Rich Valley Grazers

Rich Valley Grazers is a fifth generation operation. They use an variety of cutting edge and innovative grazing techniques to finish high quality grassfed beef in Saltville, Virginia. They run an angus crossed herd and have been introducting both Devon and Red Angus genetics. Their management practices include intensive and mob grazing year around! As soon as their calves are born they are greeted by the spring lush which enables the mother to forage on high quality grasses just as her nutritional needs increase as a lactating cow. In 1995 they were awarded Cattle Producer of the Year in Virginia. We are happy to have them as a part of Hickory Nut Gap Meats program.

Each year we raise about 60 steers and 350 pigs here on our farm but as the increased demand for consistent, high-quality grassfed beef is becoming more evident in the local marketplace we have begun to work with other grassfed beef producers to answer our customers' requests. As a result we have formed relationships with a small group of skilled farmers within a 200 mile radius of our farm who meet our producer protocol and now raise meat for our wholesale markets under the Hickory Nut Gap Meat brand.

Hickory Nut Gap Meats animals consume only their mothers milk and forages during their entire life while rotationally grazing on pasture. This production model eliminates the need for administering subtherapeutic antibiotics. If an animal were to become sick it would be treated as needed but not allowed to enter our meat supply. Growth hormones are never used here at Hickory Nut Gap Meats. Hickory Nut Gap Meat's animals are handled using low stress handling methods and are minimally hauled to one of the two nearest processors for harvest. Both of the processors we use have passed reviews by Animal Welfare Approved, meaning they meet the highest welfare standards for the animals we have processed there.”

2011 Grasfed Beef Producers

Dobson Family Farm
Rich Valley Graziers
Hyatt Farms
Hilltop Angus Farms