Well, it has been awhile since we have been here! We have added a two legged wee one to our Croft and after the first year, we are now feeling some extra time to focus on farm publicity. New Website!
The Goats!
5 American Saanen Doe's due between May 5th and May 20th!
We bred two 9 month old's and to 18 month old's. This will be their first freshening. Cranny, our beautiful foundation doe is also bred and looking quite large. We used a Nubian/Lamancha buck this year, so we should have some variation.
Short Term Plan: We will be selling the kids and using the remaining for meat. I will likely keep a few to see how they milk. I also know I will not be able to resist their cuteness so I must admit I will be keeping some.
Goat Feeding Regime: We are currently sprouting (3 day process) organic oats and wheat for the goats. They have free choice Redmond Mineral Salt, Kelp, Goat Mineral, Baking Soda and Selenium/Vitamin E powder. We sprinkle some flax meal on their grain, which they gobble right up!
We have transitioned to these feeding practices with the help from our farmer friends at Stone and Stem Farm. This should sweeten the milk and eliminate any "goaty" flavor.
Milking Plans: I can hardly wait to have fresh milk from the farm! I will be focusing on using the milk for yogurt, yogurt cheese, cream cheese, ricotta, chevre and experimenting with some cheddar for the first time.
The overflow of milk and milk products will go right into the piggy trough!
The Brown Swiss Heifer!
Salah is due with her first calf July 19th.
Short Term Plan: We will be making a variety of cheese and enjoy the plethora of raw milk and it's many uses! The overflow will help supplement our American Guinea Hog's diet. The calf will likely be used for beef after 2 years of growth.
Brown Swiss Feeding Regime: Salah is currently getting sprouted (3 day process) organic oats and wheat. We also add 1/2 lb of organic 16% mash. The down side, it contains corn and soy. The upside, we are working on formulating a corn and soy free formula. Stay tuned!
 |
| Salah at 14 month's |
The American Guinea Hogs
Ruby, our foundation sow is due July 23rd.
2014 is the year of the pigs! Well, every year feels consumed by the pigs but this year our pork business will be taking off.
What Makes our Pork Special:
Pasture raised, all year
Supplemented with hay silage through the winter
(Winter) Mainly fed sprouted oats and wheat
(Summer) Lots of grass, veggies and fresh raw milk!
10% supplementation with Organic Hog Mash
Supplemented with Kelp, Flax and Livestock Mineral Block
Heritage Bred = Mouth watering fat, perfect marbling
Small, manageable size, perfect for the family freezer
We will have limited breeding stock available as we will choose the best from each litter to carry on the AGH legacy.
No comments:
Post a Comment