When the opportunity arose to purchase the property that would become Ravenna Farms, we were excited by the possibility that we could start creating that food ourselves. Together with our Shelties Kaiya and DaVinci, we have worked hard to build Ravenna into a farm that can provide delicious and nutritious meats and vegetables for our local community. At Ravenna Farms we believe in caring for and n
urturing the land, the animals, and the health of our farm members. We therefore use only the best methods in raising our animals and vegetables. Everything on our farm is organically raised, and our animals spend their days grazing our beautiful green pastures. Following a rotational grazing method, our animals are moved to new lush pasture on a daily basis. Doing so provides them with plenty of fresh forage and simultaniously prevents the pastures from becoming damaged through over-grazing while naturally fertilizing the soil and replenishing the grass. Raising our animals on pasture is not only good for the land, but better for the animal’s health and yours. It results in a richer, leaner meat that is lower in saturated fats and cholesterol and higher in omega 3′s. In addition to pasture, the diets of our poultry and swine are supplemented with organic feed that is locally grown and milled. It is non-GMO and contains no corn or soy. We strongly believe that you are what you eat. That is why we strive to provide our animals with the most nutritious diets and healthy lifestyles possible. Our farming methods are almost as unconventional as our choice in the breeds that we raise. Almost all of the breeds that we have chosen to raise are on the American Livestock Conservancy’s critical or endangered breed list. We feel very strongly that these heritage breeds are worth saving. They may not gain weight as fast or be as cost effective to raise as the more commercial varieties, but their meat is leaner and has a richer flavor. They have many qualities that today’s commercial varieties do not. For example, they are incredible foragers and thrive on the pasture. Our cattle are known for their ability to marble naturally on grass. Our pigs are prized for their lean and flavorful bacon. Our laying hens are extremely docile and lay beautiful big brown eggs that taste amazing! As an added bonus, they are beautiful and have amazing personalities. By raising these rare breeds we are raising the awareness of our members and those we meet. When you purchase a share from our farm you are making it possible for us to continue raising these breeds. The more popular they become with consumers, the more that other people will also choose to raise them to meet the demand. Become a member of our farm today and help us save these wonderful breeds!
