Alyssa Barsanti

Alyssa Barsanti started Marigold Livestock Co. in the spring of 2021 in Basalt, CO. Growing grass is a critical component to Marigold Livestock Co. In order to raise pastured livestock, immense care needs to be taken for the land.

Healthy soils need to be maintained in order for lush and diverse pasture to grow. Our ruminants graze the pastures and lay manure down. This manure is the richest, most natural form of fertilizer. Poultry scratch through the manure to help spread it, while also acting as the sanitation crew as they eat insects and parasite larvae. Pasture is then left to rest and for grass to regrow. This cycle repeats throughout the season. Each time ruminants come through, they mow the grass down, allowing it to stay in its vegetative state and continue to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Growing grass, building soil & sequestering carbon guide the farming decisions at Marigold.

How do you define your Good Meat values? I believe good meat comes from producers who care about the welfare of their livestock as well as the health of the land. They also encourage a healthy workplace environment.

Why do you raise meat that aligns with those values? I think livestock are amazing creatures and phenomenal land stewards and so I’m really passionate about raising livestock to not only positively contribute to the environment but also feed my community.

How did you become a Good Meat® producer? I first was drawn towards veggie farming, and took care of livestock because the operation also had it, but over the years I became more passionate about solely raising livestock and fell in love with the full circle of raising meat for my community. I raise pastured poultry which includes chicken and turkey, and 100% grassfed lamb.

My goal with Marigold Livestock Co. is to use animals to steward the land. I want to raise nutrient dense meats for my community, as well as build healthy soils.

I sell my meat direct-to-consumer by online ordering and local pick-up at the ranch in Basalt. In addition, I go to a farmstand at a neighboring veggie farm during summer months to sell my meat. I also have a monthly meat subscription where folks get a box of meat every month from Marigold Livestock Co. and other local producers.

What is one thing you wish more consumers knew about raising livestock for food? It’s a whole heck of a lotta work! There is a ton of care and passion (not to mention freezing mornings and hot days) that goes into every piece of meat that is on your table.

Additionally, any purchase with a small Good Meat producer, or any small business is appreciated and celebrated more than the consumer probably realizes. Support your small-scale ranchers and farmers! Sign up for my newsletter to receive news and updates regarding available product and ranch life - that’s the best way to keep up with me!

What meat, or meat dish, do you eat most regularly and what do you eat for a special occasion? I most commonly use our farm raised meats for pasta and tacos. On a special occasion I would cook up a nice steak or a rack of lamb.

What is one of your biggest challenges as a Good Meat producer? A current challenge I am facing is navigating how to increase my scale to meet my market needs, while also growing in a sustainable way that doesn’t burn me out.