Strange Saskatchewan Diversions: U-Pick a….Cow?
Is it just me, or is this just a really strange idea?
Saskatchewan cattle farmer, Ivan Allin has launched a new business venture called U-Pick Steak Farm, which is supposed to address consumer concerns about the quality and safety of the food that they’re eating.
The Saskatoon Sun quotes Mr. Allin as saying, “The idea just came to me one day. You have the u-pick thing with strawberries and raspberries so I thought, ‘why not beef?’”
I’m still trying to figure out how that makes sense. I think most people are pretty well qualified to pick strawberries and raspberries, but I start to feel a little out of my comfort zone picking a cow, and I can’t imagine that I might feel any “safer” for doing so.
Mr. Allin suggests that this is a way for consumers to “come back to nature, watch the calves as they’re maturing and even pick one that they might want to have.”
Perhaps it’s the city boy in me but the last thing I want is a long term relationship with something I’m eventually going to eat.
You have to hand it to Saskatchewan people for their entrepreneurial spirit and who knows, maybe this turns out to be a big thing. Strange as I may think it is, at least Mr. Allin is willing to try something different and he has managed some free ink as a result. Best wishes for your success Mr. Allin. I hope you mooove a few head of cattle. 
If the idea of picking your own cow turns your crank, you can reach the U-Pick Steak Farm at 306-946-2440.
13 comments so far. We'd love to hear your thoughts.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Norm – I am a city kind of gal. I recently learned that the hanburger in the super market comes from a cow. I am just getting comfortable with the idea, but am considering becoming a vegitarian like my daughter who beleives it is O.K. to kill an animal to save a human life, but beyond that won’t eat or wear anything that can be substituted with something that doesn’t have to be killed.(complicated, but she is pretty brainy) As a gardener picking fruit or vegies is in my area of expertise, but the cow thing is beyond me.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:17 PM
Teresa, (lol) that must have been a shocking discovery for you.
I respect your daughter for following her convictions. Good thing she makes the provision (save a human life) ’cause I’m pretty sure I’d just die if I could never enjoy a steak again.
I guess this partly speaks to why this story is at least a little bit interesting to me. I’m not sure I would enjoy a steak quite so much if I had to watch the animal grow up. On the other hand, I’m not convinced that the average cow, chicken or pig will be much better off if I refuse to eat meat. In fact, I’m not sure they’d even have an opportunity to experience life at all. You know, it’s not like the cow population is going to go through the roof as they flourish in the wild. Personally, if I were given the choice to mature and be eaten, or not live at all, I think I’d chose the former.
Cows, chickens and pigs would be pretty much extinct if we all refused to eat meat (I’m sure that’s probably warped in some way).
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Teresa, that’s truly admirable – however myself, I can’t live without my beef! Tenderloin, Prime Rib… hamburgers.. *drools*!
very very interesting story though. I agree with you Norm, no way I can eat what I watch grow.. I still pretend steak is another vegetable and not a cow.. sad I know.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:18 PM
I’m a country type of girl and I’ve realized my whole life where hamburger comes from.
I don’t think the whole idea of picking your steer is to allow you to create a special bond with the animal, you’re probably not going to name it or visit on a regualr basis. The picking allows you to see the steer and see that it’s coming from a healthy herd and in return the meat you will be eating is coming from a healthy animal. I know I would personally enjoy eating juicy t-bones and tenderloins from a healthy animal as opposed a tough t-bone from an old cow. When you buy meat at the grocery store you have no idea where the beef came from, I think picking your own beef and seeing a healthly herd is a great idea.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 PM
I know this fellow and his family and they have taken a great deal of pride in the development of thier herd and maintaining an extremely healthy group of bovine! Mr. Allen’s wife works in the food services industry and operates a successful catering business called “Down Off the Farm Catering” which consists entirely of delicious “Home Cooked” meals. I believe this combination of old fashioned farm values and a strong family core makes for the quality product they have to offer!
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Gary, yum! You’ve got me thinking I should go pick myself a cow this weekend.
As I said, I do really admire the initiative to do something a little different and I have nothing but good wishes for the Allins.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 PM
I think the idea is a great one as well. I too, grew up on a farm and have never had to buy beef from a store, cause who knows it could have been a sickly one. Plus, you know that the meat is fresh. I knew a lady that worked at a grocery store and the manager told them to change the dates on the meat so it can still be sold. My dad is coming up to retirement and then we will no longer get “good fresh” beef. I can assure you that one of my first picks would be that of Mr. Allin’s u-pick steak farm.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:19 PM
I’m currently in the process of moving my business and family from Edmonton to Saskatchewan for this very reason. I believe the security and safety of our food supply is in jeopardy and have started a meat processing operation to ensure my own family has quality and safety in our food products.
I dont believe in the “Alberta Advantage’ and am actively looking for a home for us in and around the Outlook area, with the intention of hiring 3-5 people for full time employment in my sausage and jerky operations ( with excellent working conditions!) plus some part time work managing the growing of the herbs/spices I will be using in the operations.
U-pick A Cow is something I can support and as soon as I can find a location for operations, I will be working to promote this kind of agreement. to Hell with Monsanto and Cargill!
Cheers… Tim Randles
Hometown Meats
780 434-0171 Edmonton Alberta Canada
http://www.hometownmeats.ca ( under development)
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Tim, congrats on these big opportunities that you and your family are looking forward to and best wishes for a happy future in Saskatchewan. Thanks for stopping.
It seems that everyday brings a new story about how someone is being poisoned by what they’ve eaten.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:20 PM
Hi,
You should visit http://www.u-pickbeef.com for more information on Ivan Allin’s U-Pick Steak Farm.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 PM
Thanks, I just looked at the sight and it makes you realize how proud these producers are of there product.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:21 PM
I might even be able to “pick” one of those angry looking cows on the bottom picture.
Actually, I’ve heard so many great things about Allin’s operation since I wrote this post I’ve actually considered ordering. A piece of tenderloin on the grill is my absolute favorite “treat.” Do you think he’d pick one out for me? What if I just want a half?
Thanks Fawne and Lizzie.
April 3rd, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Sent to me by Fawne whom I believe is part of the Allin Farm team.
BULLETIN “Allin’s U-Pick Steak Farm” want to learn more About the beef farm off the northern shore Join us at the Allin farm for a BBQ We’ll take you for a tour and you can”meat” the crew. Friday June 29 – 5:00 p.m. Tour 7:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Call 946-2440 for details & directions We will be going on a tour of the farm as well as to the “old mud house” and down to the pasture on the picturesque north side of Manitou Lake.