Two Exciting Farm Updates

New Wyoming Yearlings- Monday we took delivery of 56 new Wyoming yearlings from the same ranch where we purchased the 23 bred cows last April. The yearlings included 39 heifers and 17 steers.

Our current cow herd is getting up in years and many will need to be replaced this year. Our intent is to artificial inseminate (AI) the 39 heifers next June when they come of age to the same bull we used to AI the 23 WY cows early October. Then, using heifer offspring from the 39 & 23 WY bred cows it will not take long to completely upgrade our herd to these genetics.

Buying the yearlings has been in the works for about two months. And, I would have liked to have received more, but you do what you can afford and have land for.

The WY ranch also sells their beef by the half/whole to customers in their area. I was talking to them about the carcass quality (meaning how does their beef grade) and she said their beef grades High Choice and Prime.

The 17 steers will be ready for harvest in 15 or so months! Can't wait to try some.

Silvopasture - Interest in Silvopasture is growing.

So, what is Silvopasture? Well, initially, the main emphasis was using trees to enhance pastures and provide shade for grazing animals.

That would include beef, pigs, hens, meat chickens, and turkeys that we raise on our farm.

However, Silvopasture is so much more. For example, species like Honey Locust will drop 300 plus pounds of fodder per tree that is very nutritious to cows in the fall of the year when they need it the most because the summer grass nutritional value has weakened.

As little as seven mature trees will give you a 65% canopy during some parts of the day to shade the forage and soil PLUS animals from the intense summer heat.

Farms that have implemented Silvopasture report substantial increase in forage production as well as time livestock spend grazing vs. lounging under any shade or in ponds.

This week, our youngest son, Jared, traveled to Honey Brook, PA to attend a 3-Day Workshop sponsored by Trees For Graziers. See more at this link.

Like they say, "When is the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. When is the next best time to plant a tree? Today!"

Each of these exciting updates are examples how we continue to improve our stewardship of the land and animals and raise nutrient-dense meat and eggs for your families.

Job Opening At Nature’s Gourmet Farm:

We are looking for a full-time person to join our team here at Nature’s Gourmet Farm. The person will need to be mature, disciplined, and have a positive attitude.

Initially, the work will be heavy in outside activities, but will also include processing, etc. The ideal person will be someone that would work and learn so they could then aspire to have their own successful farm.

If interested, send an email with information about yourself to sales@naturesgourmetfarm.com. Use JOB OPENING in the Subject Line.

** Product Availability Update **

NOTE: Restocks are made about 6 PM on the dates indicated below!

Chicken -Restocked November 13^th. Next Restock is November 26th

Turkey - Thanksgiving Whole Turkeys are SOLD OUT. Delivery to locations starting in November. Also, restocked Ground Turkey, Wings, Legs, and Thighs October 30^th

Eggs - Restock each (NOW) TUESDAY PRIOR to YOUR delivery date. Received 650 new pullets 8 weeks ago. They are just now starting to lay

Beef - Next restock November 22nd

Pork – Restocked November 13^th for fresh items and November 25^th for smoked

Lamb - Restocked October 8th