Robby and Katie Warren love their cows and their 47-acre Leesville farm.

In 2011, when they started Rocking R and K Farms, they didn’t foresee their grass-fed beef business tripling in only three years.

Robby is a 3rd generation farmer. His parents and grandparents raised vegetables, poultry and cattle.

That experience helped him and his wife meet the growing demand for grass-fed beef in a health conscience consumer market.

“I have been in agriculture all my life, and I wanted to do something a little different,” said Robby.

When Katie married Robby, she had not been around farms. But she noticed farm food tasted better than store foods.

She likes dealing with the calves and cows.

Replacing an old fence on the 47-acre cow pasture was her least favorite.

The Warrens are picky about the grass their cows eat. They have only native South Carolina grass in their pastures, as opposed to GMO grass or hayseed.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been artificially manipulated in a lab by genetic engineering.

“A normally processed calf raised in a large feedlot goes from birth to the slaughter factory in 10 months. In grass-fed cows, it takes 2 years for a cow to go from birth to processing then to the freezer,” said Robby.

On their farm, when a calf is born, they are banded and tagged, and must pass a strict inspection.

Calves that look like they might have issues are sold.

They keep only the best to raise for beef.

“We know where the cow has been, what it has been eating,” said Katie,

Grass-fed beef is a healthy alternative for meat lovers because of its low-fat content, lower cholesterol, and higher omega fats.

“Our cows have less than 2.7% fat,” Robby said.

When asked to advise anyone who is contemplating farming, Robby’s advice is simple: “prepare for hard work and no vacations.”

They sell their beef at the Chapin farmer’s market and Ridge LP Gas station in Leesville. The Warrens will make special deliveries to Lexington area towns.

They think all the hard work is worth it.

“The people we met have been amazing,” Katie said.

Since one of Robby’s grandparents was a poultry farmer, I asked if they plan on expanding to raise chickens.

Robby quickly said, “No, I’m tired of chickens.”

They look forward to expanding Rocking R and K Farms to meet the needs of grass-fed beef lovers.

“The customer response for the quality of meat has been great,” Katie said.

“Folks know what they are eating and adore it.”