Igor the Amazing

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Igor

In my next couple of posts, I will tell you of two more Love Led Farm products that will soon be available.  But on a day featuring gloomy, grey skies and heavy rain, how about a farm story?

A She Duck Named Igor

Last year, I introduced you to Igor, our very special Muscovy duck.  Born with a crooked neck (only to be then stepped on by a rooster), Igor certainly differs from the rest of our birds.  To watch her walk, makes one’s neck hurt.

But Igor is not to be pitied.  The girl is a champion!  Our chickens know not to tangle with her, especially at feeding time.  With a fondness for catching rodent snacks and her ability to lay plenty of delicious eggs, Igor has earned her place in our barn and in our hearts.

So yesterday morning, my heart sank when I noticed a motionless heap of dark grey and white feathers in the corner of a goat pen.  It was Igor.

Sadly I thought of how to tell my grandchildren that our favorite duck was gone.  Then deciding that a duck funeral might be in our future, I decided to at least cover her until I could find an appropriate box.  Quietly and reverently, I approached the pile of feathers only to see our friend’s head pop up!

“I’m not dead yet!” she hissed.  “I’m having babies!  Now, leave me alone!”  And sure enough, beneath her was a feather-lined nest full of…one egg.  Okay, only one.  But Igor made it clear that nobody would be bothering her baby.

Our Mother to Be is now is now enjoying a protective luxury suite.  I added a few more fertilized eggs from our other ducks to enlarge Igor’s family (yes, you can do that).  And we, with watchful eyes, will do our part to see Igor through a successful hatching.   Hopefully, in about 30+ days, some tiny heads will peek out from beneath her wings.

A well-deserved breakfast for my hero

In the meantime, I’m adding Igor to my personal mentor list–I learn so much from my animals.   I also think she deserves to be named Mascot of the Farm for a couple of reasons.

First, she reminds me that triumphant living does not depend on a perfectly formed body.  Some of the strongest people I know have modeled this all-important truth for me.  And maybe a successful farm doesn’t have to look like a magazine cover?

And second, on those days when I am tired, overwhelmed, and discouraged, I can think of Igor.   I can open my eyes, raise my head, and keep going.  After all, “I’m not dead yet!”

Enjoy your day.  I heard a rumor that warmer, drier days…and sunshine…lie just ahead!

Warmly,

The Final Lap

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August brings a flurry of hectic activity as we race along toward the 2021 finish line for chicken and pork.  Soon–all too soon–the chicken tractors and hog pen will be empty.  We will breathe a big sigh of relief, knowing that the freezers of our happy customers are once again filled with meat from Love Led Farm.

Meat Chickens

Oh the joy of sunshine and fresh air!

This is a picture of our last meat chickens for the year.  Due to their popularity, I added a small flock and one last Pick-Up Day to the calendar.

These are Cornish Cross, you know, the ones with lots of white meat.  If you missed out on ordering, run back to our home page and click on the white chicken to reserve a few.

Can’t do it right now?  Don’t worry.  I always plan a few extra for our freezer.  When your mouth is watering for our pasture-raised, gmo-free chicken, just call or email.  We’ll be happy to help.

Freezer Pork

Smile for the camera!

These perfectly pink pigs will finish in a little over a month–September 28th, to be exact.  This picture was taking a few weeks ago.  Now, these guys and girls are bigger–much, much bigger.  It must be the goat milk, duck eggs, and apples they are feasting on.

If you have ordered pork from us, it’s time to begin planning your freezer bundles.  I will be contacting you in about a week with updated information and to answer any questions you may have.

Oh, you haven’t reserved your meat yet?  Well, good news:  I still have some available.   If you are considering a half or whole hog for your freezer, please contact me as soon as possible.  You will find the process easy, our prices reasonable, and the meat delicious.

Up Ahead

Hints of Autumn on a hot August day

Next month, we’ll talk about honey–it’s almost time to harvest–and bread.  I think I hear my oven calling.

Season after season, we work cheerfully and diligently to provide delicious, farm fresh products because we are always thinking of you–our friends of Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

 

A Mid-Summer Update

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Why does summer fly by so quickly?  Probably because there is so much to do!  Who has time to read a long post?  Not me!  So here’s a quick update on what is happening on Love Led Farm, and more importantly, what is available for you.

A few of the girls

Eggs–Duck and Chicken

Although I am starting to see signs of the annual Summer Slowdown, we still have quite a few eggs each day–so far.  And because the girls eat so much of their summer diet by free ranging, I don’t see any reason to raise the prices–that’s good news for all of us!

