LOVELAND, Colo. – Meyer Natural Foods has acquired rights to the Dakota Beef brand, an established organic beef producer based in Howard, SD.

As part of the transaction, Dakota will supply Meyer with organic Angus calves from its ranch in Oregon. Meyer markets a line of premium, natural beef (Meyer Natural Angus) and lean, heart-healthy beef (Laura’s Lean Beef) and has agreements with processing partners, including Cargill, Greater Omaha Packing and American Foods Group, to have its products co-packed for foodservice and retail customers. Dakota Beef’s processing plant was not part of the Meyer acquisition as it was leased to another beef processor in early 2010 after Dakota agreed to have its cattle processed at facilities owned by North Dakota Natural Beef.

The brand acquisition further strengthens Meyer Natural Foods’ industry leadership among natural and premium beef offerings, the company claims.

“We are pleased to offer our retail and foodservice customers a gourmet line of USDA-certified organic beef with the Dakota Beef brand,” said Chris Boudinet, co-president of Meyer Natural Foods. “This complements our existing portfolio of natural, premium and heart-healthy products under the Meyer Natural Angus and Laura’s Lean Beef brands.”