I finally did what I promised.

Taking my girls out for birthday shopping kept being delayed because of farm activities. I said I would take them last Saturday, but I got pulled into setting up a tent at Rodale’s Spring Market event.

Even a unique situation on the farm last night caused me to detour as we started to drive away.

A fight.

Two cows were pushing and head butting each other in the pasture as we drove by.

Curious about why two large females were acting this way, I stopped to send a picture and video to Farmer Reuben—just in case we needed to worry.

When the bull got involved and started mounting one of them, I realized it was probably a cow “in heat” causing all the angst.

Keep the Angst in the Pasture

It was a stressful week for some of the cows. A couple of our favorite mature calves were moved to a different pasture, and their former companions “missed them.”
Luscious green grass to eat isn’t enough to distract from the stresses of mating and of separating cows from growing steers.

It’s just better when the males and females are separate.

Especially when it comes to birthday shopping.

Our “girls-only” shopping trip was successful. We enjoyed new summer shoes, choosing fabric for a sewing project, and a sweet treat.

Remembering our flavorful, not too sweet, not too large gelatos while we were in Rome, my daughter commented on how large our portions were. “I’m glad I got the small!” We can’t wait for Daddy Farmer to figure out a way to create farm made gelato for our farm stores – and our family!

Accomplishing our goals together, reminiscing and letting our personalities mesh was fun.

My teens are so capable and independent that it is hard to find the right way to spend time with them.

Actually, it’s hard to know the right way to spend time with any teenager.

I told them to remind me next time how much we all enjoyed it and tell me not to stress about my schedule.

Cultivating Calm is Necessary for a Sustainable Life

It seems that every week is packed with activities and obligations, especially at the end of the school year.

Are you feeling it, too?

We have a high school senior graduation next week—congrats to Blaise!

To increase the intensity, Farmer Reuben just told me that he’ll be making hay next week.

A break from the wonderful spring rains we’ve had means that the lush hay and alfalfa fields are ready to be cut and baled .

That’s intense, time-sensitive work for Reuben, Andres, and Blaise.

I can’t wait until the kids are finished with their school year studies so I can focus on my summer projects.

Are you looking forward to summer too?

With Memorial Day, graduations, and end-of-school-year activities just around the corner, it feels like you just have to get through a couple more intense weeks.

Am I right?

What are you looking forward to this summer?

More time with kids or grandkids?

Quiet mornings working in your garden?

Grilling outside or trying new recipes?

I am learning to cultivate calm in my life.

If I want to do any of those things, I have to set boundaries and make sure that stressful obligations don’t crowd out time with family or a few moments of peaceful time for myself.

What peaceful moments do you enjoy?

Tessa’s Moment #1: Today I weeded my asparagus patch for fifteen minutes.

Often when I’m working in my little kitchen garden next to the house, the kids won’t interrupt me.

Only one raised bed is a small gardening commitment, and I love asparagus, so it’s manageable and rewarding.

Tessa’s Moment #2: Making dinner after working on homeschooling or farm computer projects is enjoyable too.

Sending the kids out of the house and closing my computer so I can put together a meal with the food we’ve raised is cathartic.

Tessa’s Moment #3: Walking out to the field to enjoy the excitement of new pigs arriving also keeps me grounded in reality. It’s important that I  share those moments with you so you can be connected to your food.

Reuben and Andres are timing these exciting moments with you in mind. Reuben gave me a head’s up at breakfast and Andres called me 5 minutes before he arrived at the farm with the piglets.

The children on the farm get to be part of these moments too.

Stop now to invite a child to view this farm video with you. You’ll help them learn where their food comes from.

 

What Does Pastured Pork Taste Like?

“The best I have ever had. No comparison to the stuff in the store. It is tender, lean, juicy, flavorful. I put some in my box every week, and my kids beg for more.” – Suzanne

Cindy told me today that the pastured pork is “Lovely. ♥️ We love it. Delicious. Flavorful.”

Should you try pastured pork?

If you seek nutrient dense food then you should consider these points.

Pastured pork: pigs raised on open pastures with space to roam and forage

• Benefits:
  • Improved animal welfare: access to fresh air, sunlight, and natural behaviors
  • Environmental sustainability: promotes soil health, reduces water pollution, supports biodiversity
  • Nutritional superiority: higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins

Conventional pork: raised in confinement with a diet of grains and soy

• Drawbacks:
  • Compromised animal welfare: limited space, lack of natural light, social isolation
  • Environmental impacts: pollution from antibiotics and manure, contamination of waterways
  • Nutritional inferiority: lower levels of nutrients, higher levels of saturated fat compared to pastured pork

Grilled Pork Chops & Asparagus with Sesame Glaze

Amp up the start of summer grilling with one of my favorite recipes.

You’ll want to review my blog post from last week about how to avoid triggering asparagus haters.

Make special note of the tips in the recipe to avoid overcooking your pastured pork.

Download Recipe! 

 

Considering Bulk Pork Purchase?

The pigs we raised this winter will be ready for your freezer in a few weeks.

We will sell Pork Bundles and Half Pigs. Either way, you can reserve yours by making a downpayment today.

What Do You Get From A Half Pig

HALF PIGS READY SOON – PRICE, DATES, & CUT OPTIONS EXPLAINED

 

As Always…

We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and food on your table that supports that goal.

We’ll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm

 

P.S. The Farm store is open on Saturday to help you stock up on eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables, natural cleaners, home remedies and more.

Open this weekend!

Market Hours: Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM