Alderspring Ranch

Alderspring Ranch is a family-owned certified organic beef ranch in the remote mountains of Idaho, founded in 1992 by Glenn and Caryl Elzinga with just 7 cows and 147 acres. Now spanning 1,650 deeded acres and 70 square miles of certified organic rangeland (the largest single certified organic landscape in the contiguous United States), Alderspring has been shipping grass-fed organic beef direct to customers since 2005—long before it was trendy. The ranch is operated daily by Glenn, Caryl, their seven daughters, and a small crew of dedicated range riders who live with the cattle in remote cow camps during the summer grazing season.

The Elzingas practice inherent regenerative ranching on wild, never-farmed rangeland, coexisting with wolves, bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes while preventing overgrazing of sensitive wildlife habitats. Their innovative rangeland management has sequestered an estimated 2,400 tons of carbon, far exceeding ranch emissions, while improving both cattle health and wildlife habitat. The beef has won blind taste tests against grain-fed steaks and Japanese wagyu, disproving the myth that grass-fed must be lean or gamey.

Products

• Certified organic grass-fed and finished beef
• Dry-aged steaks and prime cuts
• Ground beef and burger patties
• Roasts and stew meat
• Beef bones and organ meats
• Seasonal: certified organic lamb
• Seasonal: pastured butter
• Seasonal: raw milk sheep cheese
• Seasonal: pastured poultry and pork

Why We List Them

• 100% family-owned by Glenn and Caryl Elzinga since 1992
• Seven daughters actively involved in ranch operations
• No corporate ownership, middlemen, or outside investors
• USDA Organic + Real Organic Project certified (highest standard)
• 70 square miles of certified organic wild rangeland
• 100% grass-fed and finished on wild mountain pastures
• Dry-aged using proprietary method for tenderness and flavor
• Regenerative practices: 2,400 tons of carbon sequestered
• Coexists peacefully with apex predators (wolves, bears, mountain lions)
• Free educational course for other small producers
• 30+ years of experience; shipping direct since 2005