An innovator and entrepreneur in the USDA organic production of beef, Scott Lively has become known for his organic foods and sustainable agriculture advocacy. He stands out as the founder of Dakota Beef, which grew under his leadership to become the U.S. organic beef industry’s largest employer. Mr. Lively established and grew the company in full compliance with the USDA’s National Organic Program and with a commitment to a grass-fed diet for his cattle, which produces meat that is leaner and less calorically rich than beef from grain-fed cattle.
Mr. Lively has advocated worldwide for the expanded use of organic agriculture practices. He prompted the European Union’s acceptance of U.S. Certified Organic Beef as No Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) beef across Europe and spoke on the benefits of organic food before a subcommittee of the United States Congress.
Mr. Lively also founded Katama Foods, which manages a number of sustainable and organic food brands, and partnered Katama with the Rastelli Foods Group, a processing and distribution company. He remains an active promoter of organic foods for their environmental and wellness benefits as well as for their positive effects on local communities. The merger with Lively has made Rastelli Foods one of the largest American Organic beef suppliers and processors in the United States.
Scott Lively 