Our Passion, Your Experience - Shane Baghai`s Paradise Farms

Our Passion, Your Experience
Recognized by the American Angus Hall of Fame as the best breeder of Aberdeen Angus in all
of North America. Shane Baghai’s finest prize winning Aberdeen Black Angus cattle and steers are
pasture raise and grain finished in the rolling grasslands of Paradise Farms in the Erin, Caledon and
Mount Forest area, just north of Toronto.
The nurturing of professional hands and veterinary care, a zero tolerance approach to the use
of growth hormones, and the philosophy of pasture roaming are the key factors that lead to the
superior quality that is expected from Shane Baghai, and provided by Paradise Farms.
Paradise Farms is a revolutionary concept of passion and forward thinking, raising some of
the finest quality beef cattle and steers in North America. Shane Baghai’s visionary perspective is
deeply rooted in sustainable urban and farming communities harmoniously integrating as one.
Always searching to ensure optimum quality, Shane Baghai has employed expert advice to
genetically improve the livestock in a natural manner. The end result being the production of pure
bred Angus cattle of the highest Grade.
Beyond raising some of Canada’s finest Aberdeen Black Angus Cattle, Paradise Farms also
rears cattle that cater to our exclusive specialty markets and most discerning customers. The Italian
Chianina, a rare breed, produces what is world renowned and considered the finest steak on the
planet, true Florentine Steak. Scottish Highlands, hardy and rugged, are kindred of their native
Scottish Highlands, a majestic and beautiful breed that produces leaner, yet equally delicious cuts of
beef. Originating from France, Charolais is a magnificent breed that caters in particular to French
cuisine lovers. Lastly, Paradise Farms raises Japanese style of the highly prized Wagyu cattle,
producing Paradise Kobe, a true delicacy with superb natural flavor, due to its tenderness, and wellmarbled texture.
Shane Baghai’s Paradise Farms is a testament to quality and rarity
on Canadian soil.
Paradise Black Angus
Certified by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency
The Aberdeen-Angus breed was developed in the early part of the 19th century from the
polled and predominantly black cattle of North East Scotland known locally as “doddies” and
“hummlies”. In 1808 Hugh Watson from Keillor Farm in Angus, gathered stock widely and produced
cattle of outstanding quality and character. In 1824 William McCombie from Aberdeen shire founded
a herd from predominantly Keillor bloodlines. His well-documented close breeding produced
outstanding cattle and his efforts founded the reputation of the Aberdeen-Angus breed. In 1861 Sir
George Macpherson-Grant took up the refining of the breed by line breeding and selection for type.
These early pioneers established the foundation for what is arguably the greatest beef breed in the
world.1
Specifications
Breed:



