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Mr. Scott Bernard, our Galloway bull, is extremely proud of his 3 heifers and 2 bull calves this year. Although Barb had a couple of hair-raising events assisting with births this year, all are tough and husky just like their Dad. This starts our journey toward 100% grass-fed beef. The fat from grass-fed beef has a relatively high concentration of omega 3 and conjugated linoleic acid, fats that are good for you to eat. Grass-finishing beef is a science and an art that requires attention to high quality forages grown on fertile soil. We will focus on soil testing, proper fertilization, and interseeding high quality grasses and legumes in the coming year. The continuing drought required twice as much hay supplements this year and our pastures did not recover well going into winter. Thanks to Swede and Lynford, we fenced in the back 40 acres for fall pasture. No easy task as the ground was dry as concrete! In another journey to find the best chicken breed for pasturing, we selected the heirloom Plymouth Rock this year. Without exception, they are healthy birds, fantastic browsers, and met my challenge for firmness of meat and taste. We are waiting to hear from our customers to see if the quality is worth the wait. Their excellent browsing habits help ensure the best nutrition for your dollar. The spring batch was harvested at 13 weeks with average weight of only 3 pounds. We harvested the fall batch at 15 weeks with average weight of 3.5 pounds, although some made the ‘roaster’ category. Pork is sold out! Feedback has been mixed over the relative leanness of the spotted pigs. We do favor the leaner red pigs which have a meaty side-pork/bacon. One customer recommended the Tamworth breed of pig which is a Irish heirloom breed known for its good browsing on pasture, quiet disposition, and long, relatively lean muscling. Barb kept 30 Plymouth Rock hens and a rooster, Buck, for the new laying flock. They had a summer cottage in the ‘Pig’s Garden’ and helped with much needed weed and bug control. They started laying at 18 weeks and are going strong now with ever increasing egg sizes. The yolks are bright orange from their healthy browsing habits. This reflects |
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The White Tail RidgeLine |
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Fall Round-Up |
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Mr. Scott Bernard |
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Dewdrop, 1st calf 2006 |
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Plymouth Rocks on pasture 2006 |
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