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Numerous Farm Updates

written by

Ben Simmons

posted on

April 14, 2018

Farm Update –

I want to thank all our customers for your support and business. Sales continues to grow. April delivery cycle we had 7-new customers place their first orders. Reservations for chicken have been strong.

As you read this update, I am returning from a bull sell in Missouri! After Wednesday's delivery I traded out the delivery trailer for the cattle trailer and headed for the sale in Springfield - with expectations of making Jonesboro, AR before stopping for rest. The sale starts on Thursday at 1 PM. We are looking at both Red and Black Angus bulls. A major selection criteria is tenderness and marbling that is determined from ultrasound data collected on each bull. I will also provide delivery to other farmers along Route #3 that covers NW Arkansas, North MS and down to Montgomery, AL before returning home

The bulls will be much more expensive than what we have paid in the past, but represent an investment in providing our customers a quality product.

Wednesday, March 28th I spoke at Dr. Gibbs two Entrepreneurship classes in Scianna Hall (the new business college building). This came about through one of our long term customers who is taking the class and discussed the possibility with Dr. Gibbs. This was a very rewarding experience - to be able to share our story of regenerative farming. The class was very attentive and asked really good questions. And, Scianna Hall is amazing. Nothing like the Green building where I took my business courses - but then there was no such thing as computers or cellphones back then! Thanks to Dr. Gibbs for inspiring her students and using local entrepreneurs.

I also have an appointment with a USM Grad Student majoring in Nutrition who has an assignment to interview a farmer! She was smart in locating a local farmer by visiting the Farmers Market and asking around. Someone there told her about Nature's Gourmet Farm. 

This past week I collected soil samples from all pastures (an 8-10 hour task) and mailed them off Monday morning. Results are due back April 10th. I'm excited to see what improvements have been accomplished and to learn what is needed next.

The last item posted to our Facebook page was an interview with Andrea Leyerle from Livingston when she and her husband visited the farm to pickup their 2nd Half Beef order. 

Customer Feedback- The beef is excellent! So far I have put up 14 quarts of bone broth, we have had spaghetti with meat sauce, ribeye steaks, and tonight we are having burgers! I am on a beef binge for the foreseeable future! Thank you for doing what you do. My family appreciates it very much! A Leyerle

Quote Worth Re-Quoting –  "Food security is not in the supermarket. It's not in the government. It's not at the emergency services division. True food security is the historical normalcy of packing it in during the abundant times, building that in-house larder, and resting easy knowing that our little ones are not dependent on next week's farmers' market or the electronic cashiers at the supermarket." --Joel Salatin

As always, thank you for supporting our regenerative, local farm.

Ben & Beth

 

More from the blog

New Pullets | Calves | Job Opening

Pullets arrived March 1st– every 6 months we receive a fresh batch of pullets. This year we were not sure if our late February to early March batch would be available…even though we ordered them last September. However, mostly since we have done business with the same farmer since the Spring of 2017, he prioritized our order and delivered them March 1st. While the price was higher, I was braced for a much higher price. Our pullets are typically 17 weeks old when delivered. They will start laying at about 24 weeks. That means we should start seeing medium eggs by our May delivery dates. YEAH!

Eggs | Broken State GVT

Interesting Egg Article– the price and availability of eggs is a hot topic as well as a solution. Industry and regulators (maybe also include media) would have you believe it is because of bird flu. But, is it bird flu OR some other agenda? Beth received a link to an article from Farm Action out of Mexico, MO who have sent a letter to the FTC and DOJ urging them to investigate and take action to restore competition and lower eggs prices. Key facts Farm Action quoted are: Key Pricing Facts:

Half Beef Shares | Egg Pricing | Visitor Stories

NEW Egg Ordering Process – As you know, eggs are not only expensive, but are now being rationed by grocery stores. We have had our share of extra folks contacting us because our prices are lower than grocery stores. This reminds us of March 2020 when our freezer went from FULL to EMPTY before we knew what was happening. I would say 95% or more of those who first bought during Covid left when store shelves filled back up. We are NOT interested in customers shopping price, but only customers interested in our quality products.