A few years ago, Donovan and Chelsie Gross dreamed of providing beef from their South Central North Dakota ranch to family and friends across the state. This dream gained urgency during the COVID lockdowns of 2020 when high meat prices and supply shortages plagued consumers, while the four major packing plants controlling 80% of the U.S. beef industry reaped record profits. Meanwhile, ranchers faced plummeting market prices and struggled to sell their cattle.
Determined to take action, the Gross family pursued their dream. After Chelsie returned from an eight-month military deployment in January 2022, they quickly obtained the necessary licenses and certifications. They began selling locally at farmers' markets and by word of mouth, meeting incredible demand as consumers sought reliable sources of nutritious, great-tasting beef.
To expand their reach, the Gross family partnered with the Bitz families—Paul and Shauna, along with Dylan and Mariah—who share their passion for the cattle industry. The Bitz families, experienced in all phases of raising cattle, saw direct consumer sales as a win-win solution. Shauna, a seasoned family chef, and Mariah, whose husband loves a meat-centric diet, emphasized the value of high-quality beef for their families.
Raising cattle is a demanding, year-round job, leaving little time for marketing and sales. Thus, the partnership between the Gross and Bitz families naturally evolved into a "rancher’s wife endeavor," giving birth to LEGENDARY STEAKS. With North Dakota's abundant cattle, there's no need to source beef from elsewhere.