Start at the Very Beginning

At Full of Graze Farm, we are not just a business trying to make a start at pastured farming with the aim of being successful. While that may be one of our goals, our larger commitment is to the extended community, to promoting education regarding food topics, to raising animals in a humane and healthy way, and to preserving the land for future generations.  Welcome!

Though we have just begun our small, family-owned, pasture-based farm, in speaking with customers we have come across many questions about our products and food in general.  How are our products different?  Are we "organic"?  Why are your products more expensive than what I can buy at the grocery store?  I simply can't afford all that healthy, "organic" food.  Where do I even start?

First, "organic".  What does that mean?  Simply put, "organic" is a term that is now used to label foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, eggs) that are produced in ways whereby conventional chemicals, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, etc, are not used on the crops or in the feed for the animals.  There are certain fees that must be paid to the government and standards that must be met and approved by government issued agencies, for a product to be labeled "organic".  A simple, objective article that explains "organic" in greater detail is here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255

We are not an "organic" farm, strictly speaking.  At the same time, it is our belief that our products are produced in ways that exceed "organic" standards.  Our pigs are not fed "organic" feed, but they are given access to the pasture and allowed to root for their food - food that comes from Mother Nature like grubs and bugs and other piggy goodies.  That is not a requirement for pork labeled with a government issued "organic" sticker.  Our chickens are given daily access to sunshine, grass, and bugs, and the richness of their exercise and diet is reflected in the beautiful eggs they produce.  The same is true of our broilers (chickens raised for meat, not eggs), and will be true of our turkeys, as well.  Meats offered at the grocery store with an "organic" label will likely have none of these benefits.  They will simply not be inundated with the chemicals that conventional products have in them, which, of course, is a good thing, but it's not what's best.

Money, money, money. The price difference between our products and standard grocery food is reflected in the care with which the animals are raised and in the quality of the food your family will eat.  You receive what you pay for.  Nothing worthwhile can be had cheaply.  If a can of vegetables costs 50 cents, you have to wonder how much nutrition can be had from that can.  About 50 cents worth.  And actually, even less, because the company has to make a profit off it!  Better to save the 50 cents and put it towards a bunch of homegrown beans.  The same is true of meat and eggs.  If a chunk of meat costs $1/lb, where is the value?  In the excessive fat that accompanies the meat and clogs your arteries?  Our pork may cost a bit more up front, but it will give you far more for your dollar than any factory-produced, warehouse-raised pig ever could.  Guaranteed.

"But my family has to eat!  My budget will not allow all that fancy food."  It is true that most of us live by a budget and the price of food is gradually creeping higher and higher.  I have five (going on six!) children and next to my mortgage there is nothing I spend more money on each month than food.  Crazy, I know.  However, that was just as true when I bought standard grocery store food as when I switched to pastured meats, organic dairy, and only fresh produce.  The untold secret is that, over time, healthy, seasonal, whole, unprocessed foods, will not cost much more than processed junk.  The key is to rearrange where you spend your money on food.  

The processed food available in stores may appear to be cheaper, but in the long run you simply buy more of it.  It satisfies neither your hunger nor your nutritional needs. There may be a bit more work involved, but feeding your family a bowl of mashed potatoes is significantly cheaper than feeding them tater tots.  A bag of apples will last longer and keep your children full and satisfied much more than a jar of applesauce.  Drink water instead of juice, homemade whole-grain bread instead of white, oatmeal instead of sugary cereal. Start small, by removing waste foods - those foods that cost little, offer nothing in the way of nutrition, and yet are designed by the industry to induce you to eat more ...and more... and more.  "Bet you can't eat just one!"

The money saved by casting out the junk can then be invested in the pastured meats and eggs we provide here at Full of Graze.  Buying our meats in bulk will further reduce your expenses and give you the chance to plan meals wisely.  And the health benefits of our pastured products will pay off in the way of long-term medical savings, for you and your children.  I learned from my wise mother-in-law that it is better to invest in food than in medical bills.  Good food comes from the hand of God and is designed to nourish your body in a way that will protect it from illness and wear and tear.  That idea drives our farming philosophy at Full of Graze.

Above all, educate yourself!  There is no virtue in ignorance, especially where the health of your family is involved.  Read articles, books, and blogs dedicated to food topics.  We have a list on the sidebar of recommended titles.  Go at it and decide for yourself.  Good luck!