“But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?”     ~Job 12:7-10

Cattle:

The dairy and beef cattle are managed through intensive rotational grazing patterns to promote increased fertility of the land. Chemical-free grass hay from our own fields or a trusted source, and alfalfa are supplemented in winter and as needed. Kelp and free-choice minerals are provided to promote health and vitality. Because the nutritional value of pasture forages change with the seasons, a small amount of grain is supplemented when a cow’s nutritional energy needs are highest, to help her maintain healthy body condition and prevent metabolic disorders. We do not feed grain to push for higher milk production, and follow the recommendations outlined in Tim Wightman’s Raw Milk Production Handbook, promoted by the Weston A. Price Foundation.

Life on pasture results in healthy, productive animals rarely in need of veterinary attention. Problems that do arise are treated promptly and holistically using natural herbal remedies.  On very rare occasions when we feel the need to use drugs to save the life of a cow, that cow is removed from the milking herd for the appropriate amount of withdrawal time and milk quality is tested before she is returned to the milking herd.

All calves born here are raised on real milk from their mothers for several months to a natural weaning age. Heifers are handled daily from birth and raised to be gentle, easy-going milk cows. After weaning, steers are finished at 2+ years of age on lush, open pastures for grass-finished beef that we offer in our Farm Store.

Pastures and Soil:

We build nutrient-dense living soil in our fields without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We feed the soils with rich compost made on our farm. Mulches and cover crops are used to protect and build soil, conserve water, and suppress weeds.  Companion plantings are used to discourage insect pests, and habitat is provided to attract beneficial insects.