At Pure Burger Bar, we believe food is more than just a meal. It connects us to the land, the farmers, and the communities it nourishes. Our mission is simple. We serve grass-fed and finished burgers that taste amazing and reflect our values—health, sustainability, and quality. That’s why I’m so excited to share my experience with Independence Ark. This family-owned grass-fed Ozark beef farm in Sulphur Rock, Arkansas, is doing something truly special.
Marko and Elicia Babac don’t just run Independence Ark. They pour their hearts into it. Their passion is clear in everything they do. They use regenerative ranching practices and personally care for every order.
Their commitment shows. They have glowing ~5-star reviews all over the internet!
Independence Ark Farm is a family-owned operation that blends sustainable farming with regenerative ranching. They produce high-quality grass-fed beef. The official name, Independence Ark Farm LLC, appears on their website.
But their use of regenerative ranching highlights their dedication to sustainable land management. So, while they’re mainly a farm, they incorporate ranching methods to raise the best beef possible.
I’ve had the privilege of trying their beef. Let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. Calling it the best grass-fed beef in America isn’t bragging. It’s just the truth!
The Rise of Ranches Like Independence Ark
In recent years, more people have started paying attention to what’s on their plate. A report, Beef in the 2025 Consumer Landscape: Enduring Trends and New Patterns, shows that nearly 30% of consumers in the northeastern U.S. now buy beef directly from local producers. They want better quality, fresher food, and more transparency. Farms like Independence Ark deliver exactly that.
Grass-fed beef is more popular than ever. A study, Grass-Fed Beef Demand is on the Rise. Can Supply Keep Up?, found that 83% of consumers now think about the environment, animal welfare, or social responsibility when buying meat. This shift in awareness is driving strong market growth. In fact, the Grass-Fed Beef Market Size, Share & Forecast to 2033 report predicts a 5% annual growth rate from 2023 to 2033.
This isn’t just a trend—it’s a health revolution. More people now realize that food matters, not just for our bodies but for the planet too. Restaurants like Pure Burger Bar and farms like Independence Ark lead the way. They prove that health, sustainability, and flavor can go hand in hand. Together, we’re making food more than just a meal. It’s a statement about the world we want to live in.
Why Independence Ark Stands Out
Independence Ark isn’t just another ranch. It’s a beacon of hope for the future of food. Their grass-fed beef isn’t just delicious—it’s healthier too. It has fewer calories, more vitamins, and up to five times the omega-3s of grain-fed beef. It’s also rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a nutrient that may lower cancer risk and boost heart health.
But what really struck me about Independence Ark—and later, when I tasted their beef—was their deep commitment to regenerative ranching. They don’t just raise cattle. They heal the land. Instead of using harmful pesticides and fertilizers, they let nature do the work. This creates a healthy cycle that strengthens the soil, supports the animals, and gives people better, more nourishing beef.
This kind of farming isn’t just good for the environment—it’s necessary. The report 2025 North American Agriculture: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities shows that regenerative grazing and eco-friendly practices are now a must for producers. More consumers want sustainable and ethical farming. Independence Ark is leading the way, proving that farmers can raise high-quality beef while protecting the planet.
A Personal Connection
Let’s be honest—grocery stores rarely have the grass-fed cuts I want beyond ground beef. Sure, brands like Greenwise try to fill the gap, but their “Raised without Antibiotics, No Added Hormones” label never actually says “grass-fed.” And don’t get me started on the prices. A tiny ribeye can cost over $30! The Greenwise section is usually small, overpriced, and filled with cuts I don’t like—or can’t afford. That’s what pushed me to look for local grass-fed farms.
I tried three different local farms, but none of them worked for me. The meat wasn’t great, and the packaging was so opaque I couldn’t even see what I was buying. Then I found Independence Ark.
The first time I tried their cubed steak, I knew I had found a winner. The quality stood out, but so did the care they put into every order. Their clear packaging let me see exactly what I was getting. Unlike my past local purchases (one farmer even admitted I got the bottom of his freezer), this meat looked incredibly fresh.
Independence Ark also delivers straight to your door, making it easy to enjoy premium Ozark grass-fed beef without ever leaving home. It’s a true farm-to-table gem.
