Igor the Amazing

/in ,

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,

Listening to the Land and Making Wise Choices

/in

Something will be missing from our list of products this year.

 

Seven years ago, we filled our first chicken tractors with young meat birds and began rotating them around the only tree-free land on our farm.  This area just happened to be near the road and the yellow tarped roofs quickly gained attention.  I suspect that even now, local folks watch for this sign of the season:  when the chicken tractors of Love Led Farm are moving once again.

This year, they will be disappointed.  You, too perhaps?

As a farmer, one of the wisest things I can do is to learn to listen to our land.  It speaks volumes.   A couple of years ago, I began to notice some issues.  By the end of last year, I could no longer ignore the signs.  The chicken field was pleading for a break.

So this year we will not raise meat chickens.  Does that make you sad?  Me, too.

Think of this as a choice in values and stewardship.  Continually stripping our land of its health means propping up the the health of our birds, all for the sake of a few dollars.  That flies in the face of one of our core missions:  to manage our land responsibly, seeking to improve it along with the health of our livestock.

The better alternative, it seems,  is to respect the land’s need to rest and replenish so that future flocks will thrive from the goodness it provides.  Now that sounds more like us.

The payoff?  Healthy birds, healthy meat, healthy people.

That makes the choice a bit easier, doesn’t it?

Although we will all need to find alternative sources for good chicken this year, Love Led Farm will still be here, providing other fine products for you and your family.

We thank you for your understanding, for your loyalty, and for your friendship. 

Warmly,

 

 

Baa!

/in

New lambs loving the food they get on our farm

They are coming!

By the end of this month a small flock of lambs will be bouncing around in our barn.  Will one of them be yours?

Last year, we wisely allowed our grazing pastures to rest and recover from a previous drought.  But not this year!  Once again, we will be raising lambs for ourselves…and for our customers.

The taste and fragrance of lamb stew on a cold day!

Who is ready for Lemony Lamb Chops, Guinness Lamb Stew, or Mediterranean Lamb Meatballs?  I know we are!

We sell whole lambs using Byron Center Meats’ services to create individual meat bundles designed by you–for you.  Our price is fair and guarantees that you will have a freezer full of delicious, tender lamb irregardless of what might be available in the supermarket.

Why do we ask for a commitment this early?

Well, remember those hogs I talked about in my last post?  All but one have been already reserved by customers who want premium quality meat and are concerned about supply issues.  Excellent, local meat is going to be snapped up quickly.

Well, hello there!

Don’t miss this opportunity

Choose the lamb at the bottom of our home page to learn about our prices and policies.  Then contact me as soon possible.

Allow me the pleasure of raising a Love Led Farm lamb just for you.

Warmly,

Hopping into Hogs

/in

On Valentines Day, we carved into a juicy, tender pork roast.  Once again, I thought about the blessing of the meat.

There was no running to a store with the hope of even finding a roast.  I only had to open my freezer door.  I didn’t groan because the price had gone up again.  That had been paid last year.  I didn’t wonder about the quality of the meat or how those animals had been treated.  I already knew.

And yes, dinner was delicious.

Although this is only February, I am already anticipating the day in October when once again, we fill our freezer with fresh, farm-raised pork.

Oreo and His Friend

On Love Led Farm, we start our farm year with squeals of delight. David has ordered the 6 piglets who will settle happily into their new home in early March.  Four grandchildren are actively working on names.

Why only 6 hogs?  Fewer pigs means we can pay close attention to them, offering better care and lots of space for them to run and play.

The Pig Master

Raising pork makers is a craft. Each year we purposefully add to our experience and knowledge with two goals in mind:  happy, healthy pigs and pork that is the best you’ve ever tasted. If you have ordered from us before, you already know our reputation for pink, tender pork.

We work directly with Byron Center Meats,  allowing our customers to  design a freezer package specifically for their own families.

So the now question is: Who wants pork?

Here’s a fair warning:  already, half of our pigs are spoken for.
And I guess that makes sense. With continuing food scarcities and rising prices, why wouldn’t you want to make sure your freezer will be full of healthy, locally-raised meat next winter?

You will want to contact us quickly to reserve your own pork. But first, I’m guessing that you have some questions.  For answers, this is what you need to do…

Go to the homepage of our website and scroll down to “Hand-raised Pork.” Read about our practices and prices. Then contact me by phone or email. Pay the deposit to reserve your half or whole hog and nothing else will be due until your pork is finished.

