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Very Hardy Animals

written by

Ben Simmons

posted on

February 1, 2022

Good Morning and hello from your farmer,

Up until about 3 or 4 weeks ago we were experiencing a very mild winter. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service, above-average temperatures are favored across the South and most of the eastern U.S. as La Nina climate conditions have emerged for the second winter in a row. La Nina has moved the jet stream further north allowing warmer air in our area.

But, like it does, weather cycles and the cold moved in. January 20-23rd was very cold here on the farm - to the point I was concerned about the broiler chickens surviving out on pasture. Using that "ounce of prevention" thought process their water was secured and we put down a nice bed of dry hay.

We processed this batch of chickens Wednesday. As I was doing the work I could not help but notice how healthy the chickens were. In fact, they were as good as any we have ever raised. The largest one dressed 7.99 lbs (Beth will smoke this one for us Saturday). Half of the batch weighed above 5.5 Lbs. and there were only five in the 3 Lb. range.

This got me thinking how "hardy" our animals are. We seldom have a cow or pig die and most of the hens are from predation. Our pasture based (as nature intended) is the key. Our animals have to have strong immune systems to survive what can be some pretty tough conditions at times. But, living on pasture builds their immune system and gives them what they need to thrive as very hardy animals.

So, what is the big deal you ask? Well, when you enjoy our products that are full of nature's goodness, you are also gaining the benefit from the animals immune system.

Contrast that with CAFO animals that are given doses of antibiotics just to survive the un-natural environment they have been forced into in the name of providing cheap food for the masses of people.

To be honest, it made me feel really good about how we care for our land and animals as well as our ability to offer our family customers "Very Hardy Animals" to also help build your immune system.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

It's time to prepare for Valentine's Day. After all it is only two short weeks away.

And I want to give you something to consider when preparing that special meal for your special person.

Friday, we picked up five beef from our new processor. I had asked for our filets to be 16 ounce. However, there are three to four WHOLE filets as well as many that are close to 1.5 lbs. each. All total, we added 50 lbs of filets Friday afternoon.

If you are interested in one of these "larger" filets then add Filet to your cart and enter a comment about what size you would like. And we will do our best to fill your request.

Are you a "regular" customer of our farm?

If not, and you are looking for premium ALL NATURAL GOODNESS of beef, pork, chicken, and eggs raised on pasture as God intended - without growth hormones and antibiotics - and raised humanely then you have come to the right farm. Our delivery schedule and product availability is listed below along with several "Order" buttons that will take you to our website where you can browse over 90 product choices and place your order from the convenience of your home. It's that simple!

Beth & I really appreciate your business and thank you for rewarding our hard work with your trust and support. We look forward to seeing you soon.

More from the blog

Tribute to Tess - our loyal farm dog

A Tribute to Tess- Thursday morning was a very sad time here on the farm. Without going into all the details, a tragic accident first thing Thursday morning involving our beloved Tess that caused her death a few minutes later. First thing in the morning she is typically at the back door waiting for one of us to come out so she can greet us. But, not this day. We are all very sad and heartbroken. Tess was such a joy and loving to all who knew her. It has been especially hard for our son Jared as he and Tess were best friends. Many of our customers who have been to our farm know she always greeted with a big smile and happy spirit.

Health vs. Economics is THE Battle

Health vs. Economics is THE Battle - or maybe health vs. priorities of the general public when you consider that in 2024 the Apple App Store generated $1.3 trillion in sales!!! Vicki, a repeat customer from the MS Gulf Coast, sent me a short 3 minute video from a Joe Rogan Podcast with RFK Jr. discussing pig farms in North Carolina and how the CAFO pig operations got started. NOTE that the big companies own the pigs – the farmers only own the debt and do the work (and take all the risk). Please watch the video here.

"Pasture Raised" Defined

The USDA has officially updated the definition of “pasture-raised” to require that animals spend the majority of their lives on rooted, vegetative pasture, distinguishing it from “free-range,” which only mandates outdoor access. This update became effective March 2025. Here at Nature’s Gourmet Farm that is how we raise our animals – whether it be cows, pigs, meat chickens, egg layers, or turkeys. Pasture raised is our management choice and reflects our stewardship ethos. Frankly, pasture raised is how God created them to be versus. in a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). CAFOs represent man’s inhumane wisdom!!!