Behind the Labels at Yankee Flats Meats
At Yankee Flats Meats, we’re all about transparency. We believe in knowing your farmer, knowing how your meat was raised, and feeling confident that what’s on your table reflects your values.
But let’s be honest: navigating meat labels like “free-range,” “pasture-raised,” and “free-run” can be confusing. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re real practices with real implications for animal welfare, quality, and sustainability.
So what do these labels actually mean? Let’s break it down.
🐄 Free-Range: Our Beef
All of our local beef is free-range, grass-fed, and grain-finished, with the exception of our beef from Hutley Acres which is free-range, certified organic, and grass-fed and finished (our extra lean ground beef!). This means that all our cattle are raised on open pastures, with the freedom to graze, roam, and behave naturally. Our farming families in the Okanagan and Thompson regions ensure that cattle spend the majority of their lives outdoors, eating a clean, natural diet.
What it looks like at YFM:
Our farmers at Westwold View farms, Coldstream Ranch, and Hutley Acres all give their cattle lots of space, fresh water, shade, and grass. When it comes time to finish them (Westwold View Farms and Coldstream Ranch), they are gently transitioned to a grain-based diet to enhance marbling and flavour.
🐖 Pasture-Raised: Our Pork, Lamb, & Summer Chicken
Pasture-raised means animals live outdoors on pasture, with plenty of space to roam, root, graze, and express their natural behaviours. This method focuses on rotational grazing and access to fresh forage.
What it looks like at YFM:
- Our pork is raised by Keenan Family Farms in Salmon Arm, BC, where pigs roam on large pastures and are fed non-GMO, and grains free of corn and soy.
- Our lamb is raised on lush fields in Spallumcheen, BC grazing naturally from birth to harvest.
- In the summer, our chickens are moved to fresh pasture regularly, giving them access to grass, bugs, sunshine, and space to scratch and explore.
The result? Healthier animals, healthier ecosystems, and more flavourful, nutrient-rich meat.
🐔 Free-Run: Our Winter Chicken
Free-run animals live indoors but with room to move around freely. In the colder Canadian months, when outdoor pasture isn't practical, our chickens are housed in open barns where they can walk, roost, and socialize naturally without cages.
What it looks like at YFM:
In the winter, our chickens are raised by the McKenzie family in Falkland, BC. While they’re not outdoors in snowy weather, they are still free to roam in a spacious, warm barn, kept safe, clean, and stress-free.
Why It All Matters
When you shop with us, you’re not just buying meat, you’re investing in a way of farming that honours animals, supports local families, and builds a better food system.
Our labels reflect how we farm, but our goal is always the same: to raise animals with care and integrity.
We work closely with BC farming families who share our values of sustainability, transparency, and ethical animal care. Every product you find at Yankee Flats Meats has a story and we’re proud to tell it.
Stay Connected to the Farm
Want to learn more about our meat and the families who raise it? Check out the "Our Farmers" page on our website. Or else, come visit us at our Downtown Vernon shop or the Salmon Arm Farmers Market. And of course, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @yankeeflatsmeats for all things YFM.
You can taste the difference when your food comes from trusted hands.