Slo Poke Pastures
What is a Beefalo?
What is a Beefalo?
Beefalo are a fertile hybrid between domestic cattle (Bos taurus) and the American bison, often referred to as buffalo in the United States. This unique cross was developed to combine the best qualities of both animals for beef production.
A full Beefalo contains approximately 3/8 (37.5%) bison genetics. While they closely resemble cattle in appearance and behavior, they carry the added benefits of their bison heritage, including hardiness and efficient growth.
Crossbreeding between cattle and bison dates back to the 1700s, with intentional breeding efforts beginning in the 1800s. Today, Beefalo are valued for producing lean, flavorful beef while maintaining strong adaptability and resilience.
Why Choose Beefalo?
The primary advantage of beefalo is its lean, high-quality red meat. When properly raised and finished, beefalo produces meat that is tender, flavorful, and notably low in fat. Compared with many traditional beef breeds in the United States, beefalo generally contains reduced levels of fat and cholesterol. Because of this, it is sometimes included in dietary recommendations for individuals managing conditions such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol.
A nutritional study conducted in 1994 by Central Washington University and published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (May 1994, Volume 94, Issue 5) examined the effects of consuming a bison–cattle hybrid. The research followed 12 participants over a 12-week period. Cholesterol measurements were taken before and after three separate four-week phases for each participant. The meat used in the study came from a hybrid that was approximately 25% bison and was intentionally prepared with a fat content of about 13%—higher than what is typical for most beefalo meat. Even under these conditions, participants experienced decreases in LDL cholesterol after consuming the hybrid meat during the study periods.
Overall, the findings suggested that even a higher-fat version of this bison–cattle hybrid could be associated with improved cholesterol outcomes, with standard beefalo likely offering even leaner nutritional profiles.
Why Slo Poke's Beefalo?
At Slo Poke Beefalo, we take pride in raising our animals the way nature intended. Our herd grazes on over 80 acres of pasture, with new grazing areas added regularly to give them plenty of room to roam and thrive.
Since adopting rotational grazing in 2017, we've worked to improve the health of our land while providing nutrient-rich forage for our cattle. Healthy soil supports healthy plants, which in turn helps produce healthy animals and high-quality meat.
We carefully maintain our pastures without the use of herbicides or pesticides, preserving beneficial grasses and native plants that contribute to a diverse and natural grazing environment.
Buying Beefalo Has Never Been Easier
If you're looking for high-quality beefalo meat, you've come to the right place. At Slo Poke Beefalo, we make the process simple, convenient, and stress-free from start to finish.
What sets us apart?
• We personally guide you through the cut sheet, helping you select the cuts that best fit your family's needs and preferences.
• We coordinate directly with the butcher, so you don't have to worry about managing the details.
• Once processing is complete, we pick up your meat from the butcher and bring it back to our farm for convenient pickup.
• Whenever possible, we organize and box your order in advance, making pickup quick and easy.
• Our goal is to provide not only exceptional beefalo meat, but also a smooth, personalized experience from pasture to freezer.