Phenotype: Greater than 51% Black
Genotype: Canadian Angus Association
approved Lime Green Ear Tag
Excludes breeds: Brahman or dairy
breed influence
Sex:
 Steers and Heifers
 No Pronounced Masculinity or
Staginess
Age:
 All steers and heifers must be less than
30 months.
Marbling:
 Varies with Angus, Signature Angus and
Premium Angus programs.
 Determined in accordance with the official USDA Marbling Cards.
Composition:
 Must meet Canada A requirements or higher for lean and fat with no internal hemorrhages.
Yield Grades:
 Yield grades Canada 1, 2, 3 allowed.
Muscling:
 Muscling as defined by the Canadian Beef Grading Regulations for Canada “A” or higher.
1
http://www.aberdeen-angus.co.uk/about/history/
Paradise Wagyu
Paradise Farms raises the largest herd of Wagyu Beef in Ontario. Wagyu cattle, originating
from Japan, are the same breed stock of the most expensive beef in the world, some known as Kobe
beef. One reason Kobe beef is so desired is because of the high level of marbling in the meat.
Wagyu cattle have rather interesting caring practices
compared to other breeds. In Japan, the cattle are fed beer in the
summer months when humidity depresses feed intake. Beer
stimulates their appetite and in turn keeps the cattle on feed in
the heat of summer. In addition, the cattle are massaged in order
to relieve stress and muscle stiffness, keeping the cattle calm and
content and resulting in better quality beef.
Wagyu beef provides a unique natural and healthy eating experience that promises a unique flavour
and texture to the Western world. Recent studies have shown that Wagyu beef contains a much
higher proportion of the desirable monounsaturated fats than any other breed of cattle. They are
not only a source of essential vitamins and nutrients but are also higher in unsaturated fats such as
Omega 6 and Omega 3 oils. 2
2
http://wagyukobebeef.com/
Paradise Chianina
The Chianina (pronounced key – a – knee – na) is the largest breed of cattle in the world.
They take their name from the val di Chiana which is a valley in the Italian regions of Tuscany, where
they have been raised for at least 2200 years.3 They are regarded as not only the oldest but also the
largest breed of cattle in the world. Their meat is traditionally used in the famous Italian dish
“Bistecca alla Fiorentina”.
At Paradise Farms, the Chianina, like all other breeds, roam the pastures 100% freely. They
are pasture fed and grain finished without the addition of growth hormones. The cattle are raised
ethically with care in order to produce great quality and tasting beef. In addition, each animal is
given personal attention and care on a daily basis.
3
http://www.anabic.it/servizio_tecnico/st52it.htm
Charolais de Paradis
Charolais cattle originate from Charolles, France. This sizable, double muscle animal is very
lean and gives a palatable taste to French cuisine lovers to recipes such as Chateaubriand and Beef
Bourguignon. This breed is the leading terminal beef sire noted for its fast growth and excellent
conformation.
For all Paradise cattle, management is key. Our cows give birth on clean pastures and are
weaned at 7 to 8 months. From that point on, they are grazed in large groups on high quality grass,
which is crucial for producing high quality lean beef. The pastures are managed by rotational grazing.
Water from a dug well on the farm is provided in water bowls within each padlock and the bowls are
kept heated in the winter months to eliminate freezing. With constant care and the freedom to
explore, our Charolais is a breed we are proud to raise.
Paradise Scottish Highland
Highland cattle lineage can be traced back to the western
Highlands of Scotland and the breed has remained unchanged for 200
years. Highlands have the ability to weather harsh winters without
developing excess fat due to their long, heavy hair. Studies in the US
have verified that Highland Beef is 38% lower in fat content and 4%
lower in cholesterol than steaks from local supermarkets. It is so lean
that it is comparable with chicken and fish fat content.4
The average Highland per 100 grams has:
A fat content of 4.5g/100g compared to other breeds of 15.6g/100g.
A cholesterol content of 40.9mg/100mg compared to other breeds of 64.3mg/100mg.
A protein content of 20.7/100g compared to other breeds of 18.6g/100g.
An iron content of 2.1mg/100g compare to other breeds of 2.0mg/100mg.5
Paradise Scottish Highland are pasture fed and grain finished without the addition of growth
hormones and each individual animal receives daily personal care and attention.
4
http://www.ontariohighlandcattle.com/
Scottish Agriculture College, Department of Food Science and Technology published by McCance & Widdowson, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food.
5
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Did you know?
Canadian beef is nutritious to eat and is part of balanced diet. Lean beef is full
of nutrients, fourteen that we need every day, including zinc for healthy growth, iron
for oxygen and protein to build and repair your body.6
1. Where is Paradise Farms located?

Caledon, Ontario, just 45 minutes north of Toronto.
2. What breed of Black Angus is Paradise Farms working with, how pure is the breed?
 The industry standard requires a minimum of 51% to be considered pure however, all our
Angus beef are Black Scottish Aberdeen Angus and are 98% to 100% pure.
3. What kind of feed program are the cattle on?

The cattle are pasture fed and grain finished for about 100-150 days. We do not use any
genetically modified grains. All grains are purchased from known sources and with known
ingredients. The proportion of grains is as follows: 60% Silage, 15% Dry Corn and 25% Mixture
of Oats, Barley and other mixed in grains. See official management protocol for more details.
4. How long do the cattle graze on pasture? And are the pastures sprayed with anything?

Our cattle are free to roam and graze the pastures as they wish throughout the summer. The
pastures are fertilized with nitrogen once in the spring and that is all. The pastures are
managed by rotational grazing.
5. What happens to the cattle in the winter?

