Scio, Oregon.  
Red meat has received a lot of bad press in recent years due to various health concerns.  Joe and Karen Schueller, owners of Rain Shadow El Rancho, want to convince beef eaters that there is a meat alternative out there that tastes better and is better for them.  That something is bison meat (also known as American Buffalo).  Bison is the alternative red meat that is gaining in popularity because of the nutritional value as well as the healthy aspect of the meat.  Bison meat is the only red meat endorsed by The American Heart Association and is leaner than a skinned chicken breast! 

Eating bison is healthier than turkey, chicken, or beef, noting that a 3-ounce serving of beef contains 183 calories, 8.7 grams of fat, and 55 milligrams of cholesterol; the same size serving of chicken has 140 calories, 3 grams of fat and 73 milligrams of cholesterol; while the same size serving of bison meat contains only 93 calories, 1.8 grams of fat and 43 milligrams of cholesterol.

Bison meat is versatile and can be substituted in any recipe calling for beef.  The secret to preparing it is to cook it "low and slow".  You can ruin the meat if you cook it too long at too high a temperature.  Because it contains so little fat, the meat can dry out quickly if overcooked.  Bison does not taste gamey or wild and is sweeter than beef and more flavorful.  While it is priced a little higher than beef, bison meat does not shrink when it is cooked, so there is less waste.  Also, the meat is denser, so you feel full more quickly.  

All of the animals at Rain Shadow El Rancho are raised naturally with no growth hormones, antibiotics or chemicals of any kind.  

Located just 15 miles east of I-5 near Albany, OR, the ranch is also home to chickens that lay free-range eggs, chicken fryers, ducks for meat and eggs, rabbits, turkeys, and Shetland Sheep.  The ranch is open to the public by appointment only.  In the near future, ranch tours and bar-b-ques will be available. 

Scio Poultry Processing, Inc. is now open for processing of poultry.  We specialize in poultry processing for the small grower and backyard hobbiest.  Please call for information and scheduling.

For more information, please contact the Schuellers at (541)259-5006.