Heritage Breeds Farm

Heritage Breeds Farm

Heritage Breeds Farm is a family run farm.  We pride ourselves in a return to a time when life was more simple.  We have identified key breeds of animals that are critical or threatened according to the American Livestock Breed Conservancy.  By selecting “older breeds,” we have moved away from the “factory farming” that is so prevalent today.  We are not only preserving breeds, but genetic diversity as well.

Our production methods focus on the animals and their needs.  Poultry are raised on grass (not quite free-range because we like our flower beds to remain nice and do not like stepping in chicken feces).  Our cattle are grass fed, utilizing intensive grazing strategies.  All other animals will be raised on pasture or confined as little as possible.

We currently feature our Red Poll cattle, which are an excellent breed for grass fed genetics.  Red Poll cattle tend to consistently grade choice and thrive in a foraging situation.  Red Poll Cattle are a dual purpose breed, noted for good mothering instincts.  They are also noted to be very easy going cows, an excellent trait for a homestead.  We also have Aruacana chickens, who provide us with uniquely tinted green eggs.  Our original heritage breed is the Delaware chicken.  These birds are dual purpose, providing a good laying rate of eggs and a good growth rate for their meat.  Delawares retain the ability to go broody, meaning that they will hatch their own eggs sometimes.

One of our interested lies in providing a better end product, which is devoid of insecticides, hormones, fertilizers, and antibiotics.  We research various topics that we believe will be suitable for our farm operation, as well as healthier for us in the long run.  We then employ these strategies or purchase animals that are specifically suited to our unique situation.  These methods are often applied via trial and error.  Our current strategy is focused upon management intensive grazing.  

 

It is our goal to provide our family with healthier options for meat, eggs, and other animal products.  We would eventually like to produce products for others as well, but we have to start small.   One reason that we have started small it that we are financing this operation with no loans.  This means that start up capital is at a premium.  Eventually, we will be able to apply profits back into our operation to make it better or to expand our animal preservation.  Let us know what you think and we hope that you enjoy our articles that we post along our journey.

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• Rare Heritage breeds(heritagebreedsfarm.com)

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