Tidbits From Around The Farm

So, this is our off weekend - meaning we aren't on the road making deliveries. Once a quarter (July) we have TWO weekends off. This gives us time to catch up on stuff around the farm.

Today, Tess, our Belgian Malinois will have her vet visit. While she likes a lot of attention, she gets very nervous at the vet's office.

Folks have asked how all this rain has affected our farm? Well, the pigs think it is great! The cows are over it and ready for some sunshine! And, it has been the hardest on the broiler meat chickens. Regarding the pastures it has been a mixed blessing. Grasses certainly need rain to grow. However, it has kept us from bush hogging to help with weed control.

Here is a short video I took last Monday while fixin an electric fence that runs along Hem Branch that was destroyed about a month ago following 9.25 inches of rain. Click here to watch and hear about our finishing pasture mix of grasses and legumes (only 1:08 long).

Hey, have y'all started slaughtering and processing on the farm yet? Well, not yet! Actually, Hue will have his next inspection Wednesday, July 28th (at the earliest). He has done a lot of work on documentation (the sticking point) and says he is ready. Unfortunately, the USDA inspector has been tied up on the latest TYSON $70 million recall. When he gets the "thumbs up" he will be here 4-6 days later as the paperwork has to have time to get all the USDA signatures first.

Our plant has been ready since mid-April. Yesterday, SE Butcher delivered our vacuum sealer we ordered back in December 2020.

We continue to invest back into the farm. In addition to the huge plant investment, I'm currently adding "better" brooder space for our meat chickens. After we added the USDA poultry plant the fall of 2019 we pieced together extra brooder space. While it mostly worked it was not ideal. And, the baby chicks need a very controlled environment the first 2-3 weeks of their young life before going to pasture. We want them to thrive - not just get by. Stand by, we'll show you pictures et. al. soon.

How's Business! Glad you asked... This year has been steady. Not the panic we saw Spring of 2020. We are fully stocked on beef & chicken. Pork is stocked except for bacon, pork chops, and steaks. This should be resolved within the next two weeks or so. Lamb - well the producers tell me it is basically the off season for lamb.

We continue to pick up new customers each month and I've noticed an increase in the number of calls from folks asking questions about our farm and products.

Interestingly, the USDA"S National Agriculture Statistics Service stated in its latest Cold Storage Report released Thursday that total red meat supplies in freezers as of June 30th fell 4% from May and 8% from a year ago. Cold storage supplies have been declining for the past several months and are at depressed levels.

New SALE Items:
1) Beef Ribs - have been marked down $2 from $7.50/lb. to $5.50/lb. Save 26%

2) Pork Shoulder Roast/Boston Butt - marked down $1.25 from $7.25/lb. to $6.00/lb. Save 17%

3) Pork Custom Halves - My latest feed price is up 40% year to date. So, pork will very soon go up in price. This is an opportunity for you to order a custom half before prices increase July 26th. Don't delay if you are wanting to add some fresh pastured pork to your freezer now is your best opportunity.

As always, we thank you for rewarding our hard work with your trust and support.