Key Takeaways
- Niman Ranch introduced a Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) beef program
- Program launches with 105,000 acres across U.S. family ranches, targeting 250,000 acres by 2028
- Initiative aims to increase domestic supply amid high organic beef imports
- Beef is 100% grass-fed and finished, sourced entirely from U.S. ranchers
- Products will be available beginning in April, with expansion planned later in the year
Niman Ranch Expands Domestic Regenerative Organic Beef Supply
Niman Ranch announced the launch of its Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) beef program, sourced exclusively from U.S. family ranches. The program debuts with a network of ranchers spanning approximately 105,000 acres, with a stated goal of expanding to 250,000 acres by 2028.
The launch comes as the U.S. cattle herd reaches a 75-year low, while demand for organic and grass-fed beef continues to increase. According to the company, more than 95% of organic beef currently available in the U.S. is imported. Niman Ranch stated that the new ROC™ program is designed to strengthen domestic supply chains and support American ranchers.
“By achieving ROC™ status at scale, we are providing a transparent, domestic organic solution that not only heals the soil while supporting American ranching families but offers the quality and consistency of product that the Niman Ranch beef program stands for,” said John Tarpoff II, Vice President of Beef at Niman Ranch.
Niman Ranch Meets Regenerative Organic Standards
Regenerative Organic Certification® verifies compliance across soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness standards under a single third-party framework.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Niman Ranch’s new beef program into the Regenerative Organic Certified® family,” said Christopher Gergen, CEO of the Regenerative Organic Alliance. “Niman Ranch’s commitment to 100% U.S. domestic ROC™ beef represents a vital investment in the future of American ranching and the health of our land and communities.”
Dr. Hillary Dalton of Compassion in World Farming added that the program represents “a significant step forward for the regenerative agriculture movement.”
Culinary-Focused Regenerative Program
Niman Ranch stated that its ROC™ beef program combines regenerative management practices with product quality objectives. The cattle are 100% grass-fed and finished, raised on diverse organic forages using rotational grazing practices.
The program emphasizes elite Angus genetics selected for marbling and flavor, with beef graded USDA Choice and Prime.
“Antibiotic-free, hormone-free, organic beef is the way of the future,” said Jordan Skinner, a fourth-generation Nebraska rancher participating in the program.
Niman Ranch’s ROC™ beef will be available beginning in April as retail-ready ground beef and sub-primal cuts for foodservice, with a broader case-ready set planned later in the year. The company will showcase the product at Expo West.