Ducks on Bug Patrol

Meat Chickens

Although the July 8th flock of Cornish Cross is sold out, I still have plenty left for July 29 and September 16.  There are still plenty of Rangers available for both pick-up dates, too.

If you are wondering what on earth I am talking about, head to our home page and click on the white meat bird for information on what we offer and when.  Then choose your pick-up date(s) and pay your deposit.

But better do so soon as I have a feeling the remaining birds will quickly fly into somebody else’s freezer.

Chicken Enchiladas–one of the endless ways to use our mouth-watering chicken.

Our Pork

Wow, these pigs look good!  It’s probably their healthy diet which includes goat milk and extra duck eggs.  Like our chickens, folks who have previously purchased our pork are quickly claiming these for their freezers.

The good news is that we still have a little left.  We sell hogs by the whole, half and quarter.  With Byron Center Meat’s help, we craft a pork package that is exactly as you desire.

Meat shortage?  Not you!  Imagine roasts, chops, ribs, bacon, and an assortment of sausages, all in your freezer!  Hungry yet?

Posing Pigs

Honey

Could you use some?  I still have several jars of Love Led Farm raw honey that are available from our last harvest.

Recently, one customer bought a jar to help with her seasonal allergy issues.  I add mine to goat milk yogurt and spoon a little over fresh berries.  Like heaven in a dish!

I keep honey on our farm table next to the eggs.  If you don’t see the size you’d like, feel free to ask.

We still have a few jars of this golden harvest left–for you.

And Goats

Nothing entertains me more than watching my 4 little goat kids leaping, running, and chasing one another around their pasture.  And when one crawls on my lap asking for a snuggle?  There are no words

Snuggling with Noah on a perfect summer evening

The milk their mamas are producing is so sweet and delicious–I think it’s the best they’ve ever given!  I still have room for another herd share member or two.  Interested?

Wondering if you would use 1/2 gallon each week?  What about making yogurt?  I can teach you how.  Yogurt freezes well so you’ll have plenty all winter long.  Versatile yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream.

Also, consider your pets.  I have found that adding goat milk to my dog’s diet helps her digestive system as well as improving her coat and skin.

Goat milk yogurt ready to culture–a perfect way to use extra milk and preserve a wholesome source of dairy for winter.

Soak in this wonderful summer but don’t forget that colder temperatures will be back–sooner than most of us desire.  Perhaps it’s time for you to think about what will be in your freezer next winter.  We can help!

See you soon…on Love Led Farm!

Warmly,

A Growing List of Farm Products—For You

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Goats

First, I just have to share another baby picture.  Recently, Kelly had her son and daughter.  Noah and Nancy are healthy and ready to romp.  They join Nellie and Nora who are now 4 weeks old.

Noah and Nancy

Notice the “N’s”?   My herd is registered with the American Dairy Goat Association.  Each year, we are given a letter of the alphabet for naming purposes.  In 2020, the letter was “M;” this year it is “N.”  You get the idea.

The goats are then tagged or tattooed with that letter and a birth order number which makes for easy tracking. That’s probably more goat information than you need to know but it is kind of interesting.

Anyway, with the birth of the babies comes Herd Share Season. I just enjoyed a glass of cold, sweet goat milk this morning….so good!

I have space for 3 or 4 more Love Led Farm Herd Share members…would that be you?

Goat milk yogurt ready to culture.

Pigs

Humans aren’t the only ones who drink goat milk around here.  It is an important part of our hogs’ diet.  This secret, learned from my brother-in-law years ago, is one reason why our pork is lean, tender, and beautifully pink.

Several previous customers have already reserved their meat for this year. But the good news is that we still have one hog available.  We sell by the quarter, half, or the whole.  You will pay a small deposit now and the rest is due after butchering this fall.

Don’t miss out!  If you want Love Led Farm pork for your freezer, now is the time to reserve.  Click on the pig on our home page to learn more and then contact me soon!

Pink Pigs

Meat Chickens

My first flocks of meat bird chicks have arrived and so have the Chicken Pick-up Dates.  Once again, you will have 3 choices of dates to pick up Cornish chickens (the white birds) and 2 choices for the Rangers (the slow growth birds).  To brush up on the differences between these two breeds, click on the chicken on our home page or choose “Order Meat Birds.”

**Please Note These Changes**

  • Our required deposit is now only $5 per bird!
  • All chickens will be priced at $3.50/pound…you will be able to choose the ones you want.

