THE COWBOY CORNER EDITION 17 VOL.1

 

 

A Taste of the Best: Our Certified Angus Beef Journey

Last week, Helen and I had the opportunity to attend an important business trip to New York, hosted by none other than Certified Angus Beef (CAB). You may have seen their logo on various beef products. What C.A.B. does is right there in the name—they certify Angus beef. To earn this certification, ranchers, processors, and sales teams must meet a rigorous set of standards. This ensures that every C.A.B. product delivers consistent quality and taste. TriTails already meets these requirements, which is why we’re excited to align ourselves with such a well-recognized brand. Their motto says it all: “If it’s not certified, it’s not the best.” At TriTails, we believe we’re more than just great beef—we strive to be the best of the best. I know this personally because my own journey from vegetarian to beef enthusiast taught me just how special our beef is.

From Stockbroker’s Son to Rancher

Some of you may already know this, but here’s a little refresher. I didn’t grow up on a ranch—I actually married into one. Raised in Pennsylvania as the son of a stockbroker, I had little exposure to ranch life. Even though we lived near Lancaster, known for its agriculture and Amish community, the focus there was on dairy, not beef. I remember my dad grilling steaks, but honestly, it wasn’t something I looked forward to. The steaks were often chewy and disappointing, and beef never really made it onto my list of favorite foods.

Then, COVID hit. Helen invited me to stay at her family’s ranch, where I found myself immersed in the world of cattle ranching. Watching the cows roam freely on open pastures and witnessing the care that goes into raising them was eye-opening. And then, of course, there was the taste. The beef wasn’t anything like what I grew up with—it was tender, flavorful, and didn’t give me the stomach issues I used to experience. That’s when I truly became a beef enthusiast. This is what I believe C.A.B. and TriTails are offering: a consistently high-quality product that changes the way you think about beef.

(Me my first time on a horse)

Our Customers Agree: This is What Beef Should Taste Like

As I took on the role of retail manager at TriTails, I noticed something from our older customers. They kept telling me the same thing over and over: “This is what beef used to taste like.” Some even said it was better than they remembered. I believe that’s because when beef is raised on a pasture with care, and when it comes from a ranch that prioritizes quality over cost-cutting, it simply tastes better. The modern food industry often emphasizes making things cheaper at the expense of quality, but at the CAB conference, I was reassured that the trend is shifting. More and more, people want high-quality products, especially when it comes to something as important as the food they’re putting on their tables.

Certified Angus Beef: The New York Experience

Our wholesale operation is already proudly certified by C.A.B., and we’re working on getting our retail side certified as well. While we’re not there yet, it’s a process we’re fully committed to, and we hope to achieve that certification soon. Partnering with C.A.B. means aligning ourselves with a brand known for its commitment to quality—something that’s central to our mission at TriTails.

Attending the CAB conference in New York was a fantastic experience. We connected with others who share our passion for ranching and high-quality beef. C.A.B. isn’t a company—it’s a promise to the consumer, an assurance that the beef they’re buying meets a high standard. It was refreshing to meet people who cared about the integrity of their product, rather than just cutting costs. For those of you who’ve tried our retail beef, you already know just how good it is. Now, with C.A.B. on our wholesale side, you can be sure that whether you’re buying directly from us or through one of our partners, you’re getting the best of the best.

(Helen and I at the C.AB. conference)

A Story That Comes Full Circle

Looking back, my journey from vegetarian to beef enthusiast may seem like an unexpected one, but it’s rooted in the same principles that guide us at TriTails: quality, care, and passion for doing things the right way. Whether you’re a longtime customer or just discovering us, we hope you feel the same appreciation for what truly great beef tastes like.

Thank you for being a part of the TriTails family. We’ll continue working hard to bring you the highest-quality beef—because, at TriTails, it’s not just about great beef. It’s about delivering a product you can truly trust, every single time.

 

 

 

Meet the Author:
For those new to my newsletter, I’m Connor McCauley, and I’m married to a fifth-generation rancher. Much of what I write comes from my own perspective, which is shaped by a unique blend of backgrounds. Raised in the home of a stockbroker in Southeast Pennsylvania, my outlook often contrasts sharply with my current life on a Texas ranch. In 2015, I moved to Colorado to pursue a career in the ski resorts, where I met my amazing wife, Helen. By 2021, we made the full-time move to her family’s ranch, where I’ve taken on a range of roles—from ranch hand to marketer to retail manager.