We were asked by Modern Farmer magazine (@ModFarm) to take over their Instagram account for a weekend to tell the story of our ranch. These are our instagrams and highlights of our ranch-story. Gracias Modern Farmer and thanks for following along!
Saturday, November 19, 2016
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Buenos Dias from @santoninoGTO in Dolores Hildalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico, a 650-acre Limousin cattle ranch, serving the community of #SanMigueldeAllende. My name is @meagan_burns_ , and I’d like to introduce you to our ranch and community. That’s one of our two registered bulls, Guayabo, and the rest of our 140-head of cattle. #cowsofranchosantonino
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My name is @meagan_burns_, originally from Chicago, but after losing my job and my mom in 2013, I knew I had to make some massive changes in life, and declared I wanted to be a #ModernFarmer, although I had no idea what that meant. Today, #IamaModernFarmer and make #grassfedbeef at @SantoNinoGTO in #SanMigueldeAllende, and I’ve never had a more important job in my life. I’m also an @urbansketcher and I sketch a sketch everyday:)) #cowsofranchosantonino
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The French-bred #Limousin cows of @SantoNinoGTO are somewhat unique to Central Mexico, and can handle the terrain and climate of the area quite well. They are a hardy breed with easy births, steady temperament, and very lean carcass. #cowsofranchosantonino
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Initially at @SantoNinoGTO we tried to provide 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, but we live in Central Mexico, where there’s very little grass. Our momma cows would go hungry if they ate nothing but Guanajuato grass, so their diets are supplemented with nopal cacti, alfalfa, native criollo corn and sorghum. #cowsofranchosantonino
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This is @santoninoGTO’s other registered bull, “Negro” (#NegroelToro), who’s 9-years-old and enjoyed his last year with the girls, because he’s become too large and top-heavy. He has a wonderful and solid temperament, and has produced many handsome offspring. #cowsofranchosantonino
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The morning traffic jams at @SantoNinoGTO when the cows go out to the 650-acres of #Guanajuato pasture. #cowsofranchosantonino #cattleranch #cleanmeat
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Ranch owner Reed Burns, originally from Austin, has been cultivating the Mexican-Limousin breed for 12 years in Dolores Hidalgo, and has set his sights on larger agricultural projects for @SantoNinoGTO, such as greenhouses for organic produce. #IamaModernFarmer
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One of the many challenges at @SantoNinoGTO that I, @meagan_burns_ made a priority, was how the cows were treated. I’m a fan of #TempleGrandin and worked with our butcher and ranch hands to better manage the #cowsofranchosantonino, and now they no longer hit nor whip the cows to get them to move, they instead flail their arms, hoot & holler. I still cry when I see this. #cowsofranchosantonino #cattleranch
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Sunday, November 20, 2016
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Buenos Dias, my name is @meagan_burns_ and at @santoninoGTO in Central Mexico, we supplement the diets of the #cowsofranchosantonino with alfalfa, criollo corn and sorghum, which is better for our momma cows, which makes for happier and stronger baby cows. #grassfedbeef
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One year ago, it was very difficult to find clean, pasture-raised meat, let alone #grassfed meat in #SanMigueldeAllende. Now @santoninoGTO is one of two ranches that provides pasture-raised meat to the community, and I, @meagan_burns_ work alongside our third-generation #butcher to process our meat before delivering to the mercados. #IamaModernFarmer
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We at @santoninoGTO are very proud to work with a third-generation Mexican #butcher, who has taken the time to let @meagan_burns_ work alongside him and has taught me so much about making meat. How to smell it, what to look for, what to look for in a vet, and how to treat the cows. He is a master at his profession, gracious in his teaching, and has a big heart; we are very grateful to know he and his family.
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At @santoninogto, we produce our #cleanmeat to appeal to the ex-pat community in #SanMigueldeAllende, but also keep in tradition with Mexican style cuts. This cut of #grassfedbeef is from the front of the hind quarter and is called #tampiquena.
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#SanMigueldeAllende is a colorful Mexican colonial town nestled in the high desert in Central Mexico, about four hours north of Mexico City. Our vibrant town is full of ex-pats, artists, retirees and adventurists looking for a different way of life, and many of our friends are fans of the #grassfedbeef from @santoninoGTO. #cleanmeat #cowsofranchosantonino #IamaModernFarmer
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In #SanMigueldeAllende, we have more choices than ever for local and #organic fruits and vegetables, as well as #cleanmeat and seafood. @ViaOrganica is a local pioneer in the #organic agriculture and fair trade movement, and you can find @SantoNinoGTO’s meat in their store and on their restaurant menu. #grassfedbeef
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There’s a new organic cooperative in #SanMigueldeAllende called @MercadoSanoSMA, where you can find @santoninoGTO meat sold through @NaturaSMA. Our young pioneering community of food makers and revolutionists is growing each day, and I, @meagan_burns_ am thrilled to be a part of this community. And also: #GoCubsGO! #FlytheW #cleanmeat #IamaModernFarmer
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Cattle ranching in Central Mexico has many challenges, but at @SantoNinoGTO, we take great pride in raising our Limousin #cowsofranchosantonino and giving them the respect they deserve. @meagan_burns_ likes to have fun with las #vacas, like making this winning video for #IamaModernFarmer. We appreciate all the farmers, ranchers, food makers and sellers who are doing their part to make the world a little better, and a little bit cleaner and a whole lot more delicious. Gracias to all the #ModernFarmers from @santoninoGTO!
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