Now you can breathe a sigh of relief.  You have just locked in your price and can plan on meat in your freezer this fall.

Perfectly Pink Pigs

Warmer weather is coming soon which means we will all be getting busier.  So before you forget and it’s too late, do your research and contact us.  It would give us great pleasure to raise a pig for you.

Friends and neighbors, Love Led Farm is here to serve you.  How can we help?

Warmly,

 

Let the Fun Begin!

/in

With the arrival of February comes a jolt of reality.  Ready or not, Farm Season is right around the corner.  And you know what?  I am ready.

Over the next few weeks, I will share our 2022 plans for Love Led Farm.  Some things, you will love.  Others, maybe not so much but let’s save that for later.  Today as we start the new year, how about a few pictures from my January break?  And then maybe a short story about our latest addition–his name is George.

So What Did We Do in January?

We found cozy places to stay warm.

And explored the snowy woods.

We tried to keep the water thawed.

While still collecting lots of eggs.

We watched baby bellies grow,

And we welcomed a new friend.

Which Leads Me to George.

Loving variety and challenge, I welcome almost any animal to Love Led Farm but have held out on geese.  Although they are great farmyard guardians, geese have the reputation of being people chasers.  Since we encourage families to visit, that just won’t fly.

So when my grandson started his campaign, I steeled myself for what I knew was coming:  “But, Ma…”

I’ll give myself credit. I really tried.  It took Oliver about a month to convince me that:  (1) “George never hurts anybody;” (2) “You can even pick him up…I do; and the ever effective, (3) “If you don’t take him he will get butchered.”

When his dad quietly told Oliver that Ma has a hard time saying, “no,” and admitted that George was tame, I knew I had been beaten.  So with the words, “We’ll try him for awhile but if he chases ANYBODY…” George made his entrance.

I told the boys to put George in the big barn so he could help the cats with rat control.  But George had other plans.  When David went out to do the evening feeding, he found our new goose standing resolutely next to the Duck House door.

“I shall live here,” he told us, as he marched inside.  And so he does, quite happily, I believe.

I will admit that there’s something about seeing a goose in your farm yard.  The word “complete” comes to mind.  Somehow, he just seems to fit.  So I guess George can stay…by himself.

“Just one goose,” I practice saying over and over again.  I’d say I have about a month to prepare myself for what will surely come next:  “But Ma, George needs a girlfriend!”

Adventures never end on Love Led Farm, and 2022 will be no exception.  Keep watching for future posts as our plans unfold.

We’ll talk again soon.

 

 

 

Christmas on Love Led Farm

/in

So what are you going to give Aunt Alice and Uncle Jim who have absolutely everything?

Yikes!  That Christmas party is coming up and you are supposed to bring a dessert.  How are you going to fit baking into your jam packed schedule?

And must you really skip all the Christmas goodies?  You are, after all, trying to remain gluten-free.

Once again, Love Led Farm and Flourful Bake Shop can help. 

On Saturday, December 11, step away from the crazy bustle of the Big Box world and into our warm, cozy shop.  We will carry you off to a simpler place scented with spiced cider and hot cocoa–a place where the shopkeepers actually smile at you and have time for a friendly chat.

You will find tempting festive favorites like holiday breads and cookies both to sample and to purchase.  Grab a basket and create the perfect gift for those hard-to-shop-for relatives.

Cinnamon Bread from Love Led Farm

Gluten and dairy free?  Not a problem. 

That is, after all, Flourful Bakery’s specialty.  What a treat that would be…for others or for yourself.

Flourful Bake Shop’s Gluten-free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

Add a cute, embroidered tea towel or a hand-crafted Christmas ornament.  Or just ask, and we will create a custom-filled basket for you.

That upcoming Christmas party?  Let us create a bread or cookie tray for you.  We’ll have it ready just in time for your special event.

We will even have gift cards available.  Your loved one can work directly with us to choose their own delectable gift and a pick-up day that fits their schedule.

Christmas on Love Led Farm is Saturday, December 11 from 1 – 4 pm–only a week away!

Throughout the coming week, I will remind you by highlighting products that we will have available.  Each will be a reason to stop by.  So watch for my posts on Facebook and Instagram.  Then start making your plans, and your list.

We’ll see you soon…on Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

P.S.  Did you know that we now take Venmo???

