Moving Cattle!

Our cowboys (Ben 14 & Zach 12) are helping move the cattle to better grazing ground.  We are having a little more difficult time with our grazing this year, due to the drought that we are having here in Indiana.  We thank God for all the rain that we can get, and try to utilize our land the best we can without overgrazing it.  For those of you that are considering meat for your freezer this year, you may want to place your order now.  I believe that with the drought that most of the United States is having will skyrocket food prices later this year and perhaps the next 2-3 years on meat.  Livestock owners across the states are unloading animals at a alarming rate due to the lack of pasture grass and the high cost of grain or other feed.  The drought that the southwest and central plains experienced last year already created a shortage of beef cattle, driving animal numbers to that of 1954.  If you take already low numbers and add a drought in more areas of the states and you have combination for expensive food for the future.

Hard work!

Here is a photo of us working together putting up straw for winter.  The wheat had been cut, and we came through with our small square baler and baled enough for our season needs.  We use straw to bed animals in the winter, to keep the chicken laying boxes lined, and for erosion control in some areas.  We thank God for a good wheat harvest!

Life is busy now! Save money, buy in bulk!

Over the past few weeks we have been busy with new baby lambs, making hay for winter feed, and trying to finish a fence project.  Wow! how the hours and days fly by when you do what you love and help others enjoy having something they love, like eating healthy nutritious food. 
Remember that we do sell our pork, lamb, and beef in the bulk.  This is the best value and will keep you and your family stocked up on meat for some time.  Give us a call 765-414-9352 or email monica@pastureplace.com us for additional information and availability.

Where can you find our products?

At times people will ask us where they can find our products.  They are sold at the West Lafayette farmers market.  This market is on Wed. afternoons at 3:00-6:30 p.m. on Salsbury St. We also sell in Lafayette through CityFoods online store, and make deliveries at Java Joz's on Creasy as needed for customer pick-up.

Right now we have several free range chickens (whole bird), pastured pork, and lamb cuts.  Call or email us for your specific needs; we love helping families provide local nutritious food for their family.  Our phone number is 765-414-9352 or monica@pastureplace.com.

Grazing good for soil and environment

USDA Weighs In: Grazing Good for Soil & Environment

Bring on the cattle! says a new study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). For twelve years, soil scientists at the Agricultural Research Service branch of the USDA have been studying the impact that grazing animals have on the land. Compared with grassland that has been undisturbed, areas that have been moderately grazed have more carbon stored in the soil. Stored carbon increases the fertility of the soil and slows global warming.   

Summary of the study: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/mar11/soil0311.htm

Published in Soil Science Society of America Journal, 2010. Volume 74, pages 2131-2141.

One of our best little helpers!

Friday we were out on the pasture cleaning up some scrub brush that had been cut down.  One of my sons drove the 4-wheeler for me as I loaded the trailer.  What a blessing to work with your children!  I love spending time with each of our children, teaching and learning things together like: seeing God's hand in nature, developing a good work ethic or watching the animals enjoy a sunny day.  Experts told us years ago that children need "quality not quantity time" with their parents.  I disagree with this; our children need both and Lots of it!  Our children need US more than anything else to help and train them into becoming healthy, well-balanced citizens; people who live out character in all they do, who know the value and shortness of life, and who understand the importance of having healthy relationships.  The Bible tells us "Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward" Ps. 127:3  What a blessing our children are.  Thank you Lord for each one of them!!!

Grass-fed beef gets a number Ten score!

Score Ten for Grass-Fed Beef

Grass-fed beef is better for human health than grain-fed beef in ten different ways, according to the most comprehensive analysis to date. The 2009 study was a joint effort between the USDA and researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina. Compared with grain-fed beef, grass-fed beef was:

1. Lower in total fat
2. Higher in beta-carotene
3. Higher in vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
4. Higher in the B-vitamins thiamin and riboflavin
5. Higher in the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium
6. Higher in total omega-3s
7. A healthier ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (1.65 vs 4.84)
8. Higher in CLA (cis-9 trans-11), a potential cancer fighter
9. Higher in vaccenic acid (which can be transformed into CLA)
10. Lower in the saturated fats linked with heart disease

S.K. Duckett et al, Journal of Animal Science, (published online) June 2009