02/15/2026
Guys, it's been a rough winter... Like the coldest, most difficult winter!
I don't say this to complain. If you know me, you know I'm not one to complain, or even vent my frustrations often. It's winter in Upstate NY, it's going to be cold, windy, icey, snowy... That's just the way it is, we expect it and accept it.
This winter, however, seems to be tougher than most... In more ways than one!
We've gone through more hay than expected. For both bedding and feed. The cold has made the animals need more grain as well. Sub-zero temps are harder on us and the equipment. Then there's just regular life... We all know how hair-raising everyone's electricity bills are at present 😳
So, why am I telling you this?
It's mostly so that you'll understand why we're cutting back a bit. Why were going back to bare bones....
First, Beef... We'll most definitely have less beef available this year. One reason is, we sold more than we expected last year. While that's a good thing, it means we have to wait for our young stock to grow out in order to process more beef. We could buy in beef to grow out, but right now it's almost impossible for a small farm like ours to be able to afford to buy in beef and make a profit (and continue to be affordable for our customers)! It's a sellers market at the moment, and the big guys have all the control.
Second, Pork... We're a breeding to butcher operation. Which means we don't just have butcher hogs to raise out for 6-8 months; We have sows and boars to feed all year long. Feeding more in these cold temps, losing piglets, having a sow who doesn't perform the way you plan, or having buyers backout, can put a strain on the feed budget. So, we've cut back... And we're still cutting! We plan on keeping just 5-6 breading sows this year and one boar. We'll also have our retirees until they're gone... But some animals are just non-negotiable!
Third, Chicken... That will remain the same at this point. With some changes to our operation, we actually hope to increase our numbers in that category!
Physically, mentally, emotionally it's been a difficult season... We appreciate you all so much and want to be transparent about all the things happening here. We chose this lifestyle and would choose it all over again in a second. But we're realizing we must be flexible and change with the current climate, so that we are here to bring you delicious food next year, and for years to come💗