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and also alfalfa is irrigated by six center-pivot sprinkler systems (conspicu- ously seen from the Helmville - Ovando county road). Sufficient alfalfa can be grown in this manner for two annual cuttings during the warm season, and provides some supplemental grazing for the cattle as well. The hay, of course, is used to get the cattle through the winter, although considerable grazing is possible even during that season. Even when Bob Meyer made the original land purchases in 1990, he had planned to produce beef naturally, using no antibiotics or growth-pro- moting hormones. In 1997, the Meyer Natural Angus marketing program was launched. Meyer has explained to the trade publication Beef & Business that this involves promoting to markets for premium beef at a retail level. “Its a niche market, but a very real one,” Bob says. “Buyers of Meyer Natural Meyer Natural Angus 173