After a wet and muddy week it's nice to see a little sunshine for a change these last couple of days. The dairy cows have been grazing paddocks more than a half-mile from the barn and have been slogging through the muddy lanes to get back to the barn every morning for milking. Probably the only critters that are happy with the mud are the pigs, who can't get enough of it.
With some dry days ahead we were able to get one last cutting of hay in this week, hoping to get it baled and into the barn before the next rain which is forecast for Wednesday.
The pavement resurfacing project went well and visitors will notice the nice smooth entrance to the farm store and new drainage which will hopefully keep the front of the barn and store dry. However, with the store closed for a day and a half this week we built up a good inventory of eggs so we have brought the egg bundle discounts back for now until we can work down that inventory.
The fresh Thanksgiving Turkeys are all reserved, however we do plan on having several hundred frozen turkeys available in the farm store, for curbside pickup, and shipping beginning Thursday, November 12th. Mark your calendars.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE FALL FEST - OCTOBER 10TH
Our annual Fall Fest on the Farm is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th from 12 PM - 3 PM. We will re-create the “hay mountain” which is always a big hit with the kids, and this year we will also planning for for some fun contests for kids of all ages that might include the egg toss, chicken rodeo, gunnysack race, hay bale toss, spoon egg race, tug of war, and the three-legged race. And of course hay wagon tours of the farm to see the cows, chickens, pigs, and turkeys in their pasture settings.
As usual the main attraction will be the street tacos from the Jarabe Taco Truck. They will be coming out from Chicago to serve up their Carne Asada, Beef Birria, Chicken Tinga, Al Pastor and Mojo Mushroom tacos. Made with our own grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken. Side dishes will include chips and salsa, roasted tomato rice, refried black beans, and guacamole. All you can eat including bottled water and flavored sparkling water will be provided.
We now have tickets available, reserve your space now before they sell out. $30 for adults, $20 for kids 5 - 12, $15 for little tykes that don't eat much.
“MEET THE MAKER” EVENTS COMING UP
Saturday September 26th – Deerland Dairy will showcase their line of locally-produced yogurts made Jersey cow milk (our 2nd favorite dairy breed after Guernseys). 10 AM - 1 PM.
Saturday October 10th – Alex Alfaro, baker of our El Hornito brand sourdough breads and treats, will sample her many baked goodies from 10 AM - 1PM.
Saturday October 17th – Frontier Soups will show off their many different blends of soup mixes and recipes, just in time for fall soup season! 9 AM - 1 PM.
FARM STORE UPDATE
Thinking about pork, this week we have our pasture-raised pork loin roasts on special at 15% OFF! Perfect for that pulled pork on the smoker! And we restocked the beef freezer this week.
Fresh organically-grown produce in the farm store from our on-site gardens:
Green Leaf Lettuce, Bok Choy, Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Sage), Turnips, Green Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Slicing Tomatoes, Red onions, and Mixed Bell Peppers. Other local produce includes Garlic (limited), Mushrooms, and Microgreens.
And fresh local produce from our network of downstate Illinois farms: Raspberries, Sweet Corn, Potatoes (German Butterball, Kennebec, Norland Red, Russet), Sweet Potatoes, Jalapenos, Summer Squash, Heirloom Tomatoes, Slicing Cucumbers, Butternut Squash, Spaghetti Squash, Pie Pumpkins, Paw Paws (limited and ripe!), Ground cherries, and Pie Pumpkins.
Other fresh organic produce in the store includes: Mandarin’s, Limes, Avocados, Apples, Black Plums (limited), Figs (limited), Carrots, Ginger, Turmeric, Cauliflower (limited), and Garret Jumbo Sweet Potatoes.
Our next farm tour is Saturday, October 17th at 1:00 PM, and includes a 75-90 minute hay wagon ride around the farm with stops to visit all the different animals we raise. Reserve your seats on our website or purchase tickets in the farm store.
Visit our online store to order grass-fed meat bundles for curbside pickup or ship them to your home.
Please remember to bring us your used shopping bags and egg cartons - we can reuse them.
Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend!
1 comment
Uwielbiam was ❤️