1017 Project

The 1017 Project’s unique business model provides a sustainable, “barrier-free,” supply of high quality beef to foodbanks, shelters, churches & schools.

Through targeted partnerships with USDA butchers, the ranching community, financial donors and volunteers, The 1017 Project invests in Corriente cattle; an asset-breed uniquely qualified to earn revenue via the fast-growing sport of team roping. As the herd grows, so too does the output of career-cattle that provide premium, lean hamburger directly to food banks and other entities serving the hungry.

The Ten Seventeen Project invests primarily in Corriente cattle, which are considered “easy keepers” because of natural attributes like high fertility, early maturity, trouble-free calving, and foraging efficiency, as well as disease and parasite resistance. Studies have shown that Corriente grazing habits are beneficial for rangelands and this breed eats significantly less than traditional beef cattle, requires less water and thrives on sparse, open-range landscapes; all while producing a leaner-than-average beef product.

Because the ranch and rodeo communities utilize this breed of cattle for various activity-based and ranch training programs nationwide, The 1017 Project cattle are able to generate a revenue stream back into the non-profit through lease contracts.

The 1017 cattle essentially have three careers whereby they “earn their keep” by being leased-out for sporting events, then work as practice-lease sets, and, finally, are sold or butchered.

On average, a 1017 cow yields 400 pounds of hamburger. Since 1 pound of hamburger translates into approximately 4 meals, this means that one cow provides over 1,600 meals to a community. An unusual value-added benefit of the 1017 model is that even the most premium cuts of beef from each cow are combined into every convenient package of hamburger given to recipient families.

The 1017 Project has donated over 1 million protein servings of beef in Oregon, Texas, Montana and Arizona. The 1017 Project is a “barrier-free” program that gets protein into the hands of food-insecure people, regardless of whether or not they qualify for other assistance. Any agency that serves hungry people can distribute 1017 Project beef.