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Some Stats That Caught My Attention This Week

written by

Ben Simmons

posted on

July 15, 2022

Good Morning and hello from your farmer,

First Things First - just a reminder that our chicken sale ends Wednesday at midnight. In today's economy it could be a long time before you see sale prices like these on Whole Chicken and Chicken Breast - receive 10% off when you buy 7 or more packs.

For some time now our method to cross Hem Branch has been out. This means the cows have had to use an alternate crossing site that was eroding badly. Not Good!

And we had no way to easily access parts of several pastures without going a long way around.

I am happy to announce that as of early this week that problem is fixed! First, we collected old bridge concrete pieces - some free (yes!) and some purchased. Then, we hired a local contractor with the equipment to lift the bridge pieces to prepare the site and set them in place. He then added clay gravel to build the ramp.

Monday, out team completed the job by installing electric fence to direct the cows to use the new bridge crossing. Here's a picture of the completed work. Let us know what you think!

G-Branch-Bridge.jpg

Okay, some statistics that caught my attention this week.

The source of what I am about to share came from a presentation by Dr. David Johnson of NM State University. His presentation was about the importance of regenerating the microbial life back into our soils. Here you go:

1) Since 1960 Farm Debt has INCREASED 14 TIMES. This was as of 2016. I can assure you this has not changed, but has only gotten worse. Frankly, with inflation most likely to go higher, there will be many farms unable to continue

2) Since 1960 Farmers Return on Invested Cash has DECREASED 3 TIMES. Again, as of 2016. The impact is more than money. Many are risking "generational" land & livelihood, working very hard every day - for what? A third of the income! Remember, the average age of the American Farmer is 67. He is ready to retire and in many cases the kiddos don't what that lifestyle

3) This picture expresses it best.

EROI-Dr-Johnson.jpg

What this slide reminds me about is 1977 when Wendell Berry (farmer, author, advocate) debated then Secretary of Ag Earl Butz who told farmers to "Get Big OR Get Out". WATCH HERE

The statistic also proves that tens of thousands of small farms are much more efficient and sustainable than hundreds of multi-thousand acre farms.

Have you ever wondered which countries spend the most per capita on food? Here is a link I found: CLICK HERE

The USA is #11 at $2,678 - a full $1,000 less than #1 Norway at $3,673.

Here's what I'm suggesting - it has never been a better time to source your families food from a local farmer than now! Get to know them. We really like it when folks ask about our farming practices. Ask plenty of questions. Transparency is key. And, it really helps your farmer to better serve your needs when your purchases are consistent.

Maybe you have been looking for premium ALL NATURAL GOODNESS of beef, pork, chicken, and eggs raised on pasture as God intended - with emphasis on Regenerative Principles and NOT conventionally raised animals (with growth hormones, drugs, chemicals, and antibiotics) - and where animals are treated humanely - then you have come to the right farm. Our delivery schedule and product availability is listed below along with order buttons that will take you to our website where you can browse over 90 product choices and place your order from the convenience of your home. It's that simple!

Lastly, Beth & I thank you for trusting us with your food dollars.

** Product Availability Update **


Chicken -Fully Stocked. Next harvest date is July 13th with restock the following day

Eggs - Eggs are still very tight but getting better. Thanks for your patience and remember to check our website each Wednesday just before YOUR delivery.

Beef - Restock Saturday July 23rd.

Pork - Fully Stocked! Harvested 4 more pigs on June 23rd

Lamb - Harvested three lamb April 12th with restock Wednesday, April 20th.

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