Hoping for Honey

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With Love Led Farm pork and chicken heading for our freezers, let’s talk about a sweeter subject.

Honey

In our family, everybody has an important job to do.  David (my husband) and Megan (our middle daughter) are the beekeepers.

Checking the hives while the rest of us watch from a safe distance

This weekend, they will suit up once more to check the status of the hives.  That will answer the big question:  Will there be honey to sell this year?

One would think that keeping bees is easy.  You stick a couple of hives out in the back pasture, wait all summer, and then scoop out the golden treasure each autumn, right?

Wrong…so wrong.  Successful honey production depends on many factors.  Did the queen bee stay alive?  Did the bees leave due to overcrowding?  What about the fertilizers used on neighboring farms?  Mites?  I will not bore you with all the things that can go wrong throughout the year.

So when David and Meg open those hives and see enough honey to harvest, it actually brings a few tears of joy to our eyes….and cheers from the 4 cousins who are standing safely in the neighboring pasture.

Next week, I will update you on what our beekeepers found when they opened the hives.  And hopefully, I will give you a date early in October, when you will be able to enjoy your own bottles of Love Led Farm honey.

Bread

I did promise to mention the other Love Led Farm product that becomes available each fall:  homemade bread.

The scent of bread just out of the oven–heavenly!

Since I like to keep these posts fairly short, consider this a teaser.  I make some of the most delicious breads you will ever have the chance to taste.  And, I just happen to have a daughter (who is also a beekeeper) who is launching her own gluten-free bakery.

Is that enough to keep you watching for future posts?  More information and maybe a taste test will be coming soon…from our farm to you.

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 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,

Snow

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It’s time for a farm story.

Last year we were able to acquire a few Pekin ducks which we raised for their meat.  As butchering day grew closer, my grandchildren begged to be allowed to keep “just one” for our permanent flock.  After some reluctance, I relented and allowed Arya to choose a female thinking that we could at least get a few eggs and perhaps some ducklings from this big white bird.  We creatively named her Snow.

Snow is a solo comedy act covered with feathers.  Larger than everyone else, her ample body cannot fit through the escape holes that her friends have discovered.  Thus she remains stuck in the pen, voicing her annoyance until a human comes along and lets her out.

Then off she huffs to find her flock.  I watch in amusement as her ample hips sway from side to side and am reminded of Mark Lowry’s, “Excuse me, pardon me, excuse me, pardon me” comedy routine.

While the rest of the flock rushes to and fro around the farm, Snow’s stride is one of determination.

“I’m coming; I’m coming,” I hear her puff as she follows at her own pace.

“I can do this; I can do this,” she mutters to herself.

Currently, two of my grandchildren are in the midst of an argument–who actually owns Snow?  Is it Oliver who begged to keep a Pekin or Arya, who is technically in charge of the ducks?  I’m not getting in the middle of that one.  But secretly I think that Snow belongs to all of us.

I am a business woman.  I raise livestock for their meat, eggs, and milk.  It is well understood that my animals live here for a planned purpose–to create products for ourselves and for our customers.  But once in awhile there is a special soul who needs to stay, just for the pure joy that they bring into our lives.

Next week we will get back to business.  I will discuss duck eggs.  What do they taste like?  How do you cook and bake with them?  Why would you choose them over chicken eggs?

But if you are like me, once in awhile you need to stop, catch your breath, and allow yourself to be entertained, even by a duck named Snow.

 

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,

 

Heading Down a Familiar Path

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Each new farm year begins with mixed emotions.  There’s a comforting sense of familiarity as I make preparations for the months ahead.   And yet I wonder:  What challenging surprises are in store?  What unexpected twists in the path lie ahead?

Will there be torrential rains like 2 years ago or a drought like last year?  Will the livestock be healthy or will I need to fight to save their lives?  Am I planning enough meat birds for our customers?  Have I ordered too many piglets?  Will the mama goats have does or bucks?

One purpose of my blog posts is to give you a look at the real life of a small farm.  This year, I promise to continue that theme.  I’ll certainly tuck in a recipe or product information here and there, but I’ll also share some behind-the-scene stories of our life on the farm.  Perhaps a refreshing break from the heaviness of our world’s current events is something we all could use, if only for a moment.

Welcome to 2021, Farm Friends and Family!   Let’s continue our walk together, down a familiar path at Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

Honey Harvest 2020

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Honey Harvesting Day is a favorite for our family.  We watched in rapt attention as David and Meg pulled frame after frame from our beehives.

Our youngest family members agree that this year’s harvest was a sweet success!  Over 5 gallons of golden goodness flowed out of those hives and into bottles and jars.  They have been wiped and weighed and are waiting for you.

This year, we have several sizes that you can choose from:  1 pound ($8); 22 oz. ($12); 2 pound ($16); and 3 pound ($24).  To purchase, call or email me and I will arrange a pick up time that is convenient for you.

And while you are here, why not pick up an extra chicken or two for your freezer?  Our 3 to 4 pound birds are only $3.50/pound.

Sharing our sweet blessings with you–that’s Love Love Led Farm.

Warmly,

 

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