Oregon Public Broadcasting

Ranchers, who say they raise cattle 'naturally,' are entering a partnership with the fast food chain, Chipotle. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

'Country Natural Beef' was started in Eastern Oregon 24 years ago. The idea was to feed cattle a vegetarian diet of grasses, hay, potatoes and grain. And to use no hormones or antibiotics.

The cooperative now includes 120 ranchers across 12 states.

Dan Barnhart is one of them. He says the deal is good news.

Dan Barnhart: "Chipotle helps us to sell all the beef in our cattle. It helps us to diversify our mix of clients. It just makes one more egg in the basket we're selling to."

The ranchers have signed an affidavit swearing to the welfare of animals and to sustainability practices required by Chipotle.

The chain runs about 1,000 restaurants in 30 states. It estimates 85 percent of its beef is naturally raised and it hopes the agreement with 'Country Natural Beef' will increase that percentage.