Little Cow Mountain Farm
Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography
Debra and Kyle of Little Cow Mountain Farm have been raising cattle for more than 25 years. Debra was raised on an organic farm and has lived a farming and ranching lifestyle her entire life. Her husband, Kyle, joined her in this ranching life and has learned every aspect of raising cattle and horses along with their current regenerative operation. His first horse was standing in pasture ready to teach him the ropes before they married.
Cattle and horse operations have ranged from Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, and Idaho. For years they raised cattle and took the feeders to the sale barn each fall. Several years ago, they chose to reduce their cattle operation and focus on a smaller, more intimate operation in Idaho.
“Our goal was to bring a quality meat product directly to the consumer. In 2016 we added pastured poultry meats and eggs to the operation. Our current operation provides a wonderful way to live our lives and we truly enjoy bringing the best products possible to our guests and clients.”
What is regenerative farming and how is it utilized at your farm?
A regenerative farm follows the natural cycles of nature. We cull/process beef in spring and fall following the natural growth of our cattle. We raise our meat poultry from spring to fall to utilize our pastures, raising them outside in fresh air and sunshine. In the winter months, our land rests, hopefully under a blanket of snow. Farming in high desert land presents a challenge with water use and pasture growth. That is where our animals help us. Using an intensive rotational grazing system, moving cattle and chicken daily, allows for proven pasture growth and healthy soil. The more biomass and nutrients we can give to the soil, the less water we need to maintain a healthy pasture system. Checking for root depth and worms in the soil gives us a great indication of how our program is working.
This method provides all the inputs required to improve our soils. We also compost everything on our farm, spreading it into areas that need more help and on our garden and orchards. Nothing goes to waste in this system. Using all the tools nature provides us is creating a beautiful little farm filled with happy people and animals. We are blessed!
What products do you offer and where can we find them?
Little Cow Mountain Farm offers free range eggs, pasture raised poultry meat (whole chicken, half chicken, breast, thighs, legs, wings, backs, liver, heart, gizzards, and grass fed and grass finished Angus beef. Custom beef shares in halves and quarters are available in spring and fall. Beef by the cuts are available in limited supply.
Poultry, beef and eggs can be found online at littlecowmountain.com. Purchase at the farm is available, just give us a call first at 208-249-1011. You can also find us most Saturdays at the Boise Farmers Market.
Debra also works at her Art studio located at the farm. Her art encompasses the ranch/farm lifestyle and Idaho wildlife. You can view and purchase art at www.debrabrunerstudio.com.
