Introduction

Harris Acres Farm was originally formed in 2002 as a partnership between Patrick and Amy Robinette and Amy’s parents, Larry and Dianne Harris.  The relationship was made in result of a grant that was received by RAFI-USA and the Golden Leaf Foundation that demonstrated possible alternative farming practices to diversify away from tobacco in North Carolina.

The farm is located in Pinetops, North Carolina and has been in the Harris Family for over a hundred years.  Larry and Dianne Harris operated the farm for over twenty years producing tobacco, corn, soybeans and peanuts.  In the late 1980’s they realized they could not support their family solely through traditional farming methods. They began to rent the farm land and Larry accepted a job working for Dimon International.

Patrick and Amy Robinette were married in 1996 and had the desire to one day have a farming operation of their own.  Patrick and Amy attended North Carolina State University.  After college Patrick worked for cattle operations in both the east and the Midwest.  He has been involved with both range grazing and intensive grazing; cow-calf and feedlots.  When the opportunity for the grant arose Patrick and Amy Robinette felt that this was a viable operation that could sustain the family and bring profit back to the farm.

Production

Harris Acres Farm strives to produce the highest quality beef possible by investing in excellent cattle genetics and nutritious pastures.  The goal of our operation is to graze 365 days a year.  We are able to do this in several different ways.  The first is a proper ratio of cool season and warm season grasses.  We also are able to provide winter and summer grazing through the use of annuals.  Although our beef is not certified as organic, we only apply organic fertilizers such as fish oil to better the soil nutrients and we limit the amount of fertilization being applied each year. 

Our farm follows an intensive grazing pattern.  In doing this we are fully utilizing pasture growth and return nutrients back to the soil.  Intensive grazing also allows us the ability to harvest the grass either by grazing or hay.  Movement of the cattle is dependent on rate of re-growth, weather predictions, and time of the year. 

Within our paddocks we have a multitude of grass species.  We believe that the mixtures allow for a nutritious diet in the cattle and provide for better growth.  The mixtures also include legumes to provide nutrients and reduce fertilizer needs.  Our pastures consist of a combination of orchard grass, fescue, millet, rye gain, ladino clover, lespedeza, and crimson clover.  We are always looking at other species to betters our operation.

Our herd is predominantly Senepol and Senepol-crossed cattle.  These cattle were selected based upon their natural breed characteristics.  Originated on the island of St. Croix, Senepol cattle have proven to be disease and insect resistant and are extremely heat tolerant.  These natural traits allow Harris Acres Farm to produce tender beef without the use of any vaccinations or fly control methods. 

What Makes Us Different

Harris Acres Farm is a single operation, not a corporation.  We are a family farm that promotes farm sustainability. 

Many natural beef producers make the claim that they are grass-fed but after further examining their management practices disclose that they do use grain to supplement their cattle.  Harris Acres Farms uses no grain or grain supplement.  Our cattle are 100% grass-fed animals.  Research has shown that if grain is fed to the cattle then the Omega fatty acids are not in correct balance.  It is no better to buy this kind of beef than to go to the grocery store and buy feedlot beef other than the environment positives.  Another concern is where the grain comes from.  If they are not producing the grain themselves, there is no guarantee that the no pesticide claims can be made.

Our animal production claim filed with the USDA for our label states:

Animal Production Protocol

All animals are raised on 100 % grass/legumes from birth to finish.  These grasses/legumes include but not limited to:  Fescue, Ladino clover, Crimson clover, Orchard grass, Timothy, Bermuda grass, Alfalfa, Millet, Rye, Ryegrass, Turnips, Sorghram/Sudan.  Animals may be fed hay supplement raised under our production standards.  No pesticides used.

All animals are given a trace mineral.

All animals are not administered manufactured growth hormones.

All animals are not administered antibiotics.  If antibiotics are administered these animals will be sold immediately at livestock auction.

All animals are not given manufactured fly control.

No pesticides are used on the pasture.

All the animals that we sell are what we produce so we can guarantee everything that goes into them. Larry, Dianne, Patrick and Amy are the sole employees of Harris Acres Farm.  We are with our cattle from birth to finish and can stand behind any production claim that we make.  We treat our cattle with the utmost respect and do not use any form of shock sticks which only serve to stress out the animals.

However, the thing that truly sets up apart from our fellow farmer is YOU, our customer.  When you purchase beef from us you become a part of our operation.  Our customer service does not end once the transaction is complete.  We want to know what you liked about our products and to hear any suggestions you have for the future.  We want to be a place that you can recommend to your friends with confidence.  We invite you to visit our farm and tour our facilities.  Our open door policy allows for the highest certification possible…certification from our customers.