Frequently Asked Questions

Was Nolan Ryan's Beef affected in the recent ground beef recall?
No. None of Nolan Ryan's Beef was involved in the recent recalls of ground beef.  Our beef is produced in a close-loop system that does not involve companies included in the recall.  The closed-loop system allows us to isolate our beef and ensure strict food safety protocols are followed.  We work closely with our processing partners in all areas of animal handling, food safety and quality control to ensure we provide only the best beef possible. If you have additional questions, please email us. 

How does Nolan Ryan's Beef ensure safe handling of cattle? 
Our company was founded on the principle of providing the very best beef to the consumer. We know we can only do this if we give the greatest care to our animals. The Ryan family and the other ranching families who started the company are committed to this industry. Not only do we monitor the feedyards where our cattle are fed, but we partner with processors who share our same values and commitment to quality and safety. Harris Ranch Beef Company and Sam Kane Beef Processors are both family-owned companies with a long history in the industry. Every year they voluntarily have their facilities audited by an independent third party for both animal welfare and food safety. We are working together to make sure the beef we provide has been handled with the utmost care, is safe and nutritious. 

Where did the idea for Nolan Ryan's Guaranteed Tender Beef come from?
From Nolan Ryan, baseball legend and rancher.  Even during his baseball career, Nolan was an active member of several beef industry organizations. He and several like-minded ranchers decided something had to be done about the consistency of beef.  They partnered with some of the leading meat experts who understand the science of beef quality and tenderness to develop the program. Nolan Ryan's Guaranteed Tender is an operation of Beefmaster Cattlemen, LP which is owned and operated by cattlemen.

What does All Natural mean? 
As defined by USDA, the term "all natural" means that a product has been minimally processed with no additives or preservatives.  At Nolan Ryan, our premium beef meets this criteria, but we don't think that's enough.  We know that consumers want to know where their food comes from.  Our definition of All Natural specifies guidelines in how we raise our livestock and the steps we take to ensure high quality product to give consumers what they want. 

Do you use imported beef?
We do not use any meat product imported from other countries. For example, some ground beef products include meat that has been imported.  We do not allow this in our product. Additionally, all of the cattle in our program are raised and processed in Texas, although some of the animals may have been born elsewhere. As is common practice, our ranching and feeding partners may purchase young calves that were born in Mexico but live the majority of their lives under the care and feeding of U.S. producers. We do not prohibit this practice.

Where do the cattle come from?
Our cattle come from farms and ranches throughout the south and southwest. All of the cattle in our program are raised and processed in Texas, although some of the animals may have been born elsewhere. As is common practice, our ranching and feeding partners may purchase young calves that were born in Mexico but live the majority of their lives under the care and feeding of U.S. producers. The majority of the cattle are born on Nolan Ryan's ranches or on ranches owned by other ranchers involved in our program. All of our producers are fully informed about the strict criteria necessary to participate in our program.  They are dedicated to doing all that they can to produce a quality product for you.

How long do you age your beef?
Our beef is "wet aged" for a minimum of 14 days. "Wet aged" means that each major wholesale cut is aged in a vacuum package in a cooler at a temperature of 33º F to 34º F. Our aged beef does not enter the retail supply with any more than 21 days of age.

What does "Guaranteed Tender" mean?
When Nolan started this brand, his biggest frustration with beef was inconsistency.  For a man known for integrity and consistency, he made it his mission to give consumers a great eating experience, every time!  For beef lovers, there's nothing better than a tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak with robust, beefy flavor. This is so important to Nolan that he personally guarantees it.  If we don't measure up to your expectations, we'll give you a full refund of your purchase price.

Do the cattle receive antibiotics?
Our cattle do not receive antibiotics of any kind within 100 days of harvest. An independent ISO-certified Food Safety Lab randomly tests our product each week for antibiotic residue. We have never had a positive reaction, but any beef showing a positive can be removed from the system before it arrives at the retail store, restaurant or our online shipping cooler.

But not using antibiotics doesn't mean that we would neglect a sick animal. Horse-back riders monitor the health and comfort of our cattle on a daily basis.  Sick animals are cared for and treated but that animal is eliminated from our program.

Should I be concerned about "Mad Cow" Disease?
Cattle produced for Nolan Ryan’s Guaranteed Tender beef never consume bovine muscle, nerve, or bone tissue of any kind (the practice believed to have caused "Mad Cow" Disease in Europe).

What about Foot and Mouth Disease?
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) only affects animals with cloven hooves, not humans. The disease does not kill cattle, but leaves them sick and non-productive. The disease is highly contagious, which is the reason there are restrictions on the importation of beef from diseased countries and on travel within those countries. Currently the U.S. is free of FMD. Although an infection of the disease would be a horrible calamity for beef producers, it would not affect the safety of the beef supply. Again, FMD does not affect humans.