IMPORTANT INFORMATION

We purchased a flock of Shepherd's Cross sheep in the fall of 2024. This is a new addition to the diversification of our farm endeavors and at this point we are not selling meat from these breeds in our store. For now we are only selling Dorper lamb in our shop but if we do add more options for lamb in the future, we will sell it under a different category of lamb so that the consumer is fully aware of their options. Shepherd's cross is a cross bred sheep (meaning different breeds mixed together) and has been developed genetically in a way to optimize fast growth but they do require more grain to finish. Our commercial lambs have a creep feed grain set up whereas our Dorper lambs do not. This means that the commercial lambs have free choice access to grain all day whereas our Dorper's only get a treat (like a handful) per day and only for a limited time frame.

Our Dorper lamb is fed a majority grass and hay diet BUT the lambs do get a bit of whole corn when they are growing as well. We feed their mothers a pail of corn in the morning and the little gaffers start trying out what their mommas are eating by the time they are about a month - 2 months old. They just get a nibble alongside the moms and this continues for a short period during and after weaning. When they are missing milk they greatly enjoy the treat of corn, which adds some interest to the same old hay, day in and day out. Once they get over the stress of weaning and are big and confident enough to start going outside to pasture, they do not need the grain any longer. They fresh grass and good pasture is richer and has more energy and nutrients in it than dried hay. Always some levels of nutrients, protein and sugars will be lost in the drying process of grass to hay.

Dorper sheep is a breed of Purebred sheep developed by crossing the Black Headed Persian and the Dorset sheep breeds together. The outcome was a unique combination of wool and hair sheep that is capable of self-shedding. They have an extended breeding season and are excellent mothers. This breed is known for their hardiness and adaptability, capable of thriving even in harsh conditions, where other breeds may struggle. They are adaptable to a wide range of climates, perfect for Canada where we seem to get it all! They are non-selective grazers and can utilize a wide variety of forages. Dorpers are considered a meat producing breed and are known for their fast growth rate and ability to produce high quality carcasses. Dorper meat is known for its mild flavor and tenderness. We adore our Dorper sheep flock and think they are fabulous! We sell some of the ewe lambs to other farmers, families and homesteaders, wanting to start or influence their own flock with this hard to find breed, that is still a fairly rare breed in Canada. The boy lambs are not all studs meaning they can't all become sires. Only the best of the best would be kept to sell as herd sires and the rest serve the purpose of meat, following the harsh but needed guidelines demonstrated in the wild. This is natural selection or survival of the fittest and where our Dorper lamb comes from when it is available in our shop.

Yes. Rather than becoming redundant and labelling every product in our catalogue as Grass Fed, we have listed Grass Fed Angus Beef as the main category and all of the sub categories (for example Angus steaks, roasts, other cuts and organ meats) line up under the main heading which sums up what they are all; Grass Fed. We do not sell any grain fed beef. The breeds of animals we work with are chosen carefully for their genetic ability to do well in a grass based program, perfect for our farm which is built around a pasture based system of rotational grazing.

Grass finished cattle require longer time to reach optimal weight and fat levels than grain finished cattle. Our steers are usually 2 to 3 years old (24-28 months ideally) before they are ready.

There are several health benefits to grass-fed over grain-fed beef, such as having a healthier fat profile and high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin B-12, beta-carotene, potassium and heme iron. Grass-fed beef is higher in healthy nutrients and lower in calories and saturated fat than grain-fed cattle. It is important to realize that grain-fed cattle may also have been given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them quicker. Healthier Fat Profile: Grass-fed beef has higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids and CLA, which have been linked to various health benefits including reduced heart disease risk and improved inflammation. It also tends to be leaner and lower in saturated fat compared to grain-fed beef. Higher Levels of Vitamins and Antioxidants: Grass-fed beef is a very rich in vitamins A & E which support immune function, skin and eye health. It also contains more antioxidants, such as vitamin E which protect against cell damage by combatting oxidative stress. It is a good source of other important minerals like selenium, zinc and phosphorus. Potential Benefits: Due to the higher levels of omega 3s and antioxidants, it may be a beneficial aid in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, improving heart health and reducing inflammation while supporting muscle building and weight management. It is not only better for our health but also for the health of the planet, being more sustainable and humane to produce.

We have a high standard for our chicken coop and nest box cleanliness so that our eggs are very clean and hand picked daily. There are times when an egg will have some shavings, bedding or debris from the nest stuck to it. We use a clean dry cloth or slightly cool damp cloth to gently wipe off the debris. We do not immerse under or in water and do not use soap. Occasionally a heavy hen may lay on a pile of eggs and break one, sullying all of them or unabashedly relieve herself in the nest...gross yes but thankfully our dog likes eggs for treats. If the eggs are very dirty then we do not sell them. Farm fresh eggs last longer for the customer because they are fresher when you get them and because the natural bloom on an egg preserves it for longer. Eggs sold in a store have to be washed and sterilized during the grading process which eliminates the bloom coating on the egg, reducing the shelf life. Should you wash your farm fresh eggs before eating them? Most advise, yes you should, but that is your choice to make.

We will! Another exciting new option will soon be available from our farm shop! In the summer of 2025, this with be our first year adding heritage meat breed chickens to our menu. This year we are raising Buff Brahma, Orpington and Sussex cockerels, who will move into our chicken tractor once it warms up enough outside and the grass is growing, by late May. The chicken tractor is like a gypsy wagon, a home on wheels that can be moved around the fields so that the chickens have new fresh areas to roam and forage in the day but still have a safe and cozy home and roost for the nights. We will use an electric net fence to secure a roam zone around the chicken tractor, which is portable and can be moved with the wagon. We use a solar fence energizer to power the electric net fence. The shock is a deterrent to keep predators out and to keep the chickens in, so they do not flap off to terrorize our laying hens or end up in a fox den. As we do not yet have the wealth of knowledge gained from experience in this new endeavor, the timeline for when we can expect them to be ready is APPROXIMATE. I am hoping for July 2025 but will keep you posted.

