posted on
November 4, 2018
Fall time is still one of my favorite times of the year! Being from "back east" it was a hard transition to move away from trees and not see the beautiful vibrant color changes of the trees. However, this high desert has its own fall beauty that is best seen from above. Check out the video below!
From birth to harvest, we raise our cattle the natural way—on pasture, without toxic chemicals or unproven vaccines. Read on to learn more about the quality and value we provide our customers starting at the Cunningham Ranch in Jordan Valley, Oregon and ending at the graces of your family table.
Imagine the American West before fences. Endless grasslands stretched to the horizon, wide open and free. Livestock moved with the rhythm of the land, guided by skilled herders who understood how to work with nature—not against it. There were no steel posts, no wires, no grids—just animals, people, and a shared understanding of movement and timing. This was the original way of livestock management: intentional, responsive, and deeply in tune with the land. Fences, as we know them, are a relatively modern invention—useful, yes, but they’ve also made us more stationary and more separated from that old rhythm. At Cunningham Pastured Meats, we’ve found a way to return to those roots—while stepping into the future. We're excited to announce that we’re implementing virtual fencing through a company called Halter. Using GPS-enabled collars and gentle cues, Halter allows us to move animals exactly where we want them—no wire, no posts, no daily labor of setting up temporary fencing. Instead, we can offer fresh pasture every single day, ensuring the herd always has access to the cleanest, most nutrient-rich feed available. This also means animals no longer backtrack over soiled ground, which improves animal health, grazing efficiency, and soil vitality. What once took hours of manual fencing can now be done with a tap of a screen—giving us more time to focus on care, stewardship, and improving the land. See video of us putting collars on our cattle here<<<< Here’s what this means for you: Fresher feed = healthier animals and better quality meat.Daily movement mimics natural grazing, regenerating the land.Less stress, better welfare for the animals.Greater flexibility to adapt to weather, pasture conditions, and herd needs. This is a new chapter for us, and we’re excited to see where it leads. We’ll be learning as we go—and we’ll keep you updated as this journey with virtual fencing unfolds.
🔪 How to Cook the Perfect Tri-Tip Roast: Grill Method (Santa Maria Style): Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or your favorite rub). Let it rest at room temp for 30–60 minutes.Sear over high heat (about 500°F) for 4–5 minutes per side to get a good crust.Move to indirect heat (around 350°F), close the lid, and cook until internal temp reaches 130–135°F for medium-rare (about 20–30 minutes).Rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips. Oven-Roasted Method: Preheat oven to 425°F.Season roast and sear it in a cast iron skillet with a little oil for 3–4 minutes per side.Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 15–25 minutes, until internal temp is 130–135°F.Let rest and slice against the grain. Watch a Video Here: Pro Tips:✅ Always use a meat thermometer for best results✅ Tri-tip has two different grain directions – rotate your slicing angle halfway through✅ Pairs perfectly with chimichurri, roasted veggies, or a smoky BBQ sauce