Chicken shortage? Not us!

Honey

I have added bottles of our own raw honey to the farm table.  Available in a variety of sizes, honey makes a wonderful gift for someone else…or for yourself.  Why not pick up a bottle or two when you stop for our eggs?

We still have plenty from our last honey harvest.

Eggs

Yes, eggs.  The must-have of Love Led Farm.  Do you know someone who struggles with chicken eggs?  Tell them that we have duck eggs, too.  Because of the difference in protein, many people find them easier to digest.

Duck and Chicken Eggs

As you can see, we have an ever-increasing variety of fine farm products to share with you, and we have no plans to stop.  In the very near future, we hope to introduce a line of breads and baked goods, many of which will be gluten-free. 

Have you visited Love Led Farm?  If not, it’s time.  Our convenient location and circular drive make an easy visit.  Until our new farm stand is finished, you will find a farm table by our garage.

Would you like to meet the babies?  Contact me and we will plan a meet and greet.

Find out why folks become more than our Love Led Farm customers.  They become our friends.

Warmly,

Time for Herd Shares

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I just can’t help it!  Like a grandma with her brag book, I just have to share pictures of this year’s first goat kids.

Nora

Nellie

 

 

 

 

 

These are Holly’s girls.  Holly is my dream goat.  This sweetheart comes from an excellent lineage and is a wonderful mama who delivers beautiful healthy babies.  She also gives an abundance of delicious milk.

And that’s what I want to talk with you about today. 

If you have ever considered goat milk for yourself and your family, this your chance to try it.  Our 2021 herd shares will begin May 1st.

Perhaps goat milk is a new idea for you.  How can you get it?  What does it taste like?  Why would you want to consider it?

How?

For starters, in Michigan it is illegal to sell goat milk unless you are a licensed dairy.  However, it is perfectly legal for a goat herder to offer “shares.”  Customers who buy a share of a dairy goat pay a monthly fee for the feeding, boarding, and care of the animal.  In exchange, you get a portion of their milk each week.

Sound complicated?  Not really.  My herd share customers sign a couple of contracts that were written for me by the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund.  Their monthly share costs are based upon the amount of milk they would like each week.  They provide their own clean, sanitized jars, choose a day of the week, and regularly stop to pick up their portion of the milk.

Straining the milk

Why?   

People choose to drink goat milk for a variety of reasons.  Some like myself, love the taste and have experienced health benefits.  My body tolerates it far better than cow’s milk.

Young families find that their lactose intolerant children can often digest goat milk–definitely a conversation to have with your doctor.

Other people use goat milk to make a variety of other dairy products.  Kefir, yogurt, cheese, and even buttermilk can be easily made from goat milk.  I make a spinach/herb cheese that is absolutely yummy.

Taste

Cultured yogurt, ready to be eaten or strained

But doesn’t goat milk taste funny?  The first time I tried it, I was so surprised by the taste that I started laughing.  Having prepared myself for something strange, I was amazed by how delicious fresh goat milk really was.

Much of the taste has to do with the health of the does and what they are eating.  When fed and housed properly, goat milk should be pure white and should have a sweet, fresh taste.

Before you sign any herd share contract, ask to see the animals themselves.  Where are they housed?  How are they milked?  Does the herd look sleek and healthy?  Ask for a sample of their milk.

Have you been thinking about goat milk for you and your family?  Not quite sure yet?  Contact me for an honest discussion.  We’ll arrange a visit to the farm–after all, you have simply got to meet these sweet babies.  I will answer your questions and you can take home a sample to try.

Our goal is to provide pure, honest food answers for ourselves, for you, and for your family.  Come and see us.  We’re Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

 

 

 

 

 

An Honest Discussion About Duck Eggs

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Ducks on Parade

When Meg was young, we allowed her to raise a pair of ducks for the 4H fair.    In those days, it was illegal to sell small quantities of ducks at feed stores in our state (Massachusetts at the time), so I “met a guy in a parking lot” for the tradeoff.  I still laugh as I recall peeking around nervously while we made our deal:  a few dollars for a box containing 2 tiny ducklings.

Ducks have waddled in and out of our lives several times.  At Love Led Farm our egg business was booming and Arya needed a way of earning a few extra dollars.  I decided to reintroduce ducks into my plan.  A bit of income for a granddaughter, a farm clean-up team for me, an alternative type of eggs for my customers–a big win for everybody.

  Arya and the Duck

Now what about you?  Why would you even consider buying duck eggs vs. chicken eggs, especially when they are more expensive?  And don’t they taste “funny?”

