Discover how sixth-generation Nebraska ranchers are revolutionizing the way local families source their beef through sustainable practices and a commitment to quality that spans 160 years.
The morning fog lifts slowly over the rolling hills of northeastern Nebraska as Kyle Lammers climbs into his truck. It's 5:30 AM, and while most of Hartington sleeps, Kyle's day is already well underway. As the sixth generation to work this land, his movements are practiced—efficient without seeming rushed—as he heads out to check on the Angus cattle that represent both his heritage and his future.
"My great-great-great-grandfather shipped the first fat cattle in Cedar County," Kyle mentions with understated pride, nodding toward a faded family photograph hanging in the ranch office. "That was back in the 1800s. Not much has changed about good beef since then, except how people get it."
Beyond the Grocery Store: A Return to Tradition
In an era when most Americans are disconnected from their food sources, KL Beef Co. is spearheading a return to a more traditional, direct relationship between rancher and consumer. Their bulk beef options (whole, half, quarter, and eighth shares) allow Nebraska families and those in surrounding communities to stock their freezers with premium, dry-aged beef raised by a family they can actually meet.
"When you buy a quarter of beef from us, you're not just getting meat," explains Morgan Rhea, who manages marketing for KL Beef while running their Harvest & Haven product line. "You're getting a relationship with the ranch that raised it, the assurance of knowing exactly how that animal was cared for, and beef that tastes the way beef is supposed to taste."
This direct-to-consumer approach isn't new—it's actually how Americans purchased meat for generations before the rise of supermarkets—but the Lammers family has adapted the traditional model for today's consumers, combining old-world quality with modern convenience.
What Makes KL Beef Co.'s Bulk Beef Different
The difference in KL Beef Co.'s product becomes apparent with the first bite. Their dry-aged beef offers a depth of flavor and tenderness that's increasingly rare in today's market. But what happens before that first bite is equally important.
From Birth to Harvest: Complete Transparency
Unlike conventional supply chains where animals might change hands multiple times, KL Beef Co. oversees the entire process:
- Birth and Breeding: Replacement Angus heifers are sourced from Pearl Creek Ranch in Montana and bulls from Wagon Hammer Ranch in Nebraska, with all breeding taking place on the Lammers' ranch.
- Pasture Rotation: Calves spend a minimum of five months rotating through grassland and corn stocks, developing naturally before entering the feed yard.
- Natural Feeding Program: Their cattle receive an all-natural ration including roughage, corn silage, grain, and modified distillers—a byproduct of ethanol production.
- Ethical Transportation and Processing: When ready for harvest, cattle are transported to local USDA-inspected meat lockers within two hours of Hartington.
"People are surprised when they learn they can trace their steak or roast right back to our ranch," Kyle explains. "That's becoming rare in the food system, but for us, it's just how ranching should be done."
Understanding Bulk Beef Purchases
For those new to buying beef in bulk, the process might seem intimidating, but the Lammers family has simplified it:
- Choose Your Size: Options range from a whole cow down to an eighth share, accommodating different family sizes and freezer capacities.
- Pay by Hanging Weight: This is the weight after butchering but before cutting into finished products.
- Receive Standard Cuts: Each order includes a balance of ground beef, steaks, and roasts.
- Enjoy Special Additions: Orders come with complementary One Hand Man Seasoning and include processing and delivery (if local or within Nebraska).
Breaking Down the Bulk Options
Whole Beef
- Ideal for: Large families, those who entertain frequently, or neighbors going in together
- Freezer space needed: Approximately 16-20 cubic feet
- Approximate yield: 400-500 pounds of finished cuts
Half Beef
- Ideal for: Families of 4+ or smaller families who eat beef frequently
- Freezer space needed: Approximately 8-10 cubic feet
- Approximate yield: 200-250 pounds of finished cuts
Quarter Beef
- Ideal for: Families of 2-4 with standard freezer space
- Freezer space needed: Approximately 4-5 cubic feet
- Approximate yield: 100-125 pounds of finished cuts
Eighth Beef
- Ideal for: Couples, singles, or those with limited freezer space
- Freezer space needed: Approximately 2-3 cubic feet
- Approximate yield: 50-60 pounds of finished cuts
"Most people don't realize how economical buying in bulk can be," Morgan notes. "When you break it down per pound, especially for premium cuts like ribeyes and New York strips, the savings are substantial compared to buying those same cuts individually."
The Resilient Rancher: Kyle's Story
What makes KL Beef Co. even more remarkable is Kyle's personal journey. At age 13, he lost his left arm in a farming accident while helping milk cows. After multiple surgeries and relearning daily tasks, he never wavered from his path in agriculture.
"Ranching is in my blood," Kyle says matter-of-factly. "The accident changed how I do things, not what I do."
This resilience earned him recognition from AgrAbility, an organization that helps farmers with disabilities continue their work. Their assistance helped Kyle adapt his operation and maintain his independence as a rancher.
"I hope my story shows people that with determination and a little creativity, you can overcome just about anything," he reflects. "Every package of beef we send out is a testament to that."
A Family Legacy Continues
Today, Kyle and Morgan are raising their children on the same land where Lammers cattle have grazed since the 1800s. Their kids are already learning the business, helping with show calves for county fairs and understanding the responsibility that comes with raising animals.
"Sharing our love of farming and ranching with the next generation is one of our favorite parts of being parents," Morgan shares. "Everyone gets a part in raising the animals."
As they look to the future, the Lammers family remains committed to their mission: providing Nebraska families with exceptional beef while being conscious stewards of the land.
Experience the KL Beef Co. Difference
Ready to stock your freezer with Nebraska's finest beef? Visit KL Beef Co.'s bulk beef options to explore whole, half, quarter, and eighth shares.
For those not quite ready for bulk purchases, individual steaks are also available, offering the same exceptional quality in smaller quantities.
Questions about bulk beef or curious about the ranch? Contact the Lammers family directly to learn more about their story and products.
KL Beef Co.: Six generations of Nebraska ranching, delivering premium dry-aged beef directly from our family to yours.