About us

Laura A. Freeman, Founder

In 1985, Laura Freeman founded the Laura’s Lean Beef Company on her family’s farm with two goals in mind: to improve the financial stability of medium-sized cattle operations, and to improve the nutritional qualities of beef. Today Laura’s Lean Beef is the only naturally-raised, lean beef with distribution in more than 6,500 grocery stores in 47 states. In 2008, company sales are expected to surpass $150 million.

Early on, Freeman was confident she could provide a unique product – naturally-raised, lean beef. At the heart of this endeavor was Freeman’s fundamental belief that sustainable farming practices produced healthier food and a healthier environment. She began raising leaner, heavily-muscled cattle breeds without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones and fed them an all-vegetarian diet of grains and grasses. Strict requirements for humane treatment and natural grazing were put in place.

Freeman’s greatest achievement in growing the business has been its transition from niche to mainstream. Laura’s Lean Beef is now a collaboration of over 750 family farmers. Laura’s also has a loyal customer base numbering in the hundred thousands.