American Farmers Network Strengthens Grass-Fed Beef Supply with Open Range Acquisition

American Farmers Network Expands Dominance with Open Range Beef Acquisition

In a bold move to strengthen its position as the premier supplier of grass-fed and organic beef in the United States, the American Farmers Network (AFN) has announced its acquisition of Open Range Beef (ORB), a notable beef processing company based in Gordon, Nebraska. This acquisition, which took place on September 16, 2025, marks a significant milestone for AFN, further solidifying their operations in the competitive beef market.

Founded with a vision to create a sustainable meat supply, AFN has rapidly ascended to become the largest domestic supplier of premium grass-fed and organic beef. The integration of ORB into AFN's operations is expected to enhance their vertically integrated model, which connects ranchers directly with harvesting, fabrication, further processing, and national distribution. This seamless integration aims to provide a reliable U.S.-based processing capacity dedicated to retail, food service, institutional clients, and e-commerce partners.

According to Sanin Mirvic, the Founder and Chairman of AFN, “ORB's culture of quality aligns perfectly with AFN's model. This acquisition deepens our capacity, extends our reach, and most importantly, cements AFN's position as the clear category leader in domestic grass-fed and organic beef. Our partners can plan confidently, knowing they have year-round, stateside processing at a meaningful scale.” This clearly underscores AFN's commitment to delivering quality and reliability to its partners in the beef supply chain.

The acquisition has resulted in a larger workforce, with more than 500 employees now working across two processing locations in the U.S. This scale not only reinforces AFN's operational capacity but also opens up opportunities for them to invest more in quality and service, which is critical in today’s consumer-driven market.

One of the primary goals of this acquisition is to increase throughput and shift flexibility. By diversifying processing locations, AFN aims to mitigate bottlenecks and reduce reliance on imports, improving their fill rates and lead times. Marc Broccoli, CEO of ORB, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Customers will keep the same trusted contacts and specs, now with the resources and scale of a national leader dedicated to grass-fed and organic lifestyle.” This statement reflects a commitment to maintaining existing quality standards while leveraging the enhanced resources of a larger entity.

As integration progresses, AFN is keen on retaining the full ORB workforce and providing assurance of continuity in service during this transitional phase. Mirvic has confirmed that AFN will harmonize ORB's existing programs with its rigorous food safety, auditing, and regulatory compliance standards. This careful blending of operations is designed to bolster their cattle ranching partners' long-term herd planning, creating a more stable marketplace.

Beyond operational commitments, AFN has expressed a dedication to ongoing investments in traceability, animal welfare, and workplace safety. The newly combined entity aims to pursue improvements in audit readiness, transparency in labeling, and enhanced cold-chain performance. Moreover, exploring technological upgrades will focus on yield improvement, program verification, and optimizing client support services.

AFN remains steadfast in its commitment to local job creation, workforce development, and fostering community engagement. The integration process will see Open Range Beef operate under the AFN umbrella during this period, preserving the brand's reputation for quality while benefiting from AFN’s expansive resources.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Open Range Beef is a strategic step for the American Farmers Network to solidify its leadership in the grass-fed beef segment. It reflects a broader vision of building a more sustainable and reliable supply chain for high-quality beef. With a well-defined focus on quality, integrity, and community, AFN is poised to lead the charge in delivering exceptional beef products to consumers while fostering strong partnerships with ranchers across the country.