As it turns out, there are several good reasons to consider the switch.  A difference in their protein structure means that folks who are allergic to chicken eggs can sometimes eat duck eggs.  Duck eggs are higher in many vital nutrients and as I will discuss in a minute, avid bakers treasure them.  Another bonus:  because their shells are thicker, duck eggs will stay fresh longer.

Interested in more detailed information?  Check out this duck/chicken egg comparison published by Mother Earth News a few years ago:  https://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/the-proscons-of-eating-duck-eggs-vs-chicken-eggs-zbcz1705

Here are some of my own observations.

Size

When compared side by side, the difference in the two is obvious.  Although some duck eggs are the same size as a jumbo chicken egg, many are at least 1/3 bigger.

Duck or chicken egg? It’s pretty easy to tell.

Cooking

With lower water content, duck eggs can become rubbery if they are fried too long or are hard-boiled.   I often scramble ours with no appreciable difference.  For David, who likes his sunny side up, I just add a bit of water and cover them with a lid.  I have read that duck eggs are great for poaching because they won’t fall apart.

A double-yoke duck egg vs. a chicken egg

Baking with duck eggs is ideal.  In fact, bakery chefs prefer them.   To substitute for chicken eggs, use the smallest duck eggs you have.  That way you can use the same number of eggs as called for in your recipe.  Because a duck egg has more albumen than a chicken egg, you will find that your baked goods have more lift and structure–they will be lighter and fluffier.  And, you will notice a richness that no chicken egg can match.

When using larger eggs, remember that your duck egg is easily 1/3 larger than a chicken egg.  So it’s time for some mental math.  If a cake recipe requires three to six chicken eggs, use two or four duck eggs.  I have also found that it helps to add a little extra liquid as your recipe may seem a bit drier.

Beating duck egg whites will take longer because the gel is thicker.  But patience wins–it can be done.  Try bringing the whites to room temperature before beating.

Taste

Ducks thrive on protein.  Ours wander everywhere. They eat grass and weeds as they search for delicious bugs and critters that live in the soil.  This can alter the taste of their egg.  However, our ducks are supplemented with a daily portion of the same gmo-free feed that our chickens eat. This seems to balance the flavor.  We really don’t notice much difference between their eggs and our chickens’.

One other bonus:  due to that famous high protein, we stay full longer on fewer eggs.  Whether scrambled, in french toast, in a frittata or quiche, duck eggs are delicious!

Cholesterol

There is one important factor to consider before plunging into your first dozen duck eggs.  They are significantly higher  in cholesterol than chicken eggs–2 to 3 times higher than the recommended daily allowance.  This is something you will want to discuss with your health care provider.  If you are on a low cholesterol diet, you may want to limit your consumption of duck eggs.

 

Freshly rinsed duck eggs because ducks love to bury them in the dirt.

Are you curious but not ready for a full dozen?  Try a duck egg half pak.  We now stock them in our convenient Customer Fridge.

Gmo-free duck eggs and chicken eggs are just two of the many fine products that we have available for you on Love Led Farm.  We specialize in pure, honest food for you and your family.  Hope to see you soon!

Warmly,

Let’s Talk About Pork

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Felix in the barn door

March is an important month!  For Felix it means enjoying more days in the sun.  For me it means the official start of Farm Season.

Actually, with a healthy stock of raw honey, gmo-free chicken, and free-range duck and chicken eggs, Love Led Farm has become a year-round adventure. If you need any of those products, be sure to contact me.

But today, let’s talk about pigs and pork.

This year’s piglets have been ordered and will be arrive next week.  For me, that means that six new voices will greet me each morning, each demanding that their empty tummy must be filled right now!

For you, it’s time to start planning ahead.  Who wants pork?

With snow still melting, it’s awfully hard to think about stocking up for another winter.  But we all know how quickly spring and summer will fly by.  Like it or not, it’s wise to plan ahead.

Reserving your quarter, half, or whole hog from Love Led Farm is easy.  We require a small deposit, and at the end of September you will work directly with Byron Center Meats to create a pork package custom prepared just for you.  Imagine reaching into your freezer for sausages, bacon, roasts, and chops, all ready and waiting for your family to enjoy.

Pork Loin With Roasted Winter Vegetables

Want to know more?  Go to our website:  http://www.loveledfarm.com and choose “Hand-raised Pork.”  You will find a page filled with helpful information.  Then email, call us, or stop by for a visit.  We will gladly answer any other questions you have.

