a visit. Seeing the cattle on pasture and talking to the farmer face-to-face is the best way to feel confident about your purchase.

We would love to hear from you. Contact Deer Run Acres to learn more about our grass-fed beef or to schedule a farm tour.