The farm received its organic certification from Pennsylvania Certified Organic, based in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania., in 1998. After that, Preston and Jennifer Yoder began shipping organic milk to Organic Valley, in La Farge, Wisconsin.

In 2008 Preston and Jennifer made the decision to sell the milk cows and focus on raising crops to supply to other organic farmers.

Recently their son, Clint, has been building the beef herd to provide the highest quality beef possible for those who are not only looking to enjoy the best beef product possible, but who also want to feel comfortable with the humane treatment animals receive at Ore Bank Farm. Here you will find no feedlots, overcrowding or unsanitary conditions.

If you would like to schedule a visit to our farm, call Clint Yoder at (717) 348-4503. Visits are by appointment only.

About the Farm

Ore Bank Farm is a certified organic, family-owned homestead in Belleville, Pennsylvania. We provide the highest quality of beef possible with our organically raised, grass-fed beef cows, as well as organic corn, soybeans, hay and spelt for livestock feed.

Our family traces its roots back eight generations to the initial buyer of the farmland, Christian Zook, who purchased it in 1793. The land was previously used to mine iron ore in the early 19th century. The ore was taken to nearby Greenwood Furnace, which is now a Pennsylvania State Park that still features one of the original ore furnaces.

About Our Beef

Our beef cows are raised entirely on grass, except for a small amount of grain given to our calves when they are weaned from their mothers. While Ore Bank Farm is certified organic, the cows themselves are not certified due to the cost and extensive paperwork. The cows are given absolutely no hormones, neither for breeding nor growth hormones. They are pastured on fields not sprayed with artificial chemicals.

Some beef producers and marketers pedal beef claiming it is grass fed when in fact they are feeding it corn products, since corn is in the grass family. We do not consider that grass-fed beef.

In the winter, our cows are brought inside the barn and fed wrapped hay, which is essentially cured grass.

Our herd is closed, which means none of the stock is purchased from outside. All beef currently being offered comes from animals born and raised at Ore Bank Farm. We feel this ensures quality, since there is no guarantee cows weren’t given hormones at a young age.

Peachey Foods in Belleville handles the butchering and processing of animals from Ore Bank Farm.. They are extremely knowledgeable and do an excellent job. Our family has worked with them for decades.

Products

Grass-Fed Beef

Currently, we are able to sell beef by the quarter, half or whole cow. For details on price or to find out if beef is available, you can always call Clint Yoder at (717) 348-4503 or email him at orebankfarm@gmail.com. No calls after 7 p.m., please.

To find out what types of cuts are available in a front or rear quarter, refer to this chart from the American Angus Association.

Once you place your order with Clint, you will be able to contact Peachey Foods directly to specify how you would like your beef to be processed. You will be able to choose which cuts you would like to “keep” and which you would like to turn to hamburger. You will also be able to select whether your beef is packaged in paper or vacuum-sealed. We suggest you vacuum seal your meat.

Each quarter ranges from 120 to 130 pounds of hang weight. Front quarters tend to be heavier. You will then pay Ore Bank Farm for the meat, and pay Peachey Foods for the processing.

Gypsum For Sale

Increase Sulphur levels in the soil without raising pH. Improve drainage. Loosen tighter, heavy soils such as clay. 

Gypsum is $175 per ton when picked up at Ore Bank Farm, Belleville. Spreading available for $10 per acre. Recommended spread rates are 300-500 pounds per acre.

Contact us:

Are you interested in purchasing local, organically grown beef from us? How about making a visit to the farm?

Just fill out the farm below and someone will be in touch. Or, call us at (717) 348-4503.

Visit US

4021 Front Mountain Road
Belleville, PA, 17004
United States