LAUREL HILL — Running a ranch does a body good in more ways than one, Randy and Tracey Duncan say.
The couple, who moved to the city almost a year ago, own and operate Flyin’ D Ranch, 300 acres where grass-fed brangus and angus cattle graze.
“It’s a great lifestyle,” said Tracey, a retired school teacher who's now a ranch hand. “It keeps us outside and busy.”
Clients can choose which steer they want and have the ranch transport the animal to a local meat processing facility. From there, the client can select the type of meat cut.
And the steers' origin doesn't come into question, Randy said.
“We only sell animals that are born and raised here," he said. "It's 100 percent source verified from here and also aged verified; we sell all animals less than 2 years old.”
A whole steer deposit costs $500; a half steer deposit is $300.
Grass-fed beef is healthier than grain-fed, according to the couple.
Grain-fed cattle may ingest growth hormones and antibiotics, Randy said. Meat from grass-fed steers has less marbling — fat within the cut of meat — than meat from a grain-fed steer.
“It tastes better, it's leaner, it just has so much more health benefits,” Tracey said.
The Duncans plan to gain more cattle and expand operations.
Along the way, they hope to teach some farm-to-plate lessons.
“It’s a great example to set for our grandkids … for them to see where their food comes from,” Tracey Said.
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Learn more about Flyin’ D Ranch at www.TheFlyinDranch.com
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Texas natives now enjoy life at their Laurel Hill ranch