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What makes "pasture raised" beef different than commercial beef you buy in the store?
All of our beef is "pasture raised" meaning our cattle is raised on an entire grass fed diet until a few weeks prior to being butchered. Being raised this way means they are out on pasture at all times. Where commercial cattle is taken to a feed lot for the "finishing" stage prior to being butchered. Feed lots are large pens that have an enormous amount of cattle in them. Most are so crammed into these lots that they are pooping all over each other and have very little room to move. They are only given grain so they bulk up and they are not permitted to graze on their natural diet of grass. It is not only inhumane, but very unsanitary as well. Our cattle are kept out on pasture and are given the option to have a small amount of all natural, non GMO grain for several weeks prior to butcher. However, they are still considered "grass fed" because the amount of grain they receive is so minimal. It's more of a treat! The beef has much more flavor and is leaner than your commercial beef.
How are pigs raised on pasture?
Pigs cannot live on grasses alone, however they LOVE to run around! Most pigs are kept in pens with cement floors that can be hosed clean. Many don't even see the light of day. Pasture raised pigs are provided open shelters to escape the elements, but may wander freely whenever they want. Pigs love to root up soil, eat acorns and they are actually very playful animals. We feel it is inhumane to keep animals cooped up and it poses health risks. The meat of pasture raised pigs is also much more flavorful because of their rooting. Our pigs are fed non-GMO, all natural corn. During the summer months they spend their time in wooded pastures that have an abundace of acorns. There they also have plenty of shade and mud to keep cool. During the very harsh months of winter, sometimes we are forced to keep the pigs in the protective shelter of a barn with a small outdoor corral for them to run in. The barns we use during this time are heavily bedded with straw and the pigs are given ample space to still run around and chase each other. They also have the ability to go outside and get some sunshine. Because our pigs do not get hormones or antibiotics, they are more prone to getting a respiratory infection from the extreme weather conditions. They don't seem to mind the barns though, and love to bury each other in the straw!
Do free range eggs and chicken taste better?
Absolutely. They look different too! Free range egg layers and meat chickens love to forage. They eat grubs, grasses, flowers etc., along with the non GMO corn we supplement with. The yolk of a true free range egg is a deep yellow, sometimes even orange because of all the minerals and nutrients the hens eat. The eggs are much meatier and very flavorful. Some whole food stores advertise "free-range" eggs, however you have to be careful. To be considered "free-range" most farms are only required to let their hens get a few hours of sunlight a day. True free range hens are outside pecking around in large open areas from morning till dusk. They naturally roost into their coops for the night. Our meat chickens free-range as well. They have open shelters to take refuge in during inclement weather. We have Great Pyrenees Guard Dogs that protect them from predators. (and they take their jobs very seriously!)
Can we come and visit the farm?
Yes, you may visit the farm! We welcome people to see how the animals are kept and raised and encourage it. Just give us a call and we will show you around. We also have a large open house every fall. You can bring your family for great food, farm tours and just a great day to spend time together. We serve our products and it is all free. Dates will be posted on our calendar 6 weeks prior to the open house. We typically have it rain or shine, unless severe weather!
How is the meat packaged?
All meat is packaged in clear plastic vaccum sealed packaging. All meat is frozen when delivered.
How does Shipping work?
Shipping for all orders is as follows: All orders that are placed by Wednesday will be delivered to the Shaker Heights Farmer's Market on Saturday morning. All other orders may be picked up at the farm at your convenience.
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