Our repeat customers will tell you.  Love Led Farm Pork is a product you don’t want to miss.  Don’t wait.  Reserve yours today!

Murphy

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Several years ago, I was walking the dog behind Nick and Rebecca’s house when a cat met us.  He looked at us; we looked at him and the rest became history.  From that moment, this stray decided that he belonged to me and that Allie would be his new best friend.  I know because he told us so.

The cat, now named Murphy, continued to live on my kids’ front porch until one cold November day when I could stand it no longer.  I asked my husband (of the “no-cat-is-a-good-cat” persuasion) who reluctantly agreed that Murphy could live in our basement.  Guess how that went? Within 2 weeks, the cat ruled the house.

Murphy was an amazing kitty, one of those rare animals who steals the hearts of many.  He made a point of attending our social gatherings, often adding his opinionated voice to the conversation.  Yet Murphy was selective of his true friends (Allie was the only animal he ever loved) and at the end of the day, everyone knew that his heart belonged to me.

Murphy developed a thyroid condition which was comfortably managed with medication until suddenly it no longer worked.    A week ago, on Monday morning, Murphy and I said good-bye.

I promised you stories of our farm and although the first one is sad, I felt it must be told.  For just like the purity of our products and the transparency of our farming practices, life on Love Led Farm is real…just like me…just like you.

We still have plenty of raw honey, non-gmo whole chickens, and non- gmo eggs (both duck and chicken)–real food for real people.  Contact me by phone or e-mail if we can stock you up.

Warmly,

 

Sizzling Summer

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It’s too hot to think about filling our freezers for winter so instead, let’s talk about grilling.  Picture this:  it’s a hot summer evening and you are filling your plate with barbecued chicken and grilled vegetables.  Better yet, you are spooning a fragrant, flavorful sauce over that meat, anticipating every delicious bite.

The best part?  You had no need to dash face-masked into a crowded store for that meat.  You just reached into your freezer for a gmo-free, pasture-raised Love Led Farm chicken and made the sauce from ingredients that you normally keep on hand.

We are in the middle of “meat bird season” on the farm.  Our next Pick Up Day is August 4 and we still have plenty of birds that are available for pre-order.  But our freezer is also stocked with plump, beautiful chickens from June’s butchering.  So whether you want to order several from our August flock or stop by for one or two to enjoy right now, contact us and we’ll help you out.

And that special sauce?  The one my family craves every summer?  Here’s the recipe:

Mustard Barbecue Sauce

1 Stick of butter

6 Tablespoons of yellow mustard

3 Tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce

2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Sugar (You could substitute honey or an alternative sweetener)

A liberal dash of red hot sauce, adjusting to taste

Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over low heat.  Add the remaining ingredients, stirring carefully.  Bring to a boil; reduce the heat; and simmer for  a minute or two.

When I grill my chicken, I wait until the last 15 minutes to brush on this sauce.  I have also used this on roasted chicken, adding it about 30 minutes before my chicken has finished baking.  Hint:  double this recipe so your family can use it as a dipping sauce.

Happy Grilling!

Warmly,

 

Chicken BBQ

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My daughter was visiting last week and sighed with delight as she gazed upon her dinner plate featuring chicken.  For this wasn’t any store-bought bird…this was Love Led Farm chicken, grilled  with the delectable glaze of my own Mustard BBQ sauce.  As an accomplished chef herself, it frankly “did my heart proud” to see her diving into her meal.

Perhaps that’s just the mother in me.  But then again, maybe it is due to the heavenly combination of pastured, gmo-free chicken (that actually tastes like real meat) and this very special sauce.

Hungry yet?

Good, because in less than a week, you can pick up your own Love Led Farm chicken.  Just click on the white chicken on our home page and place your order.

As for the sauce, there’s no need to wait.  Here’s the recipe, happily shared from my kitchen to yours.

Mustard Barbecue Sauce

1 Stick of butter

6 Tablespoons of yellow mustard

3 Tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce

2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Sugar (You could substitute honey or an alternative sweetener)

A liberal dash of red hot sauce, adjusting to taste

Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over low heat.  Add the remaining ingredients, stirring carefully.  Bring to a boil; reduce the heat; and simmer for  a minute or two.

When I grill my chicken, I wait until the last 15 minutes to brush on this sauce.  I have also used this on roasted chicken, adding it about 30 minutes before my chicken has finished baking.

Happy Eating, Friends!  We look forward to your visit.

Warmly,

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