Parker Pastures: Regenerating Land, One Heard at a Time
Our Shared Vision
At Parker Pastures, the mission goes far beyond raising cattle. Bill, Kelli, and Cloe Parker are committed to stewarding creation by promoting life in all its forms—from the soil microbiome to the families who gather around their dinner tables. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to produce healthy, nutrient-dense grass-fed beef in a way that regenerates the land, supports family well-being, and fosters honesty and integrity in all relationships.
Partner Spotlight: Our Visit with Bill and Kelli Parker
We had the pleasure of visiting our largest supplier, Parker Pastures, in the breathtaking Gunnison Valley of Colorado. Over a meaningful conversation, Bill and Kelli shared insights on holistic land management, regenerative grazing, and the belief that food can be medicine. They also revealed why building strong relationships with customers is one of their greatest joys in ranching.
👉 [https://soundcloud.com/andrew-faires-48267262?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing]
Why Parker Pastures Beef Stands Out
Raised at high elevation on rich, biodiverse pastures, Parker Pastures' cattle are 100% grass-fed and grass-finished, never given grain, antibiotics, growth hormones, or synthetic inputs of any kind. Their cows roam freely, grazing on a variety of native plants, drinking clean mountain water, and living in sync with natural rhythms. This approach results in tender, flavorful beef—rich in nutrients and full of the marbling you’d expect from top-quality cuts.
Their commitment to Holistic Management ensures that the cattle not only produce exceptional beef but also help regenerate the ecosystems they inhabit. With a thoughtful grazing plan and a late autumn harvest, Parker Pastures consistently delivers high-quality, ethically raised beef. Their operation proudly holds a Step 4 rating from the Global Animal Partnership (GAP), reflecting their high standards for animal welfare and environmental care.
Meet the Parkers
Bill and Kelli Parker founded Parker Pastures in 2006 with a dream to blend their deep knowledge of ecology, livestock production, and holistic management into a ranching model that heals the land. Alongside their three children, they live, work, and care for their animals on the ranch—making this truly a family endeavor grounded in purpose and passion.
Rancho Largo: Living Within the Land
Their Philosophy
At Rancho Largo, land is not a backdrop—it’s a partner. The Grissom family sees ranching as a way of participating in the ecosystem rather than controlling it. Their mission is to adapt and respond to the rhythms of nature, letting the land guide their decisions instead of imposing upon it.
Regenerative Ranching on the Shortgrass Prairie
Spanning 14,000 acres of arid grasslands and dramatic canyons in southeast Colorado, Rancho Largo is a living example of ecological ranching. Over two decades, the Grissoms have fostered a deep relationship with the landscape—one shaped by observation, humility, and adaptive management. Today, hundreds of cattle graze alongside wild species like elk, antelope, and bighorn sheep, filling the ecological niche once held by buffalo.
Grazing practices at Rancho Largo are carefully planned to mimic historic wildlife migration patterns. Every decision—from when to graze to how long to rest a pasture—is made with ecosystem health in mind. These choices affect everything: water retention, plant diversity, soil microbes, and the broader web of life. The ranch’s success is measured by one key metric: ecological diversity. Rancho Largo is proud to be part of the largest intact working landscape in the Central Shortgrass Prairie Ecoregion.
Meet the Grissoms
Grady Grissom returned to his native Colorado in 1996 after years away pursuing education and starting a family with his wife, Lynda. Together, they raised their daughter, Brooke, and built a life rooted in the land. The early years were tough, but they discovered a truth that still guides their work today:
"We don’t manage the land—we learn from it."
—Grady Grissom
Their approach reflects a deep respect for the complex systems of nature, and it’s this philosophy that has made Rancho Largo a cornerstone of sustainable ranching in the region.
