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Frequently Asked QuestionsTable of Contents
What does pasture-fed mean ?Pasture-fed means that the animal is raised on naturally growing grasses. Pastured animals spend almost all their time on grassy turf so they have direct access to forage and insects that make up their natural diet. Our animals roam within predator protected fields and are "rotationally" grazed. Back to TopWhat is the difference between grass-fed and grass-finished ?Grass-fed means that the animal is raised on naturally growing grasses. Grass-finished means that the animal has ONLY been nourished by the food he was born to eat (grass) and not been fed any corn or grain prior to slaughter. Back to TopWhat are the health benefits of pasture-fed meat?All our meat is hormone, pesticide and antibodic free. Our cattle spend their entire life on quality forage, in the pasture, no grain, no feedlot - Ever! Our layers, broilers, pigs and turkeys receive species specific, custom ground grain plus the benefit of their own lush pastures. If you believe we are what we eat, and that what we eat is what it eats, here is some information to consider: Jo Robinson, a New York Times best-selling writer makes a compelling case for us to return to our 'original diets' - that of grass-fed rather than grain-fed meats and dairy products from ruminants (that's a cow, sheep, goat, plus wild game such as deer). You can read more about grass-fed products at Jo Robinson's http://eatwild.com, but we have summarized some of these benefits as we understand them today.
Omega-6 fatty acids - You don't want to overload on them! Animals fattened on grain appear to have a higher count of Omega 6 fatty acids. You eat the beef from the feed lots your intake of Omega 6 acids increases. Research evidence is now suggesting that high levels of omega-6s can make cancer cells grow faster and more invasively. You want a balance of omega-6 and omega-3 Stearic acid is good! The most abundant fat in beef is stearic acid. While it is a saturated fat, it does not raise your bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acid - This is probably the best of all the fatty acids - its found in the meat and dairy products of ruminants. They are linked with a lower risk of nearly all the so called 'diseases of civilization'. Since omega-3s originate in the green leaves of plants and algae, grass-fed and grass-finished beef as well as fish are high in omega-3s. CLA (conjugated linoleic aid) is good, too! CLA's can also be found in grass-fed, grass-finished beef. This may be an excellent weapon against cancer. Unfortunately feedlot beef is very low in CLAs. We have not reached the levels of CLA's we want yet here at the farm, but they continue to improve as our soil biology improves. We won't try to prove to you that fresh produce from the farm is better for you. We don't have the scientific background to do that. We do know that a lot of research suggests organically grown produce/meat has more nutrition value for you. You need to decide the merits for yourself. HOWEVER, if you are looking for fresh beef, pork or poultry, homegrown and tended with care, you have just found your local source! For more information on grass fed & finished products please visit www.eatwild.com or www.localharvest.com Back to TopWhen is the product available ... ?Broilers will be available monthly from July though October..
Eggs are available every day.
Pork & Beef: Usually in early Fall
Turkeys: the Sunday before Thanksgiving Back to TopHow will I get my order ... ?You will be able to pick up your order right at the Farm. We do NOT ship or deliver. Please plan on bringing an ice-filled chest with you to insure your fresh product will be kept cool on the way home. You want to insure maximum freshness and lock the delicious flavor in. Perhaps you will find some fresh vegetables that could be the perfect side dish for your chicken or turkey when you visit also. Back to TopAre there limits on quantity... ?There are no limits on quantity, however orders are filled on a first come basis, please order in advance via our on-line Order form, We don't want you to be disappointed. We want to give 100% of our attention to this activity and insure the highest quality product, therefore we are not producing large quantities like the 'factory-farms'. Back to TopWhat means of payment do you accept... ?We accept cash or checks. We are not able to accept credit cards.
Back to TopWho is Plaid Piper Farm... ?Plaid Piper Farm LLC was born from the VanAuken/Dalrymple Farm. It is a family farm that has been owned by the same family since 1808 when a Revolutionary War soldier Elijah VanAuken and his wife, Catherine purchased the original parcel. The only two structures at that time were a log cabin and grist mill. We are the 7th generation of that family. We are proud to tell you that we still live on the family farm. This is a rare occurrence in America, especially in New Jersey. With your patronage, we hope to keep this Farm active for many generations to come. Back to TopPlaid Piper Farm LLC
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