WHAT WE FEED AND WHY
COW #174 Is sharing our Multigenerational Family Secret for Raising Clean, Nutritious, Delicious Beef
What Do We Eat at Boschma Farms?
Hey, I’m 174, also known as "Big 174" here at Boschma Farms. If you're wondering what we bovines eat to become such delicious, tender beef, I’m here to tell you.
At Boschma Farms, it’s all about great nutrition, and we take that seriously. From lush pastures to premium hay and fresh veggies, everything I eat is carefully chosen to ensure I stay healthy and strong.
Want to learn more about our feeding program and what makes Boschma Farms beef so tasty and nutritious?
Read onto discover the five core principles they follow to raise us into healthy, well-fed cattle and produce exceptional, nutrient-dense beef!
California may have droughts and dry seasons, but thanks to the freshly irrigated pastures here at Boschma Farms, we don’t have to worry about that. We get to graze on lush green grass year-round—because let’s face it, no one likes a boring, bland meal, no matter how nutritious it is. Even us cows need a little flavor in our life!
From here, I’ll let the experts tell you more about why we what we eat—because, well, I'm too busy eating and enjoying this California sunshine.
FACT#1: Grass-Fed Means Hay too!
Yes, it's true—and this is a question we get asked all the time. A common misconception is that "grass-fed" only means fresh, green pasture. In reality, hay is simply dried grass—harvested at its peak nutrient density and packed into bales. It’s a crucial part of a truly grass-fed diet, making sure our cattle get high-quality forage year-round, even when fresh pasture isn’t enough to sustain them.
FACT #2: HAY is essential for variation
Cattle are ruminants, meaning their digestive systems are designed to process a variety of high-fiber grasses. A single type of pasture grass alone isn’t enough to meet their broad range of nutritional needs. That’s why we feed a variety of premium hay, ensuring:
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Gut Health – A fiber-rich diet keeps their digestion functioning properly.
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Lean Muscle Growth – Nutrient-dense hay provides the ideal protein balance.
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Superior Marbling – Proper nutrition enhances tenderness and flavor, giving you beef that’s rich in omega-3s and vitamins.
Feeding our cattle quality hay means they’re getting all the nutrients that make grass-fed beef so rich in flavor and packed with essential fatty acids and keeps their digestive system healthy, supports lean muscle growth, and enhances the natural marbling of their meat. This is what makes grass-fed beef so rich in nutrients.
FACT #3: We know QUALITY hay
It helps when your hay supplier is… well, YOU. As the owner of JBT inc, Riley carries on the Boschma legacy of sourcing and supplying top-tier hay across the Western U.S., meaning our cattle get only the best—no mystery forage, no junk food sweet feeds, just premium, nutrient-rich hay handpicked for healthy, thriving cattle.
When you choose Boschma Farms beef, you're not just getting "grass-fed"—you're getting expertly fed, meticulously cared-for beef that delivers clean, nutritious, and delicious flavor in every bite.
FACT #4: Cattle THRIVE on Veggies too!
By feeding our cattle real, nutrient-dense food, we ensure they are not only healthy and thriving, but that their beef is naturally richer in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it more nutritious for the consumer.
We don’t stop at grass and hay, our Cattle Eat Their Veggies Too—and that’s how we ensure they get the omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants that enhance the nutritional value of our beef.
These vegetables boost not only their health but also the nutrient density of the meat by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants cattle wouldn't otherwise receive from grass and hay alone. Think of it as them eating the rainbow:
• Carotenoids & Vitamin A (from carrots, pumpkins, and leafy greens) → Support immune function and improve fat color and quality.
• Vitamin C & Antioxidants (from bell peppers, squash, and tomatoes) → Reduce oxidative stress, leading to healthier muscle tissue and improved meat texture.
• Potassium & Magnesium (from leafy greens and root vegetables) → Enhance hydration, muscle function, and overall well-being in the cattle.
FACT #5: Grain Finishing is ESSENTIAL for FLAVOR
While our cattle spend most of their lives on grass and forage, creating a nutrient dense lean beef but we believe in finishing them with a carefully balanced ratio of grain to achieve the tender, juicy, well-marbled beef that people expect in a premium steak.
Grain-finishing enhances:
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Marbling – Creating the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes a great steak.
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Flavor Depth – A richer, more balanced beef flavor.
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Consistent Quality – Ensuring every cut is flavorful and tender.
This grass-fed, grain-finished approach allows us to combine the best of both worlds—giving our cattle the natural, nutrient-rich diet they are designed to eat while delivering a superior beef product that is tender, flavorful, and nutrient-dense.
Big 174 here—back again to tell you the FOOD is my absolute favorite part of life here on Boschma Farms!! Trust me, you’re gonna love the results just as much as I do!
THE RESULTS
Beef so GOOD You Have to Experience it for Yourself
We raise our cattle with precision, care, and a deep understanding of animal nutrition—a foundation built on generations of experience in dairy farming, hay brokerage, and working alongside professional human and animal nutritionists.
By feeding them a grass-based diet enhanced with premium hay, fresh produce, and a carefully managed finishing process, we produce beef that isn’t just exceptional in taste but also rich in nutrients, naturally raised, and deeply satisfying.
