Our Story

Taking Back the Food System

The Allegheny Grass-Fed Cooperative began with a desire to put control back in the hands of small farmers and create stability in our food system.

As farmers and citizens, we were troubled by the fact that just four companies control 85% of all beef production in the U.S. The fragility of that system became all too clear during COVID. We were also troubled by the environmental impact of conventional beef farming. 

We wondered… is this really the best we can do for our families, communities, and the land? We wanted to be part of a solution. So we banded together.

The Allegheny Grass-Fed Cooperative is a collective of farmers in western Pennsylvania raising grass-fed beef for the benefit of all. We are land stewards. We farm for our customers, families, communities, animals, and the planet. The result is incredible beef and a better world.

Meet Your Farmers

We are farmer-led. Our producers also serve on our Board of Directors.

Ron Kriess, Rolling Hills Heritage Farms

Rolling Hills Heritage Farms is based in Armstrong County and Butler County, PA. Ron utilizes regenerative farm practices to repair the land while providing healthy and wholesome grass-fed beef. Ron continuously strives to provide a good life for each of his animals while they bring the land back to a productive state without chemical inputs.  The result is better soil, better pasture, and a premium product.

Michael Kovach, Walnut Hill Farm

Michael is a regenerative farmer at Walnut Hill Farm in Mercer County where he and his family produce pasture-raised beef, lamb, pigs and poultry. They aim to match the animals’ natural habits and improve the soil. Walnut Hill Farm sells to consumers and restaurants seeking a better quality of meat raised in their own neighborhood. He currently serves as PA Farmers Union’s President and was previously VP & Policy Director.

AJ O’Neil, O’Neil’s Quality Devons

O’Neil’s Quality Devons, established in 1943, is located in Kossuth PA. AJ is passionate about improving the health of the soil and cattle with scientifically backed methods that mimic natural cycles, like rotational grazing and integrating trees in his pastures. In 2015 he received the Clarion Conservation District Outstanding Farmer for Agriculture Conservation Management Award, and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for Red Devon USA.

Mowery Family Farms is a grass-fed beef farm located in Armstrong County. Chuck and his family have been raising grass-fed beef using regenerative practices since 2008. They treat their animals with tremendous care and in harmony with nature. 

Chuck Mowery, Mowery Family Farms

Our Values

Integrity.

We commit to doing what we say we’re going to do.

Quality.

If it doesn’t taste good, why bother?

Sustainability.

We’re building a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

Diversity.

Diversity at every level makes for a stronger system.

Meaningful Work.

We want to make the world a better place for you and your family.