Partners Karl Hudson and Mann Mullen own and operate Rare Earth Farms, LLC. They raise 100 grassfed Angus crosses just outside of Raleigh. They raise cattle on pasture, with no antibiotics, hormones or animal by-products. Mullen has been farming all of his life while Hudson is returning to his farming heritage after a career in retail management.

Karl feels that the biggest challenge is educating the customer but has been pleased with the growing awareness. “Over the past few years we have been really happy with the customer response. People are giving more thought to what they put into their body,” says Hudson. Rare Earth Farms sells directly to consumers and restaurants, and will begin selling at select grocery stores in the coming months.

Rare Earth Farms uses rotational grazing to provide quality forage, and low-stress handling techniques – Karl says he has some of the friendliest cows around. “We take people out to see the cows, and they just come right up to you.” On becoming Animal Welfare Approved, Karl says, “It seemed like a natural fit.” He went on to say, “We are really happy about being associated with Animal Welfare Approved.”