How it all started

Fair Oaks Ranch has been my family’s home business since 1959, yet it was only in 2001 that a unique opportunity presented itself to me. This is when I joined forces with David Foss, a New Zealand rancher with 28 years experience in the cattle industry and the former manager of Turihaua Angus.

Turihaua is the most renowned Angus cattle producer in his country, earning their reputation with over 100 years experience selectively breeding cattle that produce choice beef, fed solely on grass and clovers. David was given my number through a dear friend of his wife’s and after only two weeks his call from New Zealand resulted in our partnership. David was looking for a home for his finest Angus genetics herd, and I was looking for a cattleman with experience in ranching from the soil up.

The land has taught me many things- most importantly, that living in harmony with nature is healthier than working against it. The meat you buy in the store comes from cattle that have been fed corn, grain, or feed byproducts. Cattle that are fed in confinement are routinely fed high carb diets with low doses of antibiotics and added hormones to make them bigger, quicker. The result is a fattier meat and a loss of vital nutrients. My search began for ways to return to natures’ model in order to produce beef bursting with flavor, low in fat and nutritious.

Our shared philosophy of cattle ranching and our deep values based on sustainable farming and healthy food inspired David and I to bring Turihaua Angus stock to America. We agreed it was all about working with the land’s own resources, using superior cattle, managing stock humanely, feeding only fresh grasses, and never using antibiotics or hormones. Today, Fair Oaks Ranch is a leader in sustainable family farming, producing the finest, naturally raised Angus grass-fed beef in California. Our “from pasture to plate” philosophy helps us provide our discerning customers with the healthiest, tastiest beef possible.

-Coco Collelmo, owner of Fair Oaks Ranch