Restock Dates: Please see our Farm Blog where we post our weekly newsletter for the latest updates

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

MS Ag Commissioner Visits NGF

Commissioner Andy Gipson Visits NGF - Monday, Commissioner Gipson (Andy) visited our farm for the third time. First, was after he was appointed and Senator Hill and I were working to increase the poultry exemption for Mississippi. The second time was after we built the USDA poultry processing plant that Andy supported our LWT Grant which helped fund about 50% of the cost. This visit was to support Andy’s efforts to both support existing farmers as well as encourage more people to farm and help feed our citizens.

Amazing Recognition

Amazing Recognition 2025 #12 Best Blogger! – A site titled FeedSpot recently released what they describe as the best Regenerative Agriculture blogs from thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness. We are amazed that Nature’s Gourmet Farm blog ranked #12 out of the top 30 blogs recognized.

Farm Improvements

Farm Improvements – Fresh water is a necessity for raising healthy animals on pasture. Until recently, we used an ICB tote on a small tralier that we would refill from our well. During the summer the frequency greatly increases in order to keep the chickens hydrated. So, I called my buddy at Southern Pipe and ordered pipe, fittings, etc. and then rented a trencher for May 16th to install 2,700 feet of 1.25 inch PVC pipe. Along the line we added 15 Plasson Quick Coupler Valves that we will hook to as we move the animals through our pastures.