November 2024 farm update

Friends,

Where did the year go? Days lost for one reason or another become weeks, then months. Daylight Savings Time has come to an end, losing/gaining an hour. It’s tough to remember which is which. We’re already into November and haven’t yet gotten around to our Farm Store grand opening. Simply put, every time we were preparing to announce a grand opening, we were sold out of beef.

We are now at the end of our processing season and still on the verge of being sold out. We haven’t even issued a press release regarding the new store. The business provided by the new store and signs has generated enough business that beef seems to sell quickly. Several new customers have become regulars. We appreciate you guys so very much. Next year we will have several more beef available, so we are planning to hold our grand opening/open house spring of 2025, likely June, if all goes well. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated.

Looking back at the summer and early fall, we have experienced a year of persistent drought. Fortunately, we maintain stocking rates that anticipate droughts. We still have pastures that haven’t been grazed yet, which hopefully will sustain the herd well into the winter season. Due to the drought, hay production was down by over 30%. But, the predicted El Nina phenomena should yield a mild winter with warmer than average temps. The more worrying issue is water for the cattle. Our once reliable solar powered water system hasn’t been functioning all summer. We have had to return to depending on our ponds, which due to the drought haven’t kept up with demand. Finding a competent well service company has been a struggle; and to date the system remains broken.

On the positive side, we have finally found a butcher/processor that seems to be more than competent and reliable. We are so thankful for the work of Smith Valley Meats in Rich Creek, Va. It’s been a very long time since we had confidence in the people processing our beef. The future seems bright in this regard.

Looking forward to 2025, we are booking beef reservations. May and June are already sold out. We do have some sides/wholes of Rose’ Veal available in January and April. If someone is curious about Rose’ Veal and wants to give it a try, we have a variety of cuts and ground available at our Farm Store. We suggest to anyone interested in reserving a side or whole beef in 2025 that you get your deposits and orders in now.

In other farm products news, eggs have been selling well, guaranteed to be less than a week old every Saturday. Jewell’s handcrafted soaps and other skin care products are also available. With the holidays just around the corner, ask her about gift boxes. Robert will be making grapevine wreaths when he trims the grapes.

In conclusion we would like to thank everyone who supported our farm. You are truly appreciated. Without you we wouldn’t be in business. Thank you!

Celebrate Independents!