Michael and Mary Engler own and operate Engler Grass Fed in Sonora, providing premium, 100% pasture raised, grass fed and grass finished beef, and pastured chicken. They are committed to providing meat that is not only regenerative and nutrient rich, but also incredibly delicious. And to keep agriculture in the hands of those who actually care about our food and the land. A vision we share with them at Nature’s Whole Food Depot.
We asked owner Mary Engler to tell us more about them and their products.
What led you to beef ranching in Tuolumne County?
Michael is the 4th generation to manage his family’s ranch off of Springfield Road in Sonora. The family has always had livestock and cattle, and we have continued that but with a bit of a shift… going from all commercial cattle sales to direct to consumer beef sales.
What makes Engler Grass Fed’s approach unique?
Engler Grass Fed focuses on more than just beef production. Using techniques that improve soil and land health, our focus is heavily on what our cattle eat. This creates a product that not only has more flavor and tenderness that you typically find in grass fed and finished beef, but also is more nutritious and better for the consumer, both from a nutrition perspective and long term environmental effects.
What is grass-fed & finished? What do your cows eat?
Our cattle are raised on a 100 percent forage diet, meaning that they consume only grass and natural forages. This includes a wonderfully diverse diet— dozens of different types and species of clovers, legumes, and grasses. Our cattle are never offered any grain or additional supplementation throughout birth to processing. They never see the inside of a feedlot.
What is regenerative ranching?
At its core, regenerative ranching increases the organic material in soil, which increases the life in the soil—starting at the microbial level. This is one big chain reaction, that basically speeds up the carbon transfer from environment to below ground, and increases the amount of carbon that can be “sequestered” in the soil. We use several regenerative techniques and strategies, among them, intensive and seasonal rotational grazing, making and spreading compost, and seeding diverse perennial grasses and legumes. We also take soil samples, and over time will be able to show how much more we can do with what we have.
Do you sell pet food?
We do not currently sell dog food, but we have a lot of great organ options that our customers love to supplement their dogs’ food with.
How do you sell your products?
We have a great variety of cuts at the Depot! As well as other small, independent stores, farmers markets, and online at our webstore—delivered or shipped to your door, or picked up at the ranch. We offer individual cuts, variety boxes, as well as beef shares ranging from 1/8 all the way to whole beefs.
Any special events that feature your products?
The seasonal Sonora Farmers Market, starting soon in May, and coming right around the corner, the 43rd annual Sonora Home and Garden show at the Motherlode fairgrounds, April 18 and 19th. Hope to see you there!
