Organic Prairie and Dakota Beef Enter Into Landmark Partnership to Boost Certified Organic Cattle Supply

Multiyear partnership will maintain high quality product and supply to meet increasing consumer demand

HOWARD, S.D., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- CROPP Cooperative, North America's largest farmer owned co-op, which markets products under the Organic Valley and Organic Prairie brands and Dakota Beef, the largest vertically integrated 100% Organic Beef producer in the United States, have partnered to expand the US organic beef cattle supply in a multi-year agreement. Consumer demand for high quality organic beef has been exceptional and this partnership will ensure supply to an increasingly savvy and discerning organic consumer.

Dakota Beef's CEO Scott Lively says, "Currently there is a large number of organic cattle available. However, the Partnership with Organic Prairie is significant for several reasons; by combining our efforts we expand our reach in the marketplace to answer consumer demand while maintaining exceptional quality, we will ensure a strong supply of organic beef through the end of year and all of 2009."

Tedd Heilmann, General Manager of Organic Prairie states that, "Consumers have shown us that they want certified organic products that are not treated with artificial hormones or antibiotics, products from companies that demand reduction in impact to the environment, and have established fair partnerships with producers without sacrificing taste. We feel this partnership will provide the consumer with a consistent supply of exceptional quality certified organic beef."

While other beef companies are struggling to supply the market with increased demand as traditional retailers take organic beef "behind the counter" and offer more choice cuts, Dakota Beef is flush with cattle and prepared to meet demand. Innovative supply chain management and long term partnerships with certified organic beef producers make this possible. Looking forward, the partnership with Organic Prairie will ensure strong supply chain in the future, "We currently see more certified organic calves on feed than ever before and that bodes well for the demand that this consumer driven product is creating," says David Wilcox, an organic cattle finisher from Madison, South Dakota. Ranchers are happy too, Mike Olson, a 1000 head organic rancher from Utah says, "The organic cattle industry seems likes it become streamlined and organized for the first time ever, which is great news for those of us who have stuck with it for so many years."

Dakota Beef, LLC is the leading certified 100% organic beef company in the country. Dakota Beef operates its own 33,000 square foot certified organic; USDA inspected processing plant in Howard, South Dakota the heart of cattle country. Dakota Beef is all 100% certified organic beef products and its cattle are never administered antibiotics or growth-promoting hormones. All cattle are born and raised on certified organic pasture in the Midwest. Its cattle are always treated humanely both to reduce stress, and to help their natural immune systems operate at their fullest potential. Dakota Beef finishes its cattle on a proprietary mix of certified organic grains to promote high levels of marbling and ensure consistently flavorful and tender beef.

Organic Prairie is the meat brand from CROPP Cooperative, who also market certified organic dairy, eggs, juice, soy, and produce under the Organic Valley brand. CROPP is North America's largest farmer-owned cooperative, with over 1,200 members in 32 states. Organic Prairie offers a full line of certified organic chicken, pork, turkey, and beef, and has been producing organic meat products for over 10 years.