The Best Cubed Steak Cuts Ever
I’m hooked on their cubed steak—something my local farms never had. I always use it to make my favorite Puerto Rican dish: Bistec Encebollado (Puerto Rican Steak and Onions). This classic dish is simple but packed with bold flavors. It’s usually served with rice, but I skip that since I stick to a mostly carnivore diet. The result? A tender, flavorful steak infused with onions, vinegar, and spices.
The high quality of Independence Ark’s grass-fed Ozark beef takes this dish to a whole new level. It reminds me why I love working at Pure Burger Bar and why we support farms like Independence Ark. Just like Pure Burger, they stand for quality, integrity, and sustainability—values that are hard to find in today’s food industry.
The Future of Food
At Pure Burger Bar, we’ve always believed the future of food means going back to our roots. That means supporting smaller grass-fed and finished farms, prioritizing sustainability, and choosing quality over convenience. Independence Ark represents all of these values and more. That’s why we tried to partner with them. Unfortunately, they couldn’t keep up with our growing demand.
Because of our needs, we’re stuck with larger, less personal grass-fed suppliers. The company we use is based in California, but they’re part of a massive chain. That personal touch is gone. Still, we have hope. More people are starting to care about what they put in their bodies. As harmful practices and toxic ingredients get exposed, the demand for clean food—and the farms that produce it—will only grow.
Transparency Matters More To Consumers Today
The trend toward transparency and certifications is shaping the future of farming. According to The Future Of Grassfed Farming: Innovations And Trends Shaping The Industry, consumers are increasingly demanding certifications like USDA Organic and American Grassfed Association standards to ensure they’re buying from ethical producers. Independence Ark’s commitment to transparency and sustainable practices makes them a shining example of what the future of farming will look like.
If you’re as inspired by their story as I am, I encourage you to check out their products. From beef bundles to a la carte cuts, they make it easy to bring the taste of real, grass-fed Ozark beef into your home. You can learn more about their farm and shop their products directly on their website: Independence Ark. Some of their products are highlighted below. I started with the sampler, then split a 100lbs order with my sister. Now I order A La Carte (50lbs), which fits perfectly in my freezer.
A Selection of Independence Ark’s Products
Independence Ark offers a variety of grass-fed beef products, shipped nationwide at low or no cost. Here’s a sample of what they provide:
- Roast Bundle: Includes 15 pounds of premium grass-fed beef roasts, perfect for slow-cooking or special family meals.
- Healing Collagen Bone Broth Pack: Contains 5 pounds of grass-fed beef bones, ideal for making nutrient-rich bone broth packed with collagen.
- Ancestral Sampler: A 20-pound assortment of grass-fed beef cuts, including steaks, roasts, and ground beef, offering a variety of options for any meal.
- BBQ Box: A 15-pound selection of grass-fed beef cuts perfect for grilling, including steaks and other barbecue favorites.
- Tallow Soap Bundle: A bundle of handcrafted tallow soap made from grass-fed beef fat, gentle on the skin and eco-friendly.
- A La Carte: Don’t see a bundle you like? Pick what you want from the provided menu.
What sets Independence Ark apart is their commitment to natural farming, transparency and customer care. Every product is thoughtfully packaged to highlight its quality, allowing you to clearly see the care and craftsmanship in every cut of their grass-fed Ozark beef. They’re always happy to answer questions about their farming practices or recommend the best cuts for your needs. Their products are shipped directly to your door, making it easy to enjoy the benefits of grass-fed beef no matter where you live.
Why This Matters
When you support a farm like Independence Ark and a restaurant like Pure Burger Bar, you’re doing more than just buying beef—you’re investing in a better food system. You’re supporting families (ours and theirs) that are working tirelessly to make a difference, a community that values health and sustainability, and a planet that desperately needs us to rethink the way we eat.
At Pure Burger Bar, we’re proud to support the same values that Independence Ark Farm represents. Every time you enjoy one of our grass-fed products, you’re not just tasting the difference—you’re supporting a movement that values sustainability, quality, and a healthier future for our food system.
So here’s to Independence Ark, to Marko and Elicia Babac, and to a future where every meal tells a story of care, connection, and hope. Together, we’re leading a health revolution—one delicious bite at a time.
