Blog - Jake's Country Meats

Describe Your Perfect Spring Day...

The sun shines as the morning dew bathes the blades of grass, some just barely making their way through the soil, while others stand tall after a nice long rest. After thanking the good Lord for this beautiful day, I put on my favorite oversized sweatshirt and smoothly lined rain boots and holler, “kids, let’s go! It’s time for a walk.” I hear their feet leap off the floor, return with a stomp, without pause or hesitation; they recognize the eagerness to feel and see the season. Adventures begin as the swinging door slams behind the youngest who has no time to lose. We trek down the sandy lane leading to fields of glory. The chickens’ and cattle’s noses touch the ground as they walk the green grass, while a mamma sow nurses its young under shelter. Day old piglets grunt, and we breathe in the air surrounding fresh straw and new life. The kids yell, “see you later!” and beg to take a ride to the woods. My husband, lifts a child to his chest while straddling the four-wheeler, and I corral the remaining toward the side-by-side, all while the littlest pats my thigh asking three times in a row, “can we go on a bye-bye side ride?!” My husband and I discuss the best route, building anticipation for the journey, and we ride. Once the vehicles park, we walk off the beaten path; I watch eyes follow the tree where it meets the earth, to where it touches the sky. We listen to the birds calling our name, and wonder. Treasures are found, bright small flowers and small muted mushrooms. I watch our kids swing on heavy branches, while chatting about nothing at all. Our time in the woods ends with a fast ride, wind blowing all our troubles away. Near home, we play in the sand box and on the court. A competitive game of one on one is enjoyed while young spectators shout rules that don’t make sense. We play until our stomachs grumble. My husband and I craft a dinner that feels, smells, and tastes exactly like Spring - smoky barbeque chicken, smashed cream cheese tators, and crispy morel mushrooms. The day is settled with a piping hot cup of tea, steeped from freshly picked treasures of the land, while again I thank my Savior for all our blessings. Spring is here on the farm, and we are present.

Keeping Your Favorites in Stock: A Farm Update

Have you noticed some of your favorite poultry items are temporarily out of stock, like boneless skinless chicken breasts, whole chickens, and ground chicken? Here's why: In Southwest Michigan, we raise our chickens on pasture from April through October, aligning with our region's climate. When we run out of chicken in the winter that means we must wait until the warmer months to replenish our freezers. But don't worry, boneless skinless breasts and ground chicken will be back in stock by the end of May!

Revolutionizing Chick Care: A Peek Inside Our Farm's Brooder Upgrade

Explore our farm's latest blog post to uncover how we're enhancing chick care with our upgraded brooder. From tackling predator challenges to optimizing temperature control, learn how we're prioritizing the well-being of our flock. Stay tuned for more updates on our journey toward sustainable farming practices. Including a great video update from Farmers Renee and Nick.

The Meat Shed: Always Evolving

The Meat Shed means a lot to us, it’s a present picture of where we started, capturing our humble beginnings. A dream, a farm, and a small shed; helping us feed our neighbors, trusting one another, and building connections one day at a time.

Spring Farm Upgrades: Enhancing Life for Our Flock

Join us on the farm as we embark on spring projects aimed at improving the lives of our feathered friends! From upgrading our chicken brooder to plans for mobile hoop houses, follow our journey with exclusive video updates. Stay connected with the story behind the food that nourishes us all.

Winter Work On The Farm

During the colder months, we make preparations for Spring projects on the farm. This year we will be expanding our acres of woodlands and pastures for our animals. With mild winters, the animal's impact on the ground is heavier without a good freeze. We need to give our animals more room to roam to allow more time for the rest of their current access. As the woods and pastures rest, the soil works its magic regenerating new life to welcome more activity and natural fertilization in the future.

Cooking with Your Farmer - Sweet Lou

If you have visited our booth at the La Grange, Elmhurst, or Wilmette farmers markets - you know her well. Lou Ann is the 6th generation farmer, and 1st generation to trek miles from the farm to sell meat that she produces. I grew up on her cooking, and never ate a meal I did not enjoy. She earned the endearing name Sweet Lou from one of the best frequent flyers of the market. So here’s Sweet Lou, working her magic in the kitchen making her finest chili. She uses simple ingredients, great meat, and plenty of love. Products from the farm featured in the video Bulk Italian sausage: https://jakescountrymeats.com/store/product/bulk-italian Chicken Bone Broth: https://jakescountrymeats.com/store/product/bone-broth-chicken

New Years Intentions On The Farm

At the turn of the year, society can’t help but reminisce on the days of the past calendar year, while declaring new goals for the future. It seems natural now; however, I am unsure when this became the societal norm. I think the entire process can feel dreadful at times - but helpful too. Last year, I challenged myself to choose one word to focus on for the year instead of specific goals, and my word was Rest. What should rest mean to me physically, emotionally, and spiritually? As a mom of four kids under 10 years old, to feel restful seemed impossible. I also reference other words such as lazy or unproductive whenever I thought of rest. Can that change for me? I want rest. I want rest for my heart, my thoughts, and my body. So here I am waiting to feel it. Whenever I find myself at rest, my thoughts tell me there is something that should be done. I look at the messy house, the pile of paperwork at my desk, the beautiful landscape of the farm, the flow of unread emails, or the world of social media that is constantly changing. My thoughts motivate me to get up and move, or discourage me to sit in my thoughts. I either stop resting, or rest in disdain. I have always lived inside my wandering mind, since I was a little girl. My thoughts swirl, dreaming day or night, and stories play in the background as I walk through life. However, as I grow older, those stories gradually turn to worries without much notice. I ponder a problem until a solution is found, yet I spend more time pondering than solving problems. The actual problems don’t wake me up in the middle of the night, but wondering how to solve them does. God tells me in Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Ok God, let’s do it. Every night I intentionally cast my cares to God. I speak to Him, recognizing that I don’t know the solution, but I do know that He does. And after those daily thoughts are spoken, my mind is able to rest, and a full night of sleep became routine. After a full night of sleep for my body and mind, the less yearning of rest felt needed during the day. How beautiful this treacherous journey through life can be -one small word, one big impact. Moving into 2024, what is the new word? It took almost a month for me to find the right one. This year, I choose, walk. I won’t be going anywhere fast, but I’ll be in motion.