MEET RILEY
From Managing Dairy Cow Diets to a Life’s Mission of Health & Wellness
For Riley, nutrition isn’t just about cattle—it’s a way of life. Having spent her youth overseeing dairy cow diets for thousands of milk cows daily, she developed a deep understanding and appreciation of how food impacts health, longevity, and overall well-being. But this knowledge didn’t stop at livestock.
When faced with severe food allergies in herself and her son, Riley turned her expertise in animal nutrition into a personal mission to heal through food. Using integrative health principles, she has successfully managed and improved food sensitivities and overall health for both her and her family.
Her journey inspired her to use her knowledge and passion to help others as a Integrative Health Specialist, combining proven techniques, nutrition, and holistic wellness to help others overcome chronic health issues, restore balance, and reclaim their health. Her story is one of hope and healing, proving that what we eat truly matters—whether it’s for livestock or for ourselves.
A LEGACY OF SERVING
Serving You with Clean, Nutritious Beef Is More Than a Job—It’s Our Purpose
We farm because it’s who we were made to be. We do it for you—our community, our customers, and our neighbors—and we do it for ourselves, because providing clean, nutritious beef is an honor and a calling. Every decision we make is rooted in faith, family, and a deep respect for the land, ensuring that what we bring to your table is the very best.
But this work is more than just farming—it’s healing. It’s a legacy of care, of honoring the cattle who were a source of comfort during some of Riley’s darkest days. The pasture wasn’t just a place to raise cattle; it was where she found peace, strength, and purpose. And she pours that same care into every cut of beef, so you can serve your family food that truly nourishes—body and soul.
We deliver nutrition and flavor—the best of both worlds. See what our customers have to say....
"I highly recommend this beef to all my patients and friends."
I have been looking for a grass fed beef that is high in omega 3s and is as tasty as grain fed. Riley's ability to add extra vegetables to her cattle's feed has done just that. As a chiropractor and health practitioner I highly recommend this beef to all my patients and friends.
Dr. Jon Gundlach
Orange County Ca
"you can’t beat the price and quality"
We love Boschma beef!
You can seriously taste the difference and you can’t beat the price and quality. We love buying in bulk and having meat in the fridge, it makes making dinner easier throughout the week.
Laurie Bokelman
Norco, Ca
"Thank you for great quality meat!"
Thank you for great quality meat! Curtis and I have made ground beef a part of our every Monday through Wednesday Intermittent fasting/rest days… since the 1st he is down 12 pounds, and I am down 8 (and its only the 22nd today)
Ashlee & Curtis
Norco, Ca
"I couldn’t even imagine going back to the big box stores"
I have been focusing on food quality and came across Boschma Farms. After doing more research, I decided to move forward with purchasing a half cow for me and my family. I could not be more happy with the quality and taste of the meat, as well as the service from the farm. I couldn’t even imagine going back to the big box stores, and as someone who is not good with tech, it was easy for me to place an order and communicate directly with the folks over at Boschma Farms. I highly recommend.
Mary Higelin
Norco, Ca
" making every meal a delight"
The quality and freshness of the meat is exceptional – tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Every cut I've tried, from roasts to ground beef, has exceeded my expectations. The taste is rich and fresh, making every meal a delight.
It feels great to invest in a company that not only provides top-tier products but also cares about its community and customers. The customer service is outstanding – they are friendly and knowledgeable. It's clear they take pride in what they do, and I will definitely be returning for more.
Lisa Miranda
Ontario, Ca
"We knew we could trust them."
We started buying our beef in 2020 from the Boschma’s, during C@VID. With everything going on we were not sure of the beef coming from the stores. We knew we could trust them, we have known them for many years and also have done business with them.
Boschma beef is one of a kind. It’s tender, juicy and tastes amazing. We know there is not extra additives or hormones in our beef.
When we have someone ask about our beef or about buying beef we always recommend buying from Boschma’s Farms.
Josh & Ursula Dalton
Dalton Transport Norco, CA
"We buy a 1/4 of a cow about every 6 months"
Since Winter 2023, my family has purchased all of our beef from the Boschma’s. I have saved so much time on meal prep and planning. I absolutely LOVE shopping for a readily available variety of cuts-of-beef from my own freezer! Feeding a family of 6 can seem like a daunting task, not only financially, but time-wise, and needing to meet everyone’s nutritional needs. It doesn’t have to be though, and Boschma Beef is the way to go!
Wiebe Family
Norco, Ca
"It’s such a relief to know exactly where our meat comes from"
My family and I are *thrilled* to be loyal customers of Boschma Beef! For the past few years, we’ve consistently been blown away by their selection of beef. The quality is absolutely incredible—far surpassing anything you’d find at the grocery store! It’s such a relief to know exactly where our meat comes from, with no nasty antibiotics or hormones lurking in it. Honestly, once you try Boschma Beef, there's just no going back! The excellence is unbeatable!
Not to mention, it’s been a fantastic source of protein and nourishment for our two growing teenage boys.
We truly can't thank Boschma Beef enough!
The Mayer Family
Norco, Ca