Heartland Meats Inc. of Mendota, IL, has been certified by the American Humane Association’s farm animal-welfare program. American Humane Certified is the nation’s original farm animal welfare label.

Heartland, owned by Patricia and John Sondgeroth, raises Piedmontese cattle in open lots. The Piedmontese breed originates in the Piedmont region in Italy, and is renowned for its tenderness. The farm also raises its own feed and owns a federally inspected processing plant. John is the fourth generation to operate the family farm. 

Heartland’s operation is so pristine and their cattle so clean that visitors think they wash the cattle every day. City media and film crews often come to the farm because it is picture perfect and unspoiled.

“We take personal pride in our animals and farm,” says Pat Sondgeroth. “The better care we take, the better the animals will take care of us.” People who buy our meat say they can taste the difference in the quality and tenderness of our meat. They are very loyal to Piedmontese and our Heartland brand.

Producers certified through the American Humane Certified program must ensure that their animals have ready access to fresh water, a nutritious diet and medical care. Producers also must provide their animals with a comfortable environment that limits stress and enables them to freely express their normal behaviors. 

Heartland Meats products are available at the farm’s retail store in Mendota, and various farmers markets and stores in the Chicago area. Heartland also sells beef to nationally acclaimed chefs such as Larry Forgione, and to restaurants in Chicago, St Louis, Mo., and New York. Retail and restaurant locations can be found at www.heartlandmeats.com.