Modern Pastures is operated by the Meunier family, a fourth-generation farming family with a 125-year agricultural legacy in the Barrhead region northwest of Edmonton. Chad and Stacey Meunier manage the farming operation, while Wade Meunier brings over 20 years of meat processing and marketing experience.

Regenerative practices: Our farming methods build soil health and enhance ecosystems

Premium quality: Canada Grade AAA or higher, aged 21+ days

Single-farm source: All our cattle are born, raised, and cared for on our farm

Full lifecycle control: We manage all aspects of production for consistent quality

Minimal packaging: 90% less packaging than tray-packaged meat

Zero food waste: Our flash-freezing and vacuum-sealing approach eliminates waste

We prioritize animal health and welfare above all. While one of our beef brands (Rooted) is raised with no added hormones, we take an evidence-based approach to animal health. We believe in transparency rather than marketing claims, so we focus on raising animals in ways that naturally support their health and well-being.

Tell me more about antibiotics.

Due to good management and low-stress animal handling, we seldom require antibiotics for the finishing phase of raising cattle. Our farm is under a program called Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) that ensures the responsible and safe use of antibiotics and vaccines.

Stopping the overall use of antibiotics has negative consequences for animal health and well-being. Responsible antibiotic use in maintaining animal health and welfare is an essential component of sustainable and humane beef production in Canada.

In Canada, antibiotic use and withdrawal times are strictly regulated. All Canadian beef is antibiotic-free; 99.99% of all meat tested by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has no antibiotic residue, and meat that tests positive is removed from the food chain. This means that all meat available for the consumer is “antibiotic free.” (source: cattle.ca)

Tell me more about added hormones.

While our Rooted beef brand is raised without added hormones, we support the beef industry's use of hormonal growth implants. It is consistent with our mission to create healthy products that reduce environmental impact. In our experience, implants help produce the same amount of beef with approximately 10-15% less feed, land, and water use.

In Canada, the level of synthetic hormone residue that can be detected in beef is zero. Health Canada requires that animals given implants follow strict withdrawal times before going to market. This is monitored and tested by the CFIA.

Beef products produced with hormonal implants contain a very low level of hormones [not statistically differing from cattle raised without hormones] that have no effect on human health. For example, estrogen concentration in 1 serving of cabbage = more than 1000 servings of beef produced using hormone implants. (source: cattle.ca)

So why is Rooted beef raised without hormones? Because parts of the same animals are marketed to the EU, where the scientific evidence of a ban on hormone use is controversial and widely considered a non-tariff barrier. We are a proud supplier to this premium international market.

Contrary to marketing claims used by others as a point of differentiation, beef products raised using hormone implants are equally safe and nutritious.

We embrace a balanced view on grain finishing because, when done properly, it can result in the lowest carbon and ecological footprint while producing unmatched eating quality. Our approach to grain finishing supports drought resilience and enhances the premium quality of the final meat product.