Farming
Amos M. Hursh had his introduction to the beef industry as a young lad working beside his father.
In 1970 Amos took over the family farm. For 40 years he fed steers. Often he bought young steers in Virginia and sold them at the local auction when they were ready for processing.
A herd of his own
When Amos retired from farming, he started developing a cow-calf herd to follow the genetics and nutrition of each animal from birth to processing. Several farmers joined his effort and began similar cow-calf herds producing tender, quality meats.
A modern day breeding program
Today Amos oversees the breeding and nutrition programs for his Stone Ridge herd, located on several farms in Lancaster County and surrounding areas.
Stone Ridge Beef: A Tradition Built Over Generations
1959 – As a young boy, Amos Hursh began traveling with his father, Curvin, to Virginia to purchase cattle. It was on these trips that Amos’s fascination with beef cattle — and the cattle business — first took root.
1969 – Amos married Laura, and together they began raising their family of seven daughters and one son on a farm near Ephrata, Pennsylvania.
1970 – Amos and his father entered into a joint cattle-feeding venture, purchasing feeder cattle from Virginia to supply their feedlot.
1979 – Following his father’s retirement, Amos launched his own cattle feeding operation. His father remained involved, continuing to purchase cattle for the business.
1985 – Amos once again accompanied his father on cattle-buying trips, as he continued learning the finer points of Angus cattle selection. These experiences inspired Amos to breed and manage his own cattle with a focus on producing all-natural, tender, flavorful beef.
1995 – Amos began offering beef quarters to friends and neighbors, quickly earning a reputation for exceptionally tender, flavorful beef.
2007 – As demand continued to grow, Amos officially adopted the name Stone Ridge Beef.
2008 – Stone Ridge Beef partnered with several local farms, operating as cooperator-producers. Stone Ridge managed both the genetics and dietary programs to ensure consistent quality.
2015 – The first restaurant began featuring Stone Ridge Beef, using the ground beef in gourmet burgers at Fox Meadows Creamery.
2017 – Galen Martin joined Stone Ridge Beef to lead marketing and sales efforts. A new website was launched, along with expanded marketing initiatives.
2018 – Stone Ridge Beef began an innovative beef tenderness and quality program, purchasing three registered Angus bulls from Riverview Ranch in Idaho.
2020 – Farm markets, retail stores, delis, and restaurants throughout Lancaster County and surrounding areas began carrying Stone Ridge Beef.
2021 – Snack products — including beef jerky and beef sticks — were introduced with strong consumer acceptance, opening new sales channels.
2024 – An active research and development effort led to new product offerings such as beef tallow and bone broth.
2025 – Stone Ridge Beef launched its online store, allowing customers to purchase premium, all-natural, all-American beef from the comfort of their home, delivered directly to their door.
Our Mission
- To produce tender, flavorful beef products that are healthy and good to eat
- To be good stewards of the resources given to us by God
- To honor God in all business dealings by being fair and respectful to all