 

 

 

 

Fall Farm Fun–This Saturday

/in ,

You have read my posts.  Perhaps you have stopped by for eggs or chickens or pork.  Or maybe you have just wondered what Love Led Farm is all about.

This Saturday, November 6, we are are inviting you to join us for a bit of fun.  Between the hours of 2 and 4 pm, we will open our farm shop and our barns to you, our guests, with a warm and tasty welcome.

Sample Call Ahead Breads from Love Led Farm and gluten free delights from Flourful Bake Shop.  Sip warm cider and hot cocoa.  Ever tried cold goat milk?

How about feeding some animals?  Stroll past the duck house.  Walk into the barn to visit the chickens.  Say hi to the goats.  We’ll have treats that you can share with them.

At 3 pm, follow Beekeepers David and Meg to the back pasture and watch as they winterize the hives.  What would you like to know about bees and honey?

Throughout the year, I share Love Led Farm through stories and product updates.  Now, we want you to experience our farm for yourselves.

So, please, take a bit of time this Saturday to join us as we celebrate another great farm year and YOU!

It’s our gift to you, our friends, of Love Led Farm!

Warmly,

 

 

 

The Gluten Alternative: Flourful Bake Shop

/in ,

Indulge me a mother’s story.

Since birth, my second daughter, Meg, has struggled with dietary issues.  Dairy and gluten both bother her.  During her childhood, the choices were simple:  do without or suffer the consequences.

Then came the early years of grocery store alternatives–those first gluten-free, dairy-free options.  Maybe you tried them too.  Really??

Since David struggles with the same issues as his daughter (go figure!), we have tried those products.  To this day, most are highly disappointing.  Most folks like David and Meg sacrifice taste and texture to keep their tummies happy?

Enough was finally enough!

Meg, now a grown mother of two, decided to take matters into her own hands.  The result is her successful bakery:  Flourful Bake Shop.  Her goal is to create delicious treats that are gluten free and dairy free.

Trust me, these are so good that no matter what your body can or can’t tolerate, you are going to want to try them!

I asked Meg to write introductions for a few of her products…read on.

The cookie that started it all.  Meet my top seller, the Gluten Free, Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip Cookie.

“Back when the idea for Flourful Bake Shop was just that, an idea, this was the cookie that got the ball rolling. Every time our family would bring them somewhere, people would rave about how delicious they were.  They would tell us that we needed to sell them.

Fast forward a few years and here we are!

These are exactly what you want in a cookie:  crunchy on the outside; soft and gooey in the middle. They are loaded with chocolate chips and sprinkled with the perfect amount of sea salt. They come 6 jumbo cookies to an order and let this be your warning:  if you aren’t good at sharing, these are only going to make that harder.”

English muffins that are gluten free? Yes, please!

“One of our customer favorites is our English Muffins. Made with our special house blend of gluten free flours, these muffins are the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast plate.”

Mmm…Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread for Breakfast?

“If English muffins aren’t your thing, maybe we can tempt you with a slice of our Gluten Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread. Slightly sweetened, studded with raisins and absolutely delicious topped with dairy free butter and honey (preferably Love Led Farm honey) this bread makes the best toast.”

Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins–perfect with a cup of coffee!

“Muffins, Scones, Bars and Pies–all things we offer at Flourful Bake Shop. From our Pumpkin Strussel Muffins to our fudgy Brownies, we are constantly baking up a wide range of sweet treats. I’d love to highlight them all for you, but maybe you should try them out for yourself!

We are working on building up a website, but in the meantime, shoot us a message on our Instagram @flour.bake.shop or find us on Facebook as Flourful Bake Shop. You can also email us to place an order at [email protected]  And if there is something you’ve got to have gluten free, but don’t see it listed on our IG or Facebook, please reach out and ask! We love custom orders and creating new gluten free recipes for you!”

Gluten free goodness only an order away.  How great is that? 

Wait! How about one step better?  We have decided to make Love Led Farm a pick-up spot for your Flourful Bake Shop order.

Order Love Led Farm Breads from me; order Flourful Bake Shop goodies from Meg.  Pick them all up at the farm when you stop for your eggs and milk.  And you can say hi to the goats, ducks, and chickens.  So convenient (and fun)!

Bear with us as we finalize details such as pick-up days and times…we are almost there.

