At the farm, we all look forward to Spring. Warmer and longer days mean the grass will grow and take care of the cows vs. hay. This is really important because the mama cows start calving early February. This year we had 47 calves born in less than 20 days. Here is a picture of one that was posing for the camera.
Sometime just before I started the 8th grade we moved to what is now the farm. During the summer before we actually moved, my family would drive down from the Richland area and plant, care for, and then harvest a rather large garden. This was my first introduction to "the garden"! And, boy I was not happy.... I especially remember the bush butterbean rows. There were FOUR of them a mile long (or so it seemed). One row was all mine to pick and it took all morning (although it seemed much longer). Beans from all four rows were put into empty 100# feed sacks called croaker sacks. Once the picking was completed then they had to be shelled. Yep!
Remember, last week I mentioned we had some exciting news about our red meat processing plant. Well, here goes... The new plant in Leaksville will also harvest our beef, pork, and lamb - then chill the carcasses a few days before I come and pickup the quarters, etc. and bring back to my plant for further processing. Additionally, last Thursday a butcher by the name of Jake visited our farm & plant and has agreed to work with us to cut/pack our animals. Jake has 15 years of experience and brings a lot of talent to the table.
"I love how your emails are written to friends and not strangers. Makes me feel like part of the community! All our best, Cricket" OK, so today's newsletter is a follow up from our soil test that was completed last December and culminates with a discussion around a farmer field day we hosted at our farm February 21st with Dr. Allen Williams. If you like to garden then you will appreciate the "educational" aspect of today's newsletter. The reason for taking the soil test was to see why our grass was not growing like it should. With the warmer winter
Trust me, folks have been contacting me about our tight (sold out) position on eggs. Many customers let us know they really enjoy reading about our farm in the weekly Newsletter each Saturday. But, did you know the newsletter also contains a section titled "Product Availability Update"? This is where I let you know relevant details about restock dates, product issues, and etc. Here is the latest news about our eggs: Eggs - Our "girls" are working hard to catch up after the holiday sales and ask for your patience. Please check each Wednesday just before YOUR delivery. Here is a bit more details about egg availability (also known as supply chain interruptions).
First, let me say thank you! Last week we added two items (smoked ham and leg quarter bundle) to our website. In one weeks time all of the smoked hams sold and about 180 packs of leg quarter sold. Amazing. We are blessed that you found these offers a benefit for your family. So, what would you say? Is Mississippi a Food DESERT? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) define a food desert as an area that has either a poverty rate greater than or equal to 20% or a median family income not exceeding 80% of the median family income in urban areas, or 80% of the statewide median family income in nonurban areas.
A few weeks ago I mentioned we were preparing more Smoked Hams from our latest harvest of Pastured Pigs. Well, we completed the cure & smoke process and have them packaged and added to our website. If you are interested in buying one of our pastured pig smoked hams simply CLICK HERE. Everyone has their favorite cut of chicken. For some it is the wings (always sell out first), others it is the breast (also sells out fast). At the end of the line is the leg quarter. However, many people (including Beth & me) prefer the leg quarters. If that includes you then you'll be glad to know about our new Leg Quarter Bundle.
Up until about 3 or 4 weeks ago we were experiencing a very mild winter. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service, above-average temperatures are favored across the South and most of the eastern U.S. as La Nina climate conditions have emerged for the second winter in a row. La Nina has moved the jet stream further north allowing warmer air in our area. But, like it does, weather cycles and the cold moved in.
An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure! Boy, how many times did I hear that growing up.... Perhaps the use of the phrase came from my parents interest in Prevention magazine - that was founded in 1950 by J. I. Rodale and was based on his interest in exploring the connection between human health and organic agriculture. No matter the source, the principle is very true. Whatever amount you may spend to prevent an accident, illness, or even death - the cure (if there is one) would cost many times more. This principle drives a lot of what we do here on the farm. Some examples: 1) Our Soil -
This week was chicken processing week. Not a big deal - right? Well, typically that would be correct. However, this processing was much different. It all started about 9 weeks ago when the USPO somehow lost our regular shipment of baby chicks. So, when Farmer Bob (a.k.a. Bob's Bitties) replaced them he not only sent the missing batch, but included a second batch as well. That equals twice the number at one time. No worries. We grew them out as usual. However, as processing day approached we started fretting about how we were going to do all those chickens
Today, I want to share some updates from our processing plant. Last week we took the last six pigs (the ones we rescued from NC) to the new processing plant in Leaksville where we had them slaughter only. We then brought the "halves" back to our farm plant for further processing. That's how we spent our time on Tuesday and Wednesday. One of our customers had emailed me Monday with very kind comments regarding his fresh ham that they had cooked and shared with friends over New Year's. Here is what he said; "We served up a Nature’s Gourmet ham for a group of friends on New Years Day. It was incredible.
How many people really know where their food comes from or how it was raised? My guess would be at least 95% of the population never considers the impact food has on their health and basically considers food - well just food. My thoughts are reinforced from conversations with many of my customers who have shared our farm (and even given samples they purchased) to their family and friends. Should people care?
Veteran Owned & Operated
