Real People, Real Beef: Episode 1 of Raised Right

At Fire and Salt Co., we believe in food that’s honest, from pasture to plate. That’s why we started Raised Right, a new video series that takes you behind the scenes of where your beef really comes from. No factory lines, no smoke and mirrors. Just real people raising real cattle the right way.

In our first episode, we head to Nodaway, Iowa to visit Balance4ward Feed Yards, one of our trusted partners. Mason, from Fire and Salt, meets up with Damon Sunderman, the foreman who runs the daily operations. Damon knows his cattle, every head count, every pen, every square foot of space, and he’s serious about keeping them healthy, comfortable, and stress-free.

One of the biggest myths out there is that cattle are stuck in mud and manure all day. Damon sets the record straight. He and his crew are in the pens weekly, scraping and maintaining clean, dry surfaces so the animals can move easily, rest comfortably, and access feed and water without stress. It’s not just a job. It’s a commitment to doing things right.

Damon even compares it to checking into a hotel. You want to feel welcome, relaxed, and cared for. That’s the same philosophy here: clean pens, proper spacing, and calm surroundings from day one.

The episode gives a real sense of the people behind the beef. Damon shares what drives him, a genuine passion for the animals and for the industry. It’s clear that every choice, from pen design to daily routines, is made with the animals’ well-being in mind.

And yes, Mason does have his eye on a particular steer by the end of the episode (you’ll have to watch to see how that turns out).

Raised Right isn’t just about showcasing where our beef comes from. It’s about building trust and showing you that behind every Fire and Salt cut is a crew of people who care deeply about what they do.

Watch the episode, get to know the team, and see what “raised right” really looks like.