While our focus is on growing vegetables, animals are also an important part of our farm and help us maintain hillside pasture areas not suitable for vegetable production. While they may not realize they have an important job, we know that without their grazing rotations through our hillside pastures, the land could quickly be overtaken by undesirable 'weed' trees and invasive species that would choke out the rich pasture grasses. They also help us by fertilizing the land which keeps the pastures rich and flourishing and prevents erosion on the hillsides. We choose to raise our animals in an environment where they can exhibit their natural behaviors and characteristics. We treat them gently and with respect so they do not live in fear of human touch or presence. This creates a much more pleasant environment for them to live in and allows us to work amongst them more safely.

GRASS-FED ANGUS BEEF

Our beef cattle are rotationally grazed on our rich hillside pastures in the spring, summer and fall. During the winter months we feed certified organic hay from our land that we put up during the summer. We maintain herd health by providing them with a healthy environment, rich pastures and a calm lifestyle. During the summer months we control flies with a blend of certified organic sunflower oil and citronella oil. Both our cattle and our pastures are certified organic.

PASTURED PORK

Our pigs take full advantage of their days to explore the wooded hillsides, enjoy a snack in the wild apple orchards, create a nice mud wallow and then return to their home base at the end of the day. We seldom see them during the day when they are out and about on their adventures, but they always make their way home in the evening just in time to enjoy a load of vegetable scraps from the packing shed! Some of their favorite vegetable selections include spinach, tomatoes and beets. In addition to their foraged treasures and vegetable scraps, we supplement their diet with a blend of certified organic grain.

COOKING GRASS-FED BEEF & PASTURED PORK

The way in which animals are managed and raised does directly impact the quality and characteristic of the meat. It is important to realize this because it will directly affect how you cook the meat to get the best quality end product. Our grass-fed beef is more lean and flavorful in comparison to conventionally raised, grain-fed beef. Our pastured pork is also more lean, yet flavorful and juicy when properly prepared. If you are interested in learning more about preparing grass-fed beef & pastured pork, we are here to help! Refer to our past meat newsletter articles to learn more about preparing our meat products and to find tasty recipes.

Here's the order form! Fill it out and mail to the farm today!