Farming Practices

Naturally Raised

Our elk are raised in a natural free-range environment without the use of growth hormones or growth stimulants. They and are given antibiotics only when necessary.

Free Range

We provide our animals with the opportunity to graze naturally. Our farm is spacious and incorporates a wide variety of plants and grass. Our animals are able to consume the grasses and plants that they prefer in nature (although we do supplement their feed during the winter). We never give our elk feed that contains animal by-products.

Farmed vs. Hunted Meat - Availability

Only farmed meat is available in grocery stores and butcher shops. Meat at these establishments adheres to the strict quality control measures of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). You can purchase our elk products at variety of locations including our our farm and the Carp Farmers Market.
Hunted meat is not regulated and usually is only available for personal consumption.

Farmed vs. Hunted: the Taste Difference

Farmed elk meat can taste significantly different that of wild animals. This is due to the fact that farmed animals enjoy consistent supplies of naturally occurring plants and grasses (or carefully regulated supplementary feed). Our animals do not have to resort to eating tougher materials, such as bark or pine nuts, so their meat is more tender and has a more pleasant flavour. In addition, our meat is carefully selected; chosen from animals of a specific age and processed at a certain time of year.

Wildlife Conservation

The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) has recognized that elk farming "can and does play a role in wildlife conservation." Reputable professors from international universities, composing a document for the UN-FAO, concluded that elk farming allowed producers to make good use of lands that would not be suitable for conventional livestock production.