Our official Kick-Off Day for all Call-Ahead Breads is Saturday, November 6.  Consider this your invitation to visit Love Led Farm that day from 2 pm – 4 pm.

You will be able to sample many of our different Call Ahead Bread products, tour the farm, and watch the beekeepers as they winterize the hives.  Meet the goats, visit the ducks, feed some chickens, ask questions, make comments and requests.

If you haven’t been a guest at Love Led Farm, please join us on that special day as we welcome Call Ahead Bread and Flourful Bake Shop to our ever-increasing line of farm fresh products.  All created and served with care for you, our Friends of Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

Call Ahead Bread, part 1

/in ,

Wouldn’t it be lovely if you could have a loaf of freshly made bread waiting for you when you stop by Love Led Farm to pick up your eggs or milk?  With a little planning, you can!

This week, I promised to introduce you to Call Ahead Bread, a line of products available to you by simply placing an order.  Contact me by email, phone, or text.  Let me know what you would like and together we will decide on a pickup day.

My web designer and I are working on a new Bread Page that will feature pictures and descriptions of delicious items you can choose from.  It will include both traditional breads and seasonal specialties.

Today, rather than overwhelm you with an endless array, I thought I would introduce you to three of my family’s favorites.  These are the ones they request time after time.

The Breads

Oatmeal Honey Bread

Freshly Made Oatmeal Honey Bread

I can’t even recall where I got the recipe. This has been in our lives for years.  I do remember wanting a versatile bread that was  full of wholesome ingredients like whole grains, honey, and olive oil.  But I also wanted one that would stay soft and fresh for longer than a day.  After all, nutritious should also be delicious, right?

Toasted, loaded with sandwich ingredients, or as Sunday morning’s french toast, this bread will quickly become a favorite for your family. And it is available for a price that will allow you to order it again and again.

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Coffee break anyone?  Packed into someone’s lunch box?  Or what about serving this comfort food favorite to your family on a cold winter morning?  This will bring them running to the table!

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is an all-time favorite at our house.

It’s a tradition.  When the leaves on the trees begin to change color, it’s time for me to make pumpkin bread.  Trust me, the loaf is gone almost as quickly as I set it on the table!

There is something soul-satisfying about the deep, rich flavor of this bread.  Maybe it will become a family tradition for your family, too.

Want More?

These are only three of the many choices of breads that can be yours just by asking.  But what if you are gluten sensitive?

Next week, I will reintroduce you to my daughter, Meg Newton, who recently opened her own gluten-free home bakery:  Flourful Bake Shop.  And she will introduce you to a few of her all-time favorites.

How About a Taste Test?

Get your calendars out!  On Saturday, November 6, we will be hosting a Farm Visiting, Bread Tasting, Meet and Greet Celebration for you, our Love Led Farm Friends.  There will be samples to try, animals to meet, and perhaps a lesson in beekeeping for you to watch.

Next week, I will share more details about this special event and we’ll also talk more about how you can order breads for your family from Love Led Farm.

Are you ready for a taste of what is to come?  You can and you will!  We’ll see you soon on Love Led Farm!

Warmly,

 

 

 

Honey?

/in

Will there be a honey harvest this fall?

I promised an answer to this question as soon as the hives were opened.  The quick answer is….No.

The longer answer is this.   In the winter, bees cuddle down into their hives in sort of a hibernating fashion.  However, they have to move and eat or they will freeze and die.  Because of this, beekeepers leave honey in the hives.

In addition, David and Meg will make “bee candy,” which consists of several pounds of sugar liquefied with water and allowed to harden into big white blocks.  These are set in the top of each hive for the bees to feast upon all winter long.

The honey, the bee candy, and insulation wrapped around each hive box will hopefully keep the bees warm enough to survive the winter.

Because our hives are fairly new, our flying friends haven’t had enough time to create enough honey to share with us….yet.

Disappointing?  Maybe so but David says that we have four “very active hives.”  If the bees survive the winter, we should be able to harvest in the spring when the bees will need the space to create more honey.

So there you have it.  There may be no honey this fall but we have every reason to hope for some in the spring.

Thank you for your patience.  For us, honesty and transparency are core values.  Good news or bad, we will continue to share our whole story with you, our friends of Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

What‘s Happening? What’s New?

Updates Straight to Your Inbox

Home

About

Order

Animals

Contact

Blog

© Copyright – Love Led Farm – Site by Brand Well