Certified American Buffalo TM
Vista Grand Ranch established the Certified American BuffaloTM program to maintain quality controls and a consistent supply as demand increases for American Buffalo meat.
Dr. Cindy Cassell (Ph.D., RD) evaluates all farms and ranches supplying meat to VGR to confirm that they meet the Program’s stringent quality specifications. These specifications must be met before the meat earns the CERTIFIED AMERICAN BUFFALO™ designation.
Only those farms and ranches which meet the program’s requirements can be considered a supplier of buffalo meat under the VGR label. Although we at VGR raise our buffalo according to the CAB Program standards, the Program doesn’t own all the buffalo, but works with the other producers to closely regulate and maintain product integrity.
Certified American Buffalo TM; Product Specifications and Requirements
Maturity
Young buffalo tend to produce meat with superior color, texture, firmness and tenderness. We accept carcasses from buffalo that are typically 20 to 30 months of age.
Moderately Thick or Thicker Muscling Characteristics
Superior muscle thickness indicates a higher proportion of muscle to bone.
No Dark Cutting Characteristics
Dark colored meat is not acceptable to the Certified American Buffalo Program for whole muscle cuts, however may be used in trim based products. No Subtherapeutic Antibiotics The use of
Subtherapeutic antibiotics is strictly prohibited
No Hormones
The use of growth hormones in is strictly prohibited
Free-range
All animals are raised in a manner, which allows for free movement and grazing options.
Finishing
All animals are finished for a minimum of 90 days on grass and whole grains.
Humane
Appropriate care and respect are provided to all animals throughout the growth and harvesting process.
