OUR MEATS:
The Animals we raise are Heritage Breeds such as Hereford, Suffolk, Duroc and Nubian. They were bred over time to develop traits that made them particularly well-adapted to local environmental conditions and are generally better adapted to withstand disease and better suited to living on pasture. They also, in our opinion, have the best flavor and tenderness for you to enjoy.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR MEAT AND 'SUPERMARKET' MEAT?
Grass Fed:
We feed our lamb and beef nothing but green grass (spring, summer and fall) and grass balage through the winter.
Pigs are also treated to apples, roots, and other naturally existing delicacies they find in our pasture besides grass.
The chickens are raised on grass and supplemented with home grown grains.
Our animals never see a feedlot.
Careful Husbandry:
We use no hormones, pesticides or herbicides and only use an antibiotic if an animal has a life-threatening problem (the last time we used one is 3 years ago) -much like you would with you own child.
By working to prevent injuries or predator attacks we keep our animals safe and stress free.
Dry-Aged:
Rare to find, rarer to afford.
Why rare? Because it takes time.
Most of the meat in regular stores never was given the proper time (up to four weeks) to age the meat. Why desired?
Dry-aging produces unequaled flavor and naturally helps tenderize the meat.
Our beef is dry-aged a minimum of 14 days and lamb for 7.
Hand Processed:
All of our animals are processed at a small, family owned, USDA inspected facility where both humans and animals are treated humanely.
Lush Pasture Land:
Our St. Lawrence River valley is naturally nutrient rich and produces wonderful, native grass stands that produce outstanding flavorful meats.
Heritage breeds chosen for their natural ability to consume herbage and produce marbled, juicy cuts - delivered to your door - that's our passion and our promise to you!
WE RAISE:
Beef:
Hereford ( Originally from Herefordshire, England 17th century)
Belted Galloway ( From Galloway area in Scotland, affectionately know as 'belties'.
We love them for there generally calm nature and ability to get chunky on grass!)Lamb:
Suffolk ( 17th century breed from England known for their outstanding meat and just a really beautiful animal,
Hampshire ( from the hilly Hampshire downs, fine-flavored and juicy meat also 17th century)
Shropshire ( "the farm flock favorite" in the 1930's due to their easy and calm disposition, wonderful mothers of great lambs)Pork:
Yorkshire ( brought to the US in the 17th century, they are the quintessential 'pink piggies' with the curly tails),
Duroc (is to become our main herd, with a unknown background it is said to have come from Africa or Spain. Wonderful dark red meat, good mothers and grazers.)
Berkshire ( known in Japan as the Kurobuta pig ( black pig); it is said to be "Britain's oldest pig breed".
We are working on the availablity of 100% grass fed Berkshires in future.)Eggs:
Rhode Island Reds ( a very pretty rust colored chicken with wonderful brown eggs) and
Plymouth Rock ( very cold-hardy, speckled black and white chicken, produces pale brown to pinkish eggs!)Goat's Milk and Cheeses:
Coming Soon!Nubians are a relatively large, proud, and graceful dairy goat of mixed Asian, African, and European origin, known for high quality, high butterfat, milk production.
*Update*
Barn is up, milk tank is in, goats have a 'gentleman' in their presence. Hoping for kids by March 2009!
Eight o'Clock Ranch • 293 Old Canton Rd • DeKalb Junction • NY 13630
877-755-1360