Superior Farms: A Superior Way to Raise Sheep
Brian Bitner, a fourth-generation sheep farmer, says that raising sheep is, “What I like to do.” His love for the land and lambs comes directly from his father. Utah sheep rancher Steven Osguthorpe agreed. “If I had my druthers, I’d be out here herding the sheep every day. I don’t think there’s any better life. We’re feeding the world and we’re clothing the world, and to us, that’s a pretty noble profession.”
Brian and Steve are just two of the many farmers that partner with Superior Farms, an American lamb company. Founded in 1964, Superior Farms has long been committed to excellence when it comes to taking care of their farmers and their flocks. They’re proud to support American farmers like Brian and Steve. The employee owned Superior Farms values their partnerships and share the same respect for lamb and land as the farmers and ranchers. This mutual respect makes them some of the most dedicated farmers in the country, and is the reason many of them have been with Superior Farms for decades. Their skill and expertise is unparalleled. Superior Farms is proud to work with family farms like those of the Bitners and the Osguthorpes because they know where the lambs are coming from and the type of people who are raising those lambs.
Sustainability has gone hand in hand with Superior Farms since the company’s inception. The Superior Farms facilities are equipped with the latest technology. Their California facility includes a wind turbine that offsets energy use and by the end of 2017, almost 95% of the plant’s total energy use will be from wind and solar power. Superior Farms has made it clear to the world that they are dedicated to careful and responsible domestic resource management. Their sustainable practices are an investment in their own future, as well as in the environment at large.
At the end of the day, nothing matters more than the flock. Superior Farms is committed to the sheep’s well-being and care. The lambs are set to pasture across a vast landscape that is rich with natural vegetation – the way it’s been done for centuries. When you raise lamb the way Superior Farms ranchers do, in a natural, kind and sustainable way, it’s no wonder it tastes so good!
For a seasoned foodie, it will come as no surprise that lamb is one of the proteins that chefs love to cook with most. From shanks to chops to loin, lamb is a versatile and delicious alternative to beef or chicken. It has a tender and mild flavor, but it’s also lean and nutritious. Lamb dishes can bring about an interesting change of pace for any adventurous palate. It’s an exciting time to bring lamb to a new generation of foodies, in some interesting and innovative ways.
Superior Farms is proud to continue its work with American family farms to provide the best quality lamb to American families. “You have to pay attention to the very small, little details with sheep,” says Ryan Mahoney, of Emigh Livestock, yet another farm that’s in business with Superior Farms. It’s clear that’s what Superior Farms has been doing since 1964, and will continue to do for as long as there are sheep grazing on green fields.
An ESOP Company (Employee Stock Ownership Plan), Superior Farms is an employee-owned company whose members take pride in their individual roles and contributions to the company’s success. It is the recognized leader in the retail and foodservice markets that it serves. The Superior Farms’ family of brands includes Superior Farms, Cascade Creek and Farmer’s Mark.
Superior Farms Recipes
Four of Superior Farm’s favorite ways to prepare American lamb:
- Autumnal Lamb Stew
- Jalapeno Glazed Lamb Spare Ribs
- Lamb Shanks with Garlic, Tomato and Mint
- Bacon Wrapped Lamb Chops with Caramelized Caraway Onions
View more recipes and ways to prepare lamb at SuperiorFarms.com.