FARM HAPPENINGS
We finally have some cooler fall weather this week after the unseasonably warm days of last week… just in time for the Fall Fest on the Farm next week (details below). This warm weather will likely help us extend the grazing season this fall as the grass and pasture forages continue to grow well, especially with the rains that came through earlier in the week. In a typical year we expect to finish up grazing by the end of October and then start feeding hay to the beef and dairy herds, but this year we are hoping to graze well into November and possibly even December if the heavy snows hold off.
We finally have some cooler fall weather this week after the unseasonably warm days of last week… just in time for the Fall Fest on the Farm next week (details below). This warm weather will likely help us extend the grazing season this fall as the grass and pasture forages continue to grow well, especially with the rains that came through earlier in the week. In a typical year we expect to finish up grazing by the end of October and then start feeding hay to the beef and dairy herds, but this year we are hoping to graze well into November and possibly even December if the heavy snows hold off.
We took in our 2nd to last batch of pasture-raised chickens to the processor on Wednesday morning, so we do have fresh chicken available this weekend in the farm store. Next week we will process our last batch for the year, with fresh chicken available beginning Thursday 16th through the weekend while supplies last. After that we should have plenty of frozen chicken and parts stored up to hopefully get us through the winter.
FALL FEST WITH FARM OLYMPICS NEXT SATURDAY!
Our annual Fall Fest on the Farm is next Saturday, October 18th from 12 PM - 4 PM. We will re-create the “hay mountain” which is always a big hit with the kids, and this year we are also planning for our first-ever “Farm Olympics” - a series of fun contests for kids of all ages including 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.
Of course the main attraction is 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 have tickets still 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.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY UPDATE
The fresh Thanksgiving turkeys are sold out for the season, however we expect to have a good supply of frozen turkeys available beginning the first week of November. Pre-Order your turkey now to make sure you are ready for that special holiday meal. We will do our best to fill all size requests. I expect most turkeys will be in the 15 - 20 lb. range but we will always have some smaller ones and jumbos as well. We recommend 2 lbs. of turkey per guest served.
FARM STORE UPDATE
Fresh local and organic produce available in the store this week from our on-site gardens includes Butternut Squash, Watermelon Radishes, Green Beans, Purple Beans, and Pie Pumpkins. Other local produce from Broadview Farms includes mixed sweet peppers and Honeynut Winter Squash. And we just received a shipment of freshly harvested organic potatoes from Igl Farms in Wisconsin - reds, yellows, and russets. And local mushrooms and garlic.
Other midwest-grown produce includes Napa cabbage, red and yellow onions, shallots, and Brussels sprouts from Minnesota.
California organic fruits and vegetables available this week include Persimmons (short season), Dates, Apples, Oranges, Pears, Lemons, Limes, Avocado, Ginger, Turmeric, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, and Thomcord Grapes.
New Products in the store this week include El Molcajete organic yellow corn tortilla chips made with organic yellow corn tortillas, coconut oil, salt. Locally made in Evanston, Illinois. And Date Lady Products: USDA organic, clean ingredients and sweetened with dates. We have her BBQ, Sweet Chili sauce, Date Syrup, Chocolate Syrup (Makes great chocolate milk!), and Date Sugar
Items on sale in the farm store this week:
- Grass-Fed Beef Shanks $10.50 lb.
- Grass-Fed Beef Marrow/Soup Bones $6.95/lb.
- Grass-Fed Beef Short Ribs $10.50/lb.
- Pasture-Raised Chicken Bone Broth 4 for $40
- Pork Organ sale! Save 30% off on Pork Hearts, Liver, Kidneys
Our Saturday farm tours continue through Thanksgiving (except Oct.18 for Fall Fest). The tours start at 1:00 PM. Weather looks perfect today - purchase tour tickets online or in the farm store.
Hope to see everyone at the farm soon…