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Importance of Transparency

written by

Ben Simmons

posted on

December 13, 2020

Wikipedia defines Transparency, as used in science, engineering, business, the humanities and in other social contexts, is operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed. Transparency implies openness, communication, and accountability.

I bring this up because being transparent is a key principle that our farm operates on.

By early February of this year we completed a consulting gig with a person who helped us set up an email marketing program. So, if you are a new customer since then you have received a series of emails that introduce you to our farm to include our regenerative soil practices, animal handling, how we do certain things like feeding cows hay, and etc.

We also show you how your order is packed and take you along on a delivery route for the day.

It's really a behind the scenes "nuts & bolts" look at what, why, and how we farm because we believe it is important for you to know us and feel comfortable (trust) that our farm fits your families need for nutrient dense, healthy, and humanly raised beef, pork, chicken, and eggs.

I even share my military journey and transition to being "your farmer".

This week I received an email from a new customer who actually made her first purchase in October and had just received our marketing email on transitioning to being your farmer. She gave me permission to share what she said:

"I just have to say I love your emails, videos and marketing. My kids have enjoyed watching and learning about the farm and animals. But as a online marketer of wellness products I love love love how transparent and personal you are in your marketing system.

And we love your meat. Please let me know if you have instagram, or facebook so I can tag you in my posts of how good your meats are. Thank you again."

In that email, I share three lessons learned. Please allow me to share #3 with you here. The last lesson learned I'll mention is being authentic! You know, I'm constantly amazed at the farmer websites that give the impression their beef is grassfed (because the cow is standing on nice green grass) when in reality they finish them on grain.

A customer should not have to ask to confirm if the beef is OR is not grassfed and grass-finished!!!

At Nature's Gourmet Farm we operate the Old Fashioned Way - we clearly say what we do AND
do what we say!

I certainly hope this bit of insight about my military career, transition to regenerative farming, and key lessons learned have been insightful to help you learn more about me and our farm.

Why does this matter?

Now more than ever consumers are searching for healthy food that will build healthy immune systems for their families. They know the value of pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken, and eggs as well as the risk associated with GMO grains that are feed to conventionally raised animals in confined animal feeding operations.

Consumers want to be able to put a face to the farmer who raise their food and trust our products to be what we say.

We hope you have joined our farm community and regularly shop our online store for your families needs. Thank you!

If not, please hit reply and let us know how we can help.

More from the blog

Taste Test

Greetings Ben and Beth, I'm really looking forward to my next order pick up. I'm trying to improve my cholesterol numbers, thus eating more chicken, and ran out of your chicken products. I ended up buying some industrially produced chicken, and man was that a mistake! It smelled terrible raw, also while it was being sauteed, and also later when I reheated it to put into an otherwise healthy salad. I have enough of this subpar stuff to last until I pick my order, but I don't think I can ever buy this CAFO stuff again.

Beef Update & A New Product

Beef Update – Typically this time of year folks are hesitant to buy bulk beef for their freezer due to hurricane risk. That is why we have delayed our next custom half & whole beef processing until September. If you are interested, our next harvest will be September 2nd with pickup on September 22nd. If you want to be included then please email me your name, email, and cell number to be added to our wait list - and be the first folks contacted and guaranteed to receive an order. Beef prices continue to increase and hit a new All-Time high this week fueled by strong demand and limited supply. For example, based on what a 700 pound steer sold for at the Hattiesburg Stockyard Monday, I could make more than feeding him till he weighs 1100 pounds and sell as packaged beef - but our mission is to provide nutrient-dense, clean food to our customers. Effective immediately custom beef half and whole prices will increase $0.50 to $6.25 per pound based on the hanging weight. Retail cuts will increase for September deliveries as well.

Real Health Is NOT A Pill. It's A Practice!

Two Great Must Read Articles – Typically I don't make a big deal about articles we have read, but these two are so good that I felt they needed to be shared. The first is by Joel Salatin titled "Food Think" that is part of his The Lunatic Farmer blog. You can read the full article at this link. The second article is one Beth forwarded to me from the Health Viewpoints section of Epoch Times titled "Americans Spend Trillions on Health Care but Remain Unwell - Here's Why" Dr. Yang, FAPA, a board certified psychiatrist, begins by stating the difference between treating disease and building true health lies in a proactive and preventative lifestyle. Note - Beth and I would agree with other folks who commented that his article is spot on and very important for folks to read and understand. You can read at this link.