Langland Cattle Company Turns Beef Tallow into Sustainable Skincare
In rural South Dakota, a family cattle farm has found a second life for beef byproducts. Langland Cattle Company is turning rendered fat into an all-natural skincare line - a bold example of regenerative agriculture and rural innovation.
n Brookings County, South Dakota, Langland Cattle Company has expanded beyond beef production to create a thriving skincare business rooted in sustainability. Owned by Tyson and Kendra Langland, the operation began as a direct-to-consumer beef business during the pandemic and now serves over 70 families across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa.
As the business matured, so did their approach to using every part of the animal. "We didn't want anything to go to waste," said Kendra Langland. That mindset sparked the idea to repurpose beef tallow, the rendered fat from cattle, into skincare products.
Tyson and Kendra Langland, the husband-and-wife team behind Langland Cattle Company, operate a direct-to-consumer beef business and craft a line of tallow-based skincare products using only ingredients sourced from their own herd.
What began as a small project encouraged by friends has become a steadily growing venture. Kendra, who homeschools their children and manages the production from home, taught herself to render tallow using online resources and essential oil knowledge. The process involves slow, low-heat rendering to preserve nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, making the product exceptionally nourishing for the skin.
"It's nearly bioidentical to our skin, which is why it absorbs so well," Kendra said. "It should never feel greasy. A little goes a long way."
Kendra Langland hand-whips beef tallow for the Langland Cattle Company's skincare line from her home kitchen in Brookings, South Dakota.
The Langlands' skincare line includes whipped tallow balms, charcoal cleansing bars, sugar scrubs, and sun balm, all crafted from byproducts of their own herd. They use fat and parts that aren't claimed by beef customers - everything from oxtails to bones - reinforcing a full-circle, nose-to-tail philosophy.
Even the packaging reflects their commitment to sustainability. Products are stored in recycled jars, and shipping materials are fashioned from repurposed butcher paper, keeping waste minimal and costs low.
Once the beef byproducts are rendered, the tallow is whipped into nourishing skincare products at Langland Cattle Company.
The response has been enthusiastic. Local shops in Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Lake Norden now stock their products, and an active online store allows for nationwide shipping. Vendor fairs and events offer valuable one-on-one engagement with customers and have become a key part of their growth.
"Hearing personal stories from customers about how it helps their skin conditions-that's the most rewarding part," said Kendra.
At Langland Cattle Company, beef tallow is packaged in eco-friendly, recycled jars.
More than a value-added product, the skincare line is a reflection of the Langlands' agricultural values. By maximizing each animal's utility, they increase revenue without increasing herd size, support regenerative practices, and educate their children about entrepreneurship and sustainability.
"We want our kids to know they can learn anythiwhether it's from a mentor or from YouTube," Kendra added. "The whole process has been trial and error, but it's been incredibly fulfilling."
From cattle ranching to crafting skincare, Langland Cattle Company is proving that innovation in agriculture can be both profitable and environmentally sound.