The Ranchers
THE RANCH & THE RANCHERS:
"A ranch is an area of landscape, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle or sheep for meat or wool."
(Source: Wikipedia)
JOHN AND KASSANDRA BARTON
8 O'clock Ranch was named by us as newlyweds in 2001.
We usually rise way before the sun is up and get as much done before noon. 8 O'clock is our time for a cup of coffee and a midmorning snack - and by 8 at night we are snoozing!Our two sons, Eathon and Cole are avid inventors, entrepreneurs and awesome kids!
Many of the reasons behind why we went to a grass based, antibiotic & hormone free ranch was the health of not only us but now of our children. We wanted what was best for all, humans and animals!Our ranch began with us buying a few sheep from a wonderful 'ole codger' of a neighbor who got us started with our first 12 head.
We loved the graceful Suffolk with their black head and white bodies and have moved into a small and growing beef and pig herd as well as chickens - you know, just to round everything out!We realized very early on in our ranching life that we could not justify sending our animals hundreds, if not thousands of miles to a feedlot or livestock sale. Instead our animals are born and raised here with their own mothers, allowed to graze, roam and live as they would do normally. Our pastures improve as the animals roam and they in turn enjoy the pasture's bounty.
This ranch has allowed us to become sustainable.
If in the years to come our sons wish to take over, there will be a future here for them where they can grow there dreams.
This ranch builds upon human interaction, trust and plenty of hard work!
It would not be possible without our wonderful customers. We hope this website will be a way for all of you to "visit" us, share our day and enjoy a good meal.
THE HUNTLEYS
Chris and Dan Huntley keep themselves very busy!
Dan is a graduate of Cornell University and came back to run his family's dairy farm.
He is of the 6th generation to stay in farming in Crary Mills, NY.With the same ideals of clean air and plenty of grass, the beef Dan raises are absolutely out of this world.
Together Chris and Dan operate a bed and breakfast, where you can enjoy the beauty of the foothills of the Adirondacks.
They have many trails through several hundred acres of woodland: you can grab your cross country skis in the winter or a picnic basket in the summer.The Inn is being renovated right now, check back for more information!
JESSE AND KRISTA BARTON: GRASSE RIVER B
Jesse & Krista Barton own a little piece of heaven in Madrid, NY, where they can raise their family and livestock.
Two horses, a trusty (if not crazy) guard dog, kittens for the kids, just enough beef to get into trouble and our main herd of goats!
They have been working hard over the past couple of years to grow their flock of Saanen goats and finish the milking barn, and now they are offering Raw Milk Goat Cheese and Raw Milk Cow's Cheese both on their own website and through ours. Check it out and try a piece, you will love it!
HEN RIVER: (at Grasse River B Ranch)
Hen River is the example of a young man's desire to own his own business.
Jarrett started by helping his Dad, Jesse raise and care for the family's chickens. Eventually he took over and with the help of his sister, Madelyn, they water, feed, gather eggs, wash and sell their precious ' commodity '.He has set up his own bank account and with the help of his 'bookkeeper' (Mom Krista) is saving to add equipment to his small ranch.
Jarrett sells his eggs locally, please contact us if you would like to be on his list of customers!
(Picture: a few of his chickens keeping dry in a shed.)
