Get to Know
Our Animals
Meat Chickens
At our homestead, we raise premium meat birds primarily for our personal consumption, with plans to offer them to our clients in the near future. Our breed of choice is the Jumbo Cornish Cross chicken, renowned for its rapid growth and efficient feed conversion. These birds demonstrate remarkable potential from their spring arrival to processing 8 to 10 weeks later, yielding tender, flavorful meat that consistently exceeds expectations. With careful management and attention to detail, we ensure optimal conditions for our chickens, resulting in top-quality meat from pasture to plate. Stay tuned for updates on when our chickens will be available for purchase.
Pigs
At our homestead, we raise Berkshire pigs, also known as Kurobuta, for their exceptional meat quality and invaluable role in land management. While we currently raise these pigs for personal consumption, we hope to offer them to our clients in the future. These pigs embody the essence of traditional pig farming with their docile nature and natural foraging instincts. As they roam our acreage, they engage in their instinctual behavior of rooting, which not only provides them with a diverse diet but also helps break up compacted soil, promoting healthier vegetation growth.
The Berkshire's foraging habits are beneficial for our land as well. Their gentle yet persistent rooting action aerates the soil, allowing for better water penetration and nutrient absorption. This natural tilling process reduces the need for mechanical intervention, such as plowing, and minimizes soil erosion. Additionally, their grazing habits aid in controlling weeds and unwanted vegetation, effectively acting as a form of natural weed management. Stay tuned for updates on when our Berkshire pork will be available for purchase.
Laying Chickens
At our homestead, we initially chose White Rock chickens, a versatile dual-purpose breed, for our laying flock. White Rocks are known for their ability to provide both meat and eggs, making them a valuable asset in the early stages of our operation. However, we have since retired that flock and transitioned to Rhode Island Reds, which are renowned for their exceptional egg-laying capabilities.
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Rhode Island Reds are now the cornerstone of our laying hen operation, consistently producing high-quality eggs with rich flavor and sturdy shells. While we fondly remember our time with the reliable White Rocks, the Rhode Island Reds have proven to be an excellent choice for our current needs. As we continue to refine our practices, we remain dedicated to providing optimal conditions for our hens, ensuring they thrive and produce the best eggs possible for our homestead and, in the future, for our clients.
Dogs
At our homestead, our dogs Pepper and Bear are cherished members of our family. Pepper is a lively mix of Dachshund and Jack Russell Terrier, known for her energetic and playful nature. She brings joy and enthusiasm to our daily routines with her spirited personality.
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Bear, on the other hand, is a Blue Heeler mix, embodying the intelligence and loyalty characteristic of his breed. While Bear has not been trained to manage livestock, his alertness and friendly demeanor make him a wonderful companion and guardian of our homestead.
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Both Pepper and Bear contribute to the warmth and vibrancy of our home, each in their own unique way. We are grateful for their companionship and the happiness they bring to our lives.
