Raising Grass Finished Cattle on Long Island

In an ever-changing environment, the consistent supply of quality food cannot be taken for granted. The agricultural industry in America has largely leaned on the reliability of massive supply chains that not only place stress on the environment, but also the consumers’ wallets. Think about a New York resident looking to buy a quality steak for dinner. Why is it that the “go-to” option for a cut of beef is the grocery store?

Consider that this grocery store beef was likely produced halfway across the country, or even outside of the country, shipped on trucks, planes, and boats, stored and frozen for long periods of time, and sourced from “Big Beef” corporate conglomerates.

Why is this considered the standard when quality grass fed beef farms like Acabonac Farms exist right in your backyard?

Does that make sense? Not really. It doesn’t make sense for you, your local community, or the environment. Purchasing locally grown and raised food is now more important than ever. When you support farmers in your area, you are building and preserving the local economy, and helping reduce the carbon footprint of the food industry as a whole.

This is doubly true for beef from Acabonac Farms. We are proud to say that we have been relentless in our efforts to raise grass fed beef using natural regenerative land management practices for years. We are thankful for the ability to produce a quality product for our community, while at the same time, supporting a symbiotic relationship with our local Long Island environment. It’s a win-win.  This land is no stranger to farming either. Long Island has a long agricultural history, and we are proud to be a part of it by raising grass fed and finished cattle here.

These fertile Atlantic soils have been appreciated for centuries. Native Americans grew crops on it, and early European settlers began to capitalize on the land for larger scale farming in the 19^th century. Farming quickly became a central component of Long Island’s economy and by the early 20th century, Long Island had become one of the United States’ most prolific agricultural centers. The importance of the American farmer was clear. So clear, that during World War II, the US government excused farmers from military duty. This was to ensure that they could continue tending to their farms – feeding the American people.

Feeding our community, while being stewards of the environment, is not just a job, it’s a duty. Agriculture continues to employ more than 10,000 people on Long Island and generates jobs for tens of thousands more, according to the Long Island Farm Bureau. The benefit of locally sourced food is undeniable both for the members of our community, and the beautiful natural environment that surrounds us.

Acabonac Farms is a proud member of the Long Island farming community. With roots that go back more than 300 years, we feel right at home.