05/30/06 Organic grass fed beef producer expanding

American Rancher May 30, 2006 Along the Washington-Oregon border in the Walla Walla Valley is Thundering Hooves, a fourth generation family farm where they harvest sunlight in the form of certified organic grass fed beef. And owner Joel Huesby says the business is growing. Huesby: "Within organic agriculture, organic growing about 20% a year, within that organic livestock is the fastest growing segment. And our business has basically almost doubled every year since we started. So now it is into several hundred thousand dollars and growing." Currently Huesby has about 250 mother cows. Huesby: "But I am controlling the organic certification of another 320 head of Herefords, which are the beginnings of the largest certified organic beef herd in the Pacific Northwest, to my knowledge." Huesby says there are absolutely opportunities for others to produce organic grass fed beef either on their own or in collaboration with operations like Thundering Hooves. Huesby: "And I am looking for more because we are growing our business. Now with our own packing house we will be able to process a couple thousand head a year. So we have room to grow. And I can't do it all." USDA approval of that processing plant is expected later this summer. You can learn more about this direct marketing operation at thunderinghooves.net I'm Bob Hoff.