Do you raise your animals from baby?
We are not a cow-calf operation, and we do not breed pigs. Our beef is purchased once they are weaned from the cow from other local farmers in Kentucky. Pigs are also purchased from a fellow Kentuckian who raises a variety of heritage breed hogs. They are brought to our farm once they are weaned from the sow as well.
Our Svart Hona chickens are hatched here on the farm. The chickens are a mixture of acquired from local farms as well as home grown babies.
Are your cattle grass-fed?
Our cattle are fed a ratio of feed that is sourced from local distiller's mash. This mash is non-GMO, and it is mixed here at the farm with other vital minerals and nutrients that cattle require as well as hay. We work closely with a nutritionist to ensure proper feed rations are given to all our animals that meet their specific requirements.
Isn't grass-fed beef the better option?
Both grass fed and grain fed beef have the same nutritional qualities. The difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef is simply in a fat substance called an omega 3. Both grain-fed and grass-fed cattle contain omega 3, but grass-fed cattle do have more bioavailable omega 3. Both grain and grass-fed beef are loaded with highly concentrated sources of nutrients. In fact, beef contains almost every nutrient that you need to survive. We are in the process of having our beef tested by BeaconPoint Labs for a full fatty acid profile and will be sharing that data with you once it is available.
Is the meat antibiotic free?
All meat in the United States is antibiotic free. Any animal that falls ill are properly quarantined, treated in accordance with our veterinarians' recommendations and reintroduced to their herd when they are free and clear of any illness. We do NOT mass treat our animals with prophylactic antibiotics. There are withdrawal dates on any label that must be followed prior to their slaughter, and we keep very accurate records to ensure this is properly followed. Antibiotics are lifesaving for our animals as they are for humans, and we use them judiciously and only when absolutely necessary.
Are your animals locked up all the time?
No. The hens are in a mobile chicken coop that is moved every few days for new areas to scratch and peck in a pasture. This ensures that they never get down to the bare dirt and have ample bugs to forage in addition to their organic feed. Each cattle pen has access to grass lots of 10-15 acres and they are free to come and go in and out of the barn as they choose. The pigs have a large pen also open to the outdoors complete with a very large wallowing area and their own personal fan to cool down.
I bought eggs but they look different than what was pictured.
We cannot guarantee any certain number of colors of eggs. The hens are free to lay, and if they don't feel like laying that day there really isn't anything that can be done. Some farms use artificial lights which tricks the hens' body into producing more eggs, but this isn't very beneficial for the longevity of the hen. We prefer to allow them to rest if their bodies decide to do so.
Can I come see the farm?
Due to the risk of biohazards such as avian flu that is now affecting cattle, and a multitude of other risks, we do not allow for farm visits. We are in the process of becoming NPIP certified, and we comply with all USDA regulations to ensure proper sanitation and well as mitigate the risk to our animals. We invite you to follow along on social media to keep tabs on our furry and feathered friends.
Do you process the animals yourself?
We use a USDA inspected facility for processing and are fortunate to have a place close-by for local processing. Our personal beef and hogs are done here, and you can find more information on the facility by visiting them at Trackside Butcher Shoppe.
Why does my invoice charge look different than what was in the checkout?
When you checkout, you are given an estimated total based on product weight. When we pack your order, we input the exact weight of the items you have selected so you are not over-charged for any product. The final invoice reflects the exact weights from the cuts of meat as they have been placed into your box.
For any other questions, drop us a line!