Our homeschool coop had a field trip today to a family owned, naturally raised beef farm. This farm began as many pioneer farms did, with the intensive work of clearing the land for eight hard labouring years. They farm with firm values of raising cows with no injections, or hormone filled feed, they believe in a natural raised beef. While the reason the family farms is not political there are many political aspects of farming. The push for corporate owned farms, the push for stimulant injections to increase growth rates, the difficult and costly process of organic labelling. The family farm has many obstacles. This family believes in what they are doing, enjoy it, and stick by their values.
We really did feel welcomed into their farm. Meeting the family dogs and cats, hearing the stories behind the different equipment around the farm like they were members. We were given a tour of the hay barn, the grain distribution system they created, the different tractors and equipment. The three different types of fencing were pointed out and described. We got to learn about tagging cows, veterinary services, the infections barns breed for cows making it better for them to be outside and of course a close up introduction to their cows. The four month old calves stole the show.
The tour ended with cookies and hot chocolate back at the house. This was SO appreciated because as we toured the weather went from snow, to hail, to freezing rain, to pelting ice to more snow and incredible cold wind. It was a great tour, one we plan to make in the spring again.
2 comments:
What a small world! Those farmers are great friends of ours and that is where we get out winter's hay from! Our donkey's love thier hay especially.
Yes Annie and Gary are great people!
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