Our pastured pork is the product of our Pastured pigs. We choose breeds that graze well in our fields. Our pigs spend their days in our pasture with a small hut structure with bedding to use for shelter when they choose. Fences are moved regularly, so all of our animals have a constant supply of pasture grass. While they do happily graze the field, we also provide them with a supplemental ration of antibiotic-free feed (ground grain and corn, vitamins and minerals). We also feel them some vegetables and apples from our gardens. No growth hormones are used, and antibiotics will be used only when needed to save the animal (which we have never, thankfully, had to do).
Why Pastured Pigs? Why not feed them bread & leftovers? Well, other than the fact that the pigs are pretty thrilled to snack on the grass and veggies....the mix of grain and grass helps to marbleize the fat into the finished pork, making for a juicier taste. They grow at a slower, more natural pace when they are not fed leftovers. Pastured Pork is found to be lower in total fat and has a healthier Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio. You will taste the difference, too! Most of our customers order year after year with us.
Ways to purchase our Pork:
Individual Pork Cuts (We do not have these available this year) We offer certified USDA inspected individual pork cuts, typically packaged in full 1 lb. packages (with the exception of pork chops, ribs and roasts (the weight per package varies)). We have individual cuts of Bacon, Pork Chops, Roasts, Ribs, Sausage links for grilling (sweet), and breakfast sausage links (16 per package). Our cuts are priced per pound. Sausage is $9.00 per pound/package; Ribs are $8.00 per pound; Roasts are $8.00 per pound, Pork Chops are $9.00 per pound; and Thick Cut Bacon is $12.00 per pound/package.
Custom Pork Ordering (Available by the Quarter, Half or Whole Pig. Processed as you'd like) We are currently (Spring, 2021) accepting pork pre-orders by the quarter, half or whole animal, at $5.25/pound for hanging weight. All processing fees are included in this price. This pricing is quite different from other farms who charge per pound and then processing fees are added on top of the price per pound (you are then responsible for those separately). Depending on the processor and the quantity of smoked meat, processing fees for a half pig can cost more than $100-150. We will deliver your animal to our local custom Butcher. We will send you a link to their "cut sheet," and you will choose your custom cutting choices. Cuts available include bacon, sausage (spicy, sweet, or breakfast), plain ground pork, ham steaks, deli ham and/or roasts, pork steaks and roasts, spare/short ribs, pork chops, tenderloin and smoked hocks. Lard is also available by request. (Pictured below (2 pics) is an example of a half-pig order. Both of the below pictures together=a half's pigs worth of cuts)
Our current pigs will be ready for processing in November of 2021, and will be ready for you late November/early December. A $25.00 deposit (check) per half is needed to secure your pre-order. We will verify the hanging weight and arrange for pick-up of your packaged, frozen meat at our farm after processing for your convenience. Pig Order Form: Click here for the printable order form. It can be mailed to us, or scanned and emailed to [email protected]. We will then mail the receipt back to you. Ordering information is provided on our HOW TO ORDER page. A link to make your cut choices will be emailed to you when the butcher is ready to process it.
Pastured Chicken (We are hopeful that we will again be taking orders for Chickens for Summer, 2021!)
We occasionally raise Freedom Rangers from day-old chicks. This breed was chosen for their ability to thrive in a pastured environment. They are healthier and slower growing than traditionally raised chickens. Once they are out of the brooder, we raise our chickens in a day-ranging system on pasture. This provides the chicken with a very large-fenced, pasture area with an open shelter from which they come and go, day and night. The fencing and shelter are helpful for weather and predator protection. Chickens are moved multiple times daily, so that fresh, clean grass is always available. While unlimited grazing makes up a good portion of their diet, we also provide them with a supplemental ration of antibiotic-free and hormone-free feed 2 times per day. Our customers tell us they can taste a difference between our chicken and traditional chicken. Beyond taste benefits, pastured Chicken is higher in Omega-3 Fatty Acids. No growth hormones or antibiotics are used at any time with our chicken. Our whole, butchered chickens are typically between 4 and 5 1/2 pounds.
Cost: $5.25 a pound, or $5.00 a pound if you pre-order 10 or more. It is likely that we will only be selling pre-orders this year, so get your order in with us ASAP. We are placing our order in March, 2021.
Vegetables We offer naturally grown, hand-picked vegetables from our fields. We use hoop houses (for some of our tomatoes, peppers and carrots) and manage field crops. Let us know the fruits and vegetables you'd like to see us offer.
The harvest year begins with hoophouse grown spinach in late May, and then spring veggies such as garlic scapes, salad mix, peas, kale, and swiss chard. We offer asparagus in May/June. Throughout the season, we typically offer sweet and hot peppers, tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, saladette and canning/sauce tomatoes), zucchini, pickling cucumbers, radishes, onions, beans, greens (lettuce, kale and swiss chard), herbs, pie pumpkins, watermelon and cantaloupe. In the fall, we typically have onions, broccoli, and spinach. We grow our favorites; the best tasting varieties of vegetables.
Let us know if you'd like to pre-order larger quantities of beans, canning tomatoes or pickling cucumbers as they become available. We typically post these on Facebook and they are gone quickly. Discount pricing for canning vegetables.
Click the Recipes tab above to see more information about the specific vegetables that we currently have for sale, as well as for information about varieties.
Eggs We have lots of fresh, brown eggs available through our Weekly Egg CSA, or sometimes by request when they are available . Our 24 hens are fed antibiotic-free grain, lot of the vegetable/fruit seconds from the garden, and all the bugs and grass they want. Our eggs are $3.50 a dozen. Our Egg CSA is currently full, but we can place you on a list if there is an opening. Contact us for more information.