Holding Ranch

Holding Ranch produces quality grass-fed beef from birth to harvest without the use of antibiotics or hormones. When you see the beautiful rolling grasslands of the pristine Surprise Valley, it is easy to understand why this meat tastes so amazing. The Holding Family is committed to creating a more sustainable food system and conserving the environment. This ranch is located on an old homestead from the late 1800s, complete with a blacksmith shop and old-growth orchard. Most importantly, we receive water for our irrigation directly from the Warner Mountains close to the head of Soldier Creek. Our cattle are born on our pastures and live their whole lives free range, eating our pastures or hay and drinking pure water in their natural environment.
In 2005, Hunter started selling grass-fed and finished beef and became the first grass-fed beef vendor at the Walnut Creek Farmer's Market. Demand for the beef took off, and in the next two years we began selling at farmers markets in San Francisco, San Mateo, Menlo Park and Pleasanton, in addition to local food stores. (We now run a smaller herd and sell bulk beef directly to our customers.) During our 2010 search for replacement herd bulls, we were introduced to Murray Grey cattle. They were touted as easy gainers on grass with moderate size and docile temperaments. We decided to buy two, and were pleased with the resulting calves. When we butchered the calves two years later, we were amazed with the product, The meat was well-marbled, tender and had a fantastic flavor. As our Angus cows aged out we replaced them with Murray Grey heifers and our herd is now 100% Murray Grey. Current certifications are: Animal Welfare Approved and Certified Grass-fed. As time permits, we are pursuing additional certifications.