We interviewed K4 Gourmet Beef to learn more about Rick & Sarah Kieckhefer and their family ranch. They shared some wonderful insight about their history, values and goals.
Tell us about yourselves: In Yavapai County, since 1941, the Kieckhefer family has been steadfastly committed to raising and selling premium beef for the consumer. Our cattle are grain finished using a 100 percent vegetarian diet with locally sourced ingredients. We raise cattle without the use of any added hormones. Our beef products are offered frozen and vacuum sealed. K4 Gourmet Beef is dedicated to being your neighbor in the beef business!
How long have you been in business? We’ve been in business as K4 Gourmet Beef, for 3 years.
How long have you been a vendor at PFM? We started vending at PFM last year!
What do you sell, generally speaking? We are delivering a new standard of USDA Premium Choice graded beef. Boxed K4 Gourmet Beef meets our standard of Diamond A Exclusive, which graded upper 1/3 Choice. We offer various cuts including Filet Mignon Steaks, Ribeye Steaks, NY Strip Steaks, Top Sirloin Steaks, Skirt Steaks, Flank Steaks, Flat Iron Steaks, Prime Rib, NY End Roast, Tri-Tip, and Short Ribs.
How would you describe one of your products to someone who has never tried it before? Across our ranches, we share meals at the dinner table. From your first order, you are connecting to our ranching heritage. The beef you receive is the same we enjoy with our families. We are committed to raising superior beef and preserving our ranching legacy. Environmental stewardship and animal welfare are paramount.
How do your products differ from store bought products? Our cattle are born and raised on pasture.They’re grain finished using 100% vegetarian diet with locally sourced ingredients and part of the USDA verified traceability program from birth to box.
Do you vend at other markets? Which one(s)? Sometimes, we vend at the Farmers Market North Scottsdale, but Prescott Farmers Market is our main farmers market outlet.
What is your top selling product? Ground Beef and Strip Steak are our top selling products at market.
What is special about your business? What sets you apart? We honor our family’s ranching legacy by respecting the past, embracing technology and continuously improving the management of our fully integrated beef supply chain.
We strive to provide consumers of the American Southwest with premium beef raised locally by a 7th generation Arizona ranching family.
What are your business plans for the future? We seek to earn the trust and satisfaction of our customers by supplying natural, good tasting, superior beef that is sustainably raised on our expansive ranching operation.
Why is supporting local agriculture and business important to you? Our legacy honors a 75-year commitment to raising the best ranch and rope horses. Our family is devoted to improving our cattle genetics and providing quality beef, just as our history portrays. Meeting the challenges of Mother Nature, consumer demand, and volatile markets, innovation is always balanced with our historic resiliency and passion for excellence.
What is your favorite product to buy from another PFM vendor? The cookies from Shelli’s Sisters!
What is your favorite market memory? We loved to see the little kids playing with the giant bubbles.
What else would you like customers to know about you and your business? We do not use the Grass-fed Beef Claim. However, all of our cattle are born and raised on grasses that are native to the ranches we operate.
How can customers stay in touch? Follow K4 Gourmet Beef on Instagram and Facebook to see what’s happening. You can also visit our local warehouse, Tuesday-Friday, 8am-3pm for shopping and pick-up. And of course, visit us in person, Saturdays at PFM.