Founded in 1986 by a small group of ranching families who believed they could bring responsibly raised, high-quality beef directly to market, Country Natural Beef, Sisters, Oregon, has grown into a cooperative of nearly 100 ranch families across the western United States.
For 40 years, the co-op has remained grounded in a simple idea: Ranchers are strongest when they work together. By aligning around shared production standards, transparent practices and long-term customer relationships, Country Natural Beef has demonstrated values-driven ranching can endure across generations.
Honoring membership leadership
During its recent annual meeting in Nampa, Idaho, families were recognized for their work in strengthening ranches. Awardees included:
- Innovation Award: Stuart Jensen, Crown J Cattle Co.— Recognized for advancing regenerative ranch management through rotational grazing, crop integration, and ongoing experimentation to improve soil and forage health.
- Rooted Ranch Award: Warnock Ranch—A founding member ranch that has placed its entire eligible calf crop with the cooperative for 40 years, representing four generations of ranching and co-op leadership.
- True North Award: T. Wright Dickinson, Vermillion Ranch LP—Honored for more than a decade of steady, member-first leadership, including service on the cooperative’s inaugural board of directors.
- NextGen Award: Anna Lickley, Pratt Livestock—Recognized for her leadership within her ranch, community, and industry, while balancing a career with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and raising a young family.
- Lifetime of Leadership Award: Lowell and Mary Forman, Forman Ranch—founding members of the cooperative, with Mary serving more than 30 years as chief financial officer.
- Legacy Award: Alec Oliver— outgoing membership director, recognized for 12 years of strengthening relationships with member families before returning full-time to ranching.
Strengthening animal welfare verification
Members formally adopted RaiseWell Certified, a third-party animal welfare certification administered by Where Food Comes From Inc. The program provides clearly defined, independently verified animal care standards and traceability to the ranch of origin.
While RaiseWell focuses specifically on animal welfare, the Where Food Comes From audit process also verifies additional production attributes, such as Verified Natural and Pasture-Raised claims, streamlining oversight under a single, comprehensive third-party review.
The transition reflects the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to animal care standards while reducing audit complexity for member ranches and strengthening transparency for customers.
About Country Natural Beef
Country Natural Beef is a rancher-owned cooperative founded in the rugged landscapes of the American West by ranching families dedicated to producing beef with integrity. Country Natural Beef is committed to doing the right thing—for people, animals and the planet—through strict animal welfare standards and ranching practices. Its beef, available under the Country Natural Beef and Oregon Country Beef brands, reflects the commitment of nearly 100 ranching families who provide quality beef for consumers who care about where their food comes from.
All profits are returned to ranchers, preserving multigenerational family ranches and rural communities. Through partnerships with retailers and foodservice providers, Country Natural Beef connects the values of family-based agriculture with customers nationwide. For more information, visit countrynaturalbeef.com.