During the winter seasons, the cattle have both indoor and outdoor access and are free to
roam as they choose. In addition, they are fed with hay such as dried grass, alfalfa, etc.
6. How do the cattle get water and where does the water supply come from?
 Bowls of water are placed throughout the farm in each individual padlock. The water source
is a dug well at Paradise Farms. During the winter months, the water bowls are kept heated
to refrain the water from freezing.
6
Per 100 grams raw lean beef, trimmed of external fat (composite of 26 cuts): 162 Calories, 21 g protein, 7.8 g fat, 0 g carbohydrate % Daily Value:
potassium 9% DV, iron 15% DV, vitamin D 10% DV, thiamine 10% DV, riboflavin 15% DV, niacin 45% DV, vitamin B6 15% DV, vitamin B12 110% DV,
pantothenate 10% DV, phosphorus 15% DV, magnesium 10% DV, zinc 60% DV, selenium 40% DV
7. What do you do if the beef get sick, do you use antibiotics and sell it as conventional?
 We only use antibiotics when we absolutely have to i.e. infections, pneumonia where the
animal would die if no antibiotics were used in this case. If the animal has been injected with
antibiotics, that animal is segregated on the farm as well as at the abattoir.
8. What is the average distance between farm and abattoir?
 Average distance is 50 km.
9. What regulatory body certifies that Paradise Farms cattle are raised without the use of added
growth hormones?
 The Ontario Cattlemen's Association have performed many strenuous audits of Paradise
Farms and our Anchor Feeder partners. All audits must be in accordance to the National
Verified Beef Production Program as well as VBP Standard Operating Procedures. Paradise
Farms has successfully met all needs to successfully and legally state all cattle are raised
without the use of added growth hormones. (Please refer to end of brochure for a copy of
the audit)
 In addition, Paradise Farms is certified by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency as well as
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. These regulatory bodies have approved and support
Paradise Farms' claims and procedures.
10. Which associations is Paradise Farms in good standing with?
 Paradise Farms is a member in good standing with:
o The American Chianina Association
o The American Angus Association
o The American Wagyu Association
o The Canadian Angus Association
o The Ontario Highland Cattle Association
o The Ontario Cattleman’s Association
MANAGEMENT PROTOCOL FOR PARADISE CATTLE
Purpose: To ensure that all Paradise Cattle sent to market, meet out claims and standards.
Claims: All Paradise cattle have been raised without added hormones. These animals have been fed
pasture/forages and finished on a grain ration. They have been raised without animal by-product or
supplements containing animal by-product in their feed, and have been raised without medicated
feed. They have been fed and finished in Ontario by Ontario Farmers.
Stress Management: Specific measures are taken to minimize stress from trucking for all Paradise
cattle.
Herd Monitoring: The herd is monitored daily to ensure optimum health. If an animal falls ill and
must be treated with antibiotics, it is treated with the use of approved medicines, tagged and
segregated from the program.
OTM Cattle: No cow that exceeds thirty months is accepted into any of the programs below:
Paradise Premium Angus – Certified by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency
Paradise Signature Angus – Certified by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency
Paradise Angus – Certified by the Canadian Beef Grading Agency
Feed control and segregation: Paradise Certified
Angus Program Cattle are fed a well-balanced ration
consisting of grains, vitamins and minerals. Feed is
stored in bins or bags dependent on the feed type.
If there is any medicated feed it is stored separately
and well labeled to ensure Paradise Certified Angus
Program Cattle are never fed medicated feed.
How the producer interacts with the feed mill:
Farmers call their feed mill to order more feed via
telephone. Feed Sales Representatives are available
to answer any questions regarding nutritional
requirements and to conduct farm visits periodically.
Record keeping procedures: Paradise employees
record the date of birth, weight, and parentage
information of all calves born at Paradise. All calves are tagged and information is recorded
electronically. All vaccinations are recorded as well, including the animal tag numbers and type of
vaccine administered. When steers and heifers are purchased for the Paradise Certified Angus
Program, only top quality, hand chosen calves are purchased from reputable breeders.
Program animal segregation on farm: Paradise cattle are free to roam in pastures with their
mothers until weaning. Even in the winter months, they have access to the outside if they so desire.
In the finishing stage, they are housed in protected barns with adequate room and bedding.
Program animals and non-program animals are never housed together to ensure control and quality.
For more information:
Please visit our website:
www.paradisefarms.ca
Or Contact Us at:
416-449-5994 (toll free)
1-855-449-5994
th
August 25 , 2011
To Whom It May Concern,
Please be advised that, in cooperation with Paradise Farms, audits have been conducted on their Anchor feeder partners.
In accordance with the Auditing standards of the National Verified Beef Production Program, these feeder operations
were found to be compliant with the Canadian Beef on Farm Food Safety protocols.
To complement the focus audit of VBP Standard Operating Procedures, producers were also audited to confirm that
animals destined for harvest under the Paradise Farms Program were Raised without added Hormones as well as
complying to protocols supporting the claim of raised without antibiotic use. Audit reports supporting these findings
have been filed in our office and these producers will enter into an audit cycle that will ensure standards continue to be
met.
Please accept this as a letter of support for the effort and audit results of this beef production program.
Yours truly,
Dan Ferguson
VBP Provincial Delivery Agent
Ontario Cattleman’s Association
130 Malcolm Road
Guelph, Ontario
N1K 1B1
W: 519.824.0334