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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Years ago, Farmer Renee beautifully captured the essence of mornings on the farm. Our latest blog revisits these timeless reflections, providing a heartwarming glimpse into the upcoming season. So, grab your favorite warm cuppa, secure a scenic window seat, and let her words transport you to the farm, where nature's magic unfolds with each dawn.
Join us on the farm as we delve into the curious behaviors of turkeys and their unexpected sanctuary. Renee takes you on a journey through her farm observations, unraveling the fascinating conduct of these feathered companions and the valuable insights they bring.
