Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed
Lifetime grazed beef from Minnesota family farms
Overview
Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed sources beef from family farms across the upper Midwest and is one of the few brands that explicitly certifies 'lifetime grazed'—meaning no grain at any point in the animal's life, including in the feedlot before slaughter.
Full Review
Thousand Hills was founded in Minnesota in 2003 with a specific mission: to produce beef that is truly grass-fed for the animal's entire life, without the loophole that some 'grass-fed' brands exploit by finishing animals on grain or in feedlots before slaughter. The 'Lifetime Grazed' designation is their central differentiator and is third-party verified. They work with a network of small family farms in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas, where cattle graze on pasture during the growing season and eat stored forages (hay, haylage) through the winter. The brand is particularly strong in the upper Midwest, appearing in Lunds & Byerlys, Hy-Vee, and many independent natural food stores, as well as nationally at select Whole Foods and via online shipping.
Thousand Hills also emphasizes soil health and works with farms transitioning to more regenerative practices. Their products include ground beef, steaks, roasts, and a line of snack sticks and jerky.
✔ What We Like
- •Explicitly 'Lifetime Grazed' — no grain ever, including feedlot
- •Strong regional retail presence in upper Midwest
- •Family farm network with strong transparency
- •Good value relative to quality
- •Snack sticks and jerky for on-the-go options
✗ Considerations
- •Regional availability strongest in upper Midwest
- •Smaller product variety compared to specialty DTC brands
- •Winter feeding relies on stored forages, not fresh pasture
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Available Cuts & Products
Similar Brands to Consider
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2003
- Location
- Cannon Falls, Minnesota
- Sourcing Region
- Minnesota & Upper Midwest USA
- Price Range
- $8–$28/lb
- Grass-Fed %
- 100% Grass-Fed