Our animals

All or animals are Simmental-Cross. The Simmental is a Swiss breed of dual-purpose cattle, raised for both milk and meat. They are a lovely pale gold to reddish in colour with white markings around the head.

Robust, with excellent fitness

Simmentals come from the region the Berner Oberland (mountainous region) in Switzerland, and have developed into a resilient, robust breed with excellent fitness traits and good muscling. This made it an extremely popular breed as far back as the mid-18th century, and it has gone on to conquer the world. They are particularly renowned for the rapid growth of their young. 

A popular cross breed in NZ

Pure Simmentals only make up 1% of the New Zealand beef herd. However, the bulls are popular as terminal sires and are widely mated with Angus, Hereford and Angus-Hereford-cross cows. Because our animals live as nature intended, we believe this results in better animal welfare, with animals that are less stressed and happier. And at Misty Meadows, our happy, healthy cattle only eat grass and get plenty of exercise, which means you’ll find the meat is lean and healthy.

“I was a bit unsure at first about actually knowing the animal you’re about to eat. But when you visit Taryn’s farm, you can see that the animals are treated with such respect and kindness (I suspect that Taryn would starve herself before letting an animal go hungry). The home-kill guy that Taryn recommended is superb. The meat was packaged in nice meal-size packs, the mince is lean, and everything is tender. I would do this again (once I’ve saved up a bit).”

— MELLIE-SUE HANNA

Raised as nature intended

In New Zealand, we are blessed with lush green pastures, where cattle can wander, forage and graze as they wish. Because they live as nature intended, we believe this results in better animal welfare, with animals that are less stressed and happier. You’ll find the meat is lean, healthy and full of natural flavour.

Grass-fed, not grain-fed

While most cattle in New Zealand is grass-fed, many animals may be grain-fed at some point in their life, which can expose them to artificial additives. There are even some feedlots around the country where animals are sent to spend their last few months fattening up on grains. But at Misty Meadows, our happy, healthy cattle only eat grass.

Healthy, nutritious organic beef

Research shows, grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fat, higher in vitamins A and E. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, mucus membranes and skin. Vitamin A also promotes good eyesight, especially in low light

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, helping protect the body from free radicals, which are compounds that can damage the body. Vitamin E also supports the immune system and helps make red blood cells. Grass-fed beef is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids. And it just tastes better.