Yes! The chickens are free to choose their own routines for the day. The coop door opens at sunrise and shuts shortly after sunset so they may choose to go out and flutter about the yard, gardens and fields or they may choose to stay in and listen to the radio on a rainy day. They have free range and free choice. The door remains open all day, so most frequently they hurry out in the morning and stretch their legs and then come back in to find a comfortable nest box for laying their egg and return back outside until sunset. At sunset they return home and find a comfy roost and go to sleep for the night. We do not have to chase them in or out of the coop, they know it is their home and safe zone and come and go as they please.

We select for breeds that do well in natural, grass based systems. Although these animals will take longer to develop, their lives are healthier and happier because they have space and time outdoors while also serving a beneficial purpose of helping regenerate our land and soil. We believe Heritage breed chickens still deserve a prized place in this world. Some of the most common attributes associated with these breeds are listed below; Brahma: -dubbed 'the King of all Poultry' for it's great size, strength and vigor -easy to contain, as the size and weight make it less likely to fly over fences -good foragers -their large size makes them a good source of meat -known for good meat quality -market weight 9-12 lbs. -process age 16 - 20 weeks -yellow skin color -can be broilers at a younger age, capons or large roasting fowl later on (earliest 13 weeks, avg. 6 months to 8 months) -cold hardy -calm nature -was leading meat breed from 1850's-1930, approx. 70 years! Orpington: -originally bred to be excellent layers and provide good meat for the table -large size and achieve a good weight for meat production -known for high quality and juicy meat -size 8-10 lbs. -white skin color -process age 18-24 weeks -can be 8-10 lbs. by 20 weeks of age -docile/calm nature Sussex: -in the early 20th century was one of the principal breeds for meat production, until displaced by modern industrialized hybrid strains -excellent foragers which makes them a good choice for free range systems -known for excellent meat quality -puts on fat quickly which makes tender and juicy meat -size 7-9 lbs. -white skin color -process age 16-20 weeks -relatively fast growing -calm/good temperament

As mentioned, I am no expert...not yet anyway, but I do LOVE our laying hens and expect we will greatly enjoy raising these new meat breed chickens as well. I am going to lay out some of the age guidelines below, but please do keep in mind that these numbers stated are based on my research and not from experience. Broilers/Fryers: A young chicken about 7-10 weeks of age and up to 12 weeks for organic, of either sex, characterized by tender meat, soft skin and a flexible breast bone. Usually they weigh 3-5 lbs. and dress at 2.5-4 lb. carcass. Roasters: An older chicken, typically 3-5 months of age, weighing 5-7 lbs. and is usually roasted whole. Capons: A male that is gelded or castrated at a young age and then fed a rich diet, developing slower but putting on more fat. Flavorful and full breasted with tender, juicy and flavorful meat at about 16 weeks to 8 months of age, weighing 4-7 lbs. Great for roasting, braises or poaching. Stewing/Baking Hens: Mature laying hens 10 months to 1.5 years of age. Rock Cornish Game Hens: Very young broiler chickens, slaughtered after 4 weeks, weighing 1-1.5 lbs. Usually roasted whole or split. Rooster or Cock: A mature male chicken with low body fat and lean muscles, resulting in tough, dark meat that requires long moist cooking methods, such as 'coq au vin'.

Yes. Although we were able to offer a cooler at the lanes end for a help yourself situation briefly, our hens have a steady client base now and we do not often have extra eggs for the egg stand so must instead make appointments for scheduled pickups.

Our layer hens have calcium and grit supplements and a Non GMO Maitland Valley Layer Pellet available free choice so that if the weather is bad and they do not want to go out and forage in the rain, they can still get all the nourishment they need in a day. They always have the choice of going outside in the day for 3 seasons of the year. In the dead cold of winter, we do need to close up the coop to keep them safe from frostbite for a month or two of the worst weather but they are free range inside of the large coop during these cold spells. They always have clean water available which we sometimes put apple cider vinegar, oregano, mint or other herbs in. We give them dried soldier fly larvae, fruits and vegetable kitchen scraps and pumpkins for treats. Outside they have large expanses of grass in the fields to roam and trees for shade and shelter from prey birds. All the bugs and fun in the sun they can handle!

Our farm shop is open 3 seasons of the year, from April to December. We secure several bookings with our butcher, a year in advance, to be interspersed throughout the spring, summer and fall, which ensures a very good selection of choice cuts throughout the year. As the winter approaches, our stock variety is, as supplies last. If you have the freezer space, late fall is a great time to stock up on favorite items to last for your family, in the cold weather ahead. I do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the lack of options from January through March but please try to understand that we are most busy caring for our animals during these months, when the outside pastures are frozen over and they rely on us completely, for fresh clean water and forage daily. These months are also busy with baby lambs and calves being born so therefore our times available are very unpredictable. There is not enough of my husband and I to go around from January to March so we must prioritize the care of our animals over everything else.

Yes. Although we were able to offer a cooler at the lanes end for a help yourself situation briefly, our hens have a steady client base now and we do not often have extra eggs for the egg stand so must instead make appointments for scheduled pickups.

Call, text or email Emily to set up a day and time for pickup. You may also use the booking tool on this website to make an appointment time online.