Carla O'Neill is the owner of Ranch En Coeur, a homestead that started as an animal rescue. Carla's love for animals drives much of what she does on her 4 acre property that houses about 100 livestock, some fruit trees, and picturesque views of the surrounding San Tan Mountains. She and her family have lived and worked the land for ten years, and in that time she went from being a vegetarian to appreciating the wisdom of regenerative farming.
'My body was failing me.' she says of her former plant-based diet. She then began researching the health benefits of eating meat and began a new diet as well as a new perspective. Carla found that her sleep, energy, and digestion all improved. Despite eating meat, Carla's love of animals and respect for life is no less fervent, if anything she says it was enhanced. Carla's mission is to connect people with their food and where it comes from.
Her main program is called 'Know It', in which people actually adopt the animal they will eventually harvest. They help care for it, spend time with the animal, and understand what it actually takes to raise livestock and appreciate the effort, time, and investment. Plus, every part of the harvested animal has a purpose, nothing is wasted. This is a far cry from picking up a packet of cellophane wrapped meat from the grocery store, and that is the point.
Carla's cows have names like Dolly, Dixie, and Delilah. She makes the extra effort to walk among them, connect, and yes, develop a relationship with the animals. It is why her ranch is called 'En Coeur', french for 'from the heart'. The animals are not crammed in together, instead they are kept healthy and happy before they are dispatched humanely. Carla says she prays on it whenever she recognizes an animal's time has come. 'We are stewards of Creation.' she says.
As a result the animals she cares for live in a natural environment, with room to roam, their food is diverse and of the best quality, ensuring a life of dignity and care. Therefore, the meat of the animal that ends up feeding you is of superior quality and taste. Whereas the ground beef that you buy from the store can actually have up to 50 different animals from other parts of the world, which also brings up the issue of sourcing as well. The supply chain issues of recent years means that food security and sovereignty can only truly be had through your local farmer.
Ranch En Coeur's farm box includes their meat, eggs, tallow, and lard as well as sourdough bread and veggies from local bakers and nearby farms. Carla also hosts farm to table gatherings twice per month, with a special event in February just for Valentine's day in which you can enjoy a five course meal prepared on site by a chef from the Culinary Institute of America trained in fine french dining. This romantic dinner includes a tour of the farm before sitting down to a beautifully prepared meal surrounded by natural desert.
In the end, anything done with love is sure to produce the best results. Carla's passion for the animals that sustain her is ultimately healthy for both body and heart.
www.ranchencoeur.com