Meet Bill and Kelli Parker | Founders, Owners, & Operators of Parker Pastures

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bill and Kelli Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bill and Kelli, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
We are part of a world-wide community of holistic & regenerative ranchers and farmers, and we are the co-founders of The Colorado Regenerative Network, which is a Savory
Global Hub.

Regenerative ranching describes ranching and grazing practices that, among other
benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring
degraded soil biodiversity – resulting in carbon drawdown, an improved water cycle,
increased plant and animal biodiversity, and more.

Contrary to popular media messages that demonize beef, well-managed cattle are one of
our best chances at improving soil health and sequestering carbon. Red meat is also a
superfood, rich in high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals.

Not all meat is equal, and I would like to address some of the concerns often cited, and
prove the environmental and nutritional case for thoughtfully raised meat.

Reducing Our Carbon Footprint
Thoughtfully managed grazing animals that are raised for meat can increase the soil
organic matter.

The soil organic matter at The Van Tuyl Ranch has increased from 6.8% in 2010 to 15%
in 2020 because we manage the grazing of our meat-producing animals to mimic
nature, and we avoid the use of chemicals on the land and animals.

Soil organic carbon is a measurable component of soil organic matter.
If a notable quantity of carbon is stored in the soil as organic carbon it reduces the
amount present in the atmosphere and this helps to reduce global warming. This
process of storing carbon in the soil is called soil carbon sequestration.

Thoughtfully managed cows, sheep, and other livestock raised for meat actually offset
Colorado carbon emissions by pulling excess carbon out of the atmosphere and storing
it where it belongs… in the soil.

Also, it has been estimated that each 1 percent increase in soil organic matter helps soil
hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre

Talk about a solution for drought!

Preserving Grasslands and Wildlife Habitats
Parker Pastures meats are Audubon Certified as “Grazed on Bird Friendly Land.”

The Audubon Society launched their Conservation Ranching program several years ago
so that when consumers enjoy a package of Audubon Certified beef, they can trust the
cattle were raised not only antibiotic, hormone, and cruelty-free, but with the health and
habitats of local birds and wildlife in mind.

Program certification is achieved by following a set of program standards in four areas:
habitat management, forage and feeding, animal health and welfare, and environmental
sustainability.

By choosing meats from Audubon-certified ranches like ours, Coloradans can contribute
to the expansion of livestock management practices that are better for our health, better
for cattle, and better for the environment.

Nutrition
Grass-fed beef is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins you can buy.
It has an extensive micronutrient profile and contains a good amount of brain-boosting
omega-3 fatty acids. Benefits from increased omega–3 consumption include decreasing
all markers of inflammation, helping with depression, and helping with focus. Recent
studies show omega–3s to be a promising alternative to alleviate attention deficit
disorders (ADHD) over stimulant medications.
Beef from grass-fed cows also contains a certain beneficial fatty acid called CLA
(conjugated linoleic acid). CLA can help prevent several diseases and conditions like
obesity and diabetes. CLA is considered to be one of the strongest nutrients which can
defend against cancer.
In addition, one serving of grass-fed beef provides an incredibly nutrient dense protein
with naturally occurring vitamin E, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12,
Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Betaine, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium,
Sodium, Zinc, and Selenium.

These are only some of the reasons why my family, community, and I choose to include Parker Pastures
Regenerative Meats in our diet.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Born with a passion for healthy lands and humanely raised livestock, we (Bill and Kelli Parker) founded Parker Pastures in 2006 after years studying and gaining experience in livestock production, ecology, and Holistic Management. Along with our 3 children, we own, manage, and provide most of the labor for this family owned business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
2 night stay at the modern and beautiful “Ruby Nest” custom home in Mt. Crested Butte. Owned by Bill’s sister and her husband, and designed by her husband, this house will provide a luxury retreat for you and your guests. The sleek 4-bedroom, 3-bath house boasts an expansive deck furnished for relaxing and dining, and is surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Explore Crested Butte and all of its hiking and biking trails in the morning, and return home to soak in the hot tub and kick back on the deck. With a gourmet kitchen, superb location, and space for the whole group, this house is truly unbeatable!

Sunflower, a Farm to Table Eatery in Crested Butte and one of the exclusive restaurants that serves Parker Pastures beef and lamb! The menu revolves around what is in season and available from local farms. The wine list is an exciting blend of Old world and New world wines, with a simple yet satisfying selection of beer. The experience Sunflower always provides is one of genuine joy. Enjoy an escape from the stresses of life soak up a world of clean, healthy indulgence that will leave you energized and inspired!

Van Tuyl Loop Trail (at Parker Pastures!),
Enjoy renowned colors and bird watching (remember Parker Pastures is Audabon Certified!) and the Gunnison River. See our happy cows grazing too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Uncle Jim and Auntie Carol Parker – they introduced Bill to Holistic Management on their ranch in Rifle, CO and he saw them transform the land using planned grazing.

Website: www.parkerpastures.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkerpasturesgrassfed/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Parker-Pastures-235351356249/

Other: Click Here to Taste our Beef Free (+ shipping and handling). https://parkerpastures.org/free-beef-order-shipping-1

Image Credits
The Parker Family