Niche Beef Market Thrives After Mad Cow Disease Case

MENDOTA, IL - DECEMBER 30: Trimmed chuck sits on the cutting table before being ground into ground beef at Heartland Meats December 30, 2003 near Mendota, Illinois. Heartland owners John and Pat Sondgeroth raise Piedmontese cattle without the use of genetically modified crops, growth hormones or feed containing animal bi-products. They also package and sell this low-fat variety of beef directly to the consumer. Since the discovery of Mad Cow Disease in Washington state in the U.S. last week, the Sondgeroths say inquiries about their beef have tripled. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)