Cycles. Seasons. Growth
The seasons are changing, (happy autumnal equinox!) schedules are shifting, and everyone is slowly moving back inside. The rain has thoroughly soaked our pastures and the ducks seem to be satisfied with their new puddles. This weather makes me crave roast chicken and apple crisp; my grandmother always included a wedge of cheddar cheese to compliment her apple desserts.
All of the chickens are in the freezer and the geese are perfectly plump; they will be processed on Saturday. We had a difficult season existing alongside nature and the wild animals that live among our trees and fields. We also lost a lot of birds to cold and rainy weather early on in the season. I spoke with another Vermont farmer today, and they had similar losses due to persistent predators.
Our second year in the farm stand was full of growth and new discovery. Overall we've felt a greater connection to our community through new relationships that we have developed- this has been through customer interactions and through new farm connections. Before we built our farm stand, we sold our pasture raised chicken and duck at the Burlington and Shelburne Farmers' Markets, from which we developed a supportive and loyal customer base in those areas. It's been so fulfilling to meet more neighbors and folks from just over the mountain, as well as visitors to the state who are truly interested in small scale farming, and pasture raised meat.
This spring we started offering raw milk in the farm stand! We are collaborating with The Larson Farm. Their herd of Jersey cows are 100% grass fed, organic, and A2A2 certified. It's not enough to just have a herd "on pasture". It's as much about genetics as managing your pastures well. They do a truly fabulous job pasturing their cows. The Larson's also make yogurt and gelato, which is also available in our farm stand.
Raw milk is delivered every Friday.
Currently available in the farm stand:
Chicken
Beef
Chicken eggs
Duck eggs
Cheese
Yogurt
Milk
Gelato
Ferments
Winter squash
Tomatoes
Maple syrup
Honey
Jam and preserves
Hot sauce
T-shirts, hoodies, and bags! We are expecting new merch in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for some new products!
I hope you can find time to be out in nature. Taking a walk in the rain is a fun and easy way to switch it up and do something different! The sensory input is completely different than walking in the warm sunshine- smell the difference... notice how the gravel, mud, or pavement sounds compared to days that aren't wet. This connection is wildly grounding and uplifting. It's also calming and soothing. Make your way home and enjoy a steamy cup of tea.
Use what you have and start slowly. You are doing the best you can. Give yourself grace. Be gentle with yourself and take good care.
Love & light,
Lisa