Pasture raised livestock offers significant advantages over most retail meats. By raising livestock in small numbers, animals are able to develop more naturally. It also allows us to integrate them more closely with the garden ecology and produces a healthier, better tasting meat, free of large doses of antibiotics and growth hormones.
Our animals are allowed to graze outside and develop at a more normal rate. Spacious housing is provided for each of the animals, and bedding is replaced regularly.
Additionally, the animals provide manure for our garden compost, and the chickens forage through the gardens eating many of the pests that would otherwise require pesticides to control. Eggs that come from chickens that forage like this have been shown to be higher in many important nutrients, and lower in cholesterol.
CSA members, as well as any visitors to the farm will be able to view the animals and see how they are raised at all times. Please feel free to discuss our animals with any of the farm associates.
Is there a difference between fresh or frozen meat?
- Freezing actually helps break down the cell walls in the meat slightly making it a little more tender. This helps the grass-fed beef due to the lack of bad fat in the meat. Surveys of industry experts agree that there is no difference in any quality characteristic between properly prepared frozen and fresh meats.
- Any good chef knows it's best to thaw under refrigeration and serve within two days of thawing.
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Benefits of
Grass Feeding Animals:
- Higher in good fats, including conjugated linoleic acid, or CLA, which may improve immune function, regulate blood sugar and stimulate fat burning in the body.
- Higher in omega 3 fatty acids, which may help to prevent heart disease and diabetes.
- Lower in fat overall (For optimum taste, cook it longer and at a lower temperature).
- Grass-fed animals are unlikely to have any additives, including chemicals, growth hormones or genetically modified feed.
- Higher in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps with immune function.
- High in CoQ10, an enzyme needed for proper heart function and circulatory issues. CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant.
All of our animals are raising in very limited numbers to ensure the best of care.
Ready in November/December
Share Size |
Cost |
1/4 - Avg. weight 150 lbs.
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$4.95 per lb. Hanging Weight |
1/2 - Avg. weight 300 lbs.
|
$4.95 per lb. Hanging Weight |
Whole - Avg. weight 600 lbs.
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$4.95 per lb. Hanging Weight |
Ready in September/October
Share Size |
Cost |
1/2 - Avg. weight 75 lbs.
|
$4.00 per lb. Hanging weight |
Whole - Avg. weight 150 lbs.
|
$4.00 per lb. Hanging weight |
Ready in January
Share Size |
Cost |
1/2 - Avg. weight 25 lbs. |
$9.00 per lb. Hanging weight |
Ready in November
Share Size |
Cost |
Whole bird - Avg. weight 15-18 lbs. |
$5.00 per lb. |
First group ready August
Share Size |
Cost |
Whole bird - Avg. weight 5-7 lbs. |
$4.50 per lb. |
Available to CSA Members first
Share Size |
Cost |
One dozen |
$4.50 per dozen |
"Hanging Weight" is the term used to describe the weight of a carcass minus the head, hide and entrails. At this point the useable cuts of meat are still intact. Whole, halves and quarters are sold to you based on hanging weight.
Excess fat and bone are removed during cutting, therefore, carcass fatness will affect how much take-home meat you will yield. Keep in mind that grass feeding creates a leaner carcass than what a grain fed carcass will be therefore provide you with a higher yield.
Please email John directly
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