News and Blog
We are closely watching the skies, plenty of clouds, no rain yet. Thankfully with stockpiled grasses, we aren't chewing our nails with frantic worry as we have in past hot summer months.
Farm Day
We would like to remind you of our upcoming Farm Day Event, this Saturday, June 12th. We will meet behind the EZ-Mart in Wickes at 10 a.m. We will travel to one farm location, The Hedge Place, to see the sheep and goats, guard dog and donkeys. Then we will travel to another farm location a little north, Uncle Grady's Place. There we will see and move the cattle, eat lunch, visit and engage in some fun farm activities if you are interested. There will be games and activities for the kids, of all ages!! We will make butter, play horseshoes, "Name the Baby Goats", share recipes, and more. (There is an outhouse located here, but this will be the only bathroom available..........sorry, not kidding!!)
Please remember to bring the following:
lawn chair, sunscreen or hat, comfortable, durable shoes, a sack lunch and your favorite meat dish recipe.
We will be providing:
Hand sanitizer and drinks
Processing
Last week we make the long journey to the processor, so expect more products the end of June. He had a little more time to show us the plant floor, freezer room, and kill floor. We saw animals (grassfed) just slaughtered with the hide removed. We got to "inspect" the carcass for quality grass fat. In the freezer, we saw samples of hanging beeves. He explained the grading process: prime, choice, and select. Within each category are different levels or grades. We are scheduled to process our first beeves that will be for quality cuts, such as steaks, the end of June. We are scheduling an inspector to come and grade our meat. This will be the first animals processed from our grass-genetics line. This has been 3 years in the making. To say we are excited is quite an understatement. We don't know what to expect, except we are continually improving: management, grass, genetics and soils. All this adds up to healthier, tastier table fare!!
We are also taking orders for bulk beef. We do have some quantities of 1/4, 1/2 and whole left. If you are interested, please email me. We are taking a $100 deposit to place an order.
I will not be at the Texarkana Farmer's Market on June 15th. Our son, Ben, is shooting in the State AIM/ATA shoot in Little Rock. This is the youth division of the Amateur Trap Association. June 15th is also Andy's birthday, which he will spend alone, as he won't be able to make the trip with us.
Have a blessed day!!
Tracy
Farm products available this week at:
Gateway Farmer's Market: Texarkana, AR
Tuesdays (starting tomorrow) 7-10 A.M.
Polk County Farmer's Market: Mena, AR
Thursdays (starting May 27th) 7-10 A.M.
Hot Spings, Hot Springs Village and Little Rock
and also
Argenta Market in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock
We are.....................Raising the Steaks!
Hello Local Food Lovers
I have been keeping lists of things to tell all of you! There seems to be so much going on lately, spring quickly melts into summer. Let me tell you of a few things before I forget!
*Farm Day: June 12th, 10:00 a.m. We will meet at the EZ-Mart in Wickes, actually behind it. We will be traveling to 2 different farms, the roads are dirty and bumby, so small cars are not recommended. Be sure to bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a sack lunch. We will provide the drinks and antibacterial gel!!
*Locally Grown Clothing Co. Here is a new company, just in case this interests you. They have some neat products that promote, help you spread your beliefs and network with like-minded food lovers.
*Farmer's Market Schedule starting soon!! We will begin our farmer's market schedule the last week of May.
Tuesdays, Starting May 25th, Gateway Farmer's Market, Texarkana, AR (Jefferson and 9th)
Thursdays, Starting May 27th, Polk Co. Farmer's Market, Mena, AR (Depot Parking Lot)
Fridays, delivery to Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village and Little Rock online markets.
*If you haven't already, please join our Facebook group for quick updates, photos and funnies.
*If you are interested in buying in bulk, such as a whole, half or quarter beef, whole or half hog, or whole goat or lamb, email me and I will add you to our list. The pigs will be ready sooner than the beeves. We are happy to help you out!
*We have scheduled another day at the processor, June 2. So if you see we have ran out of an item, check back with us. We are increasing production just for you.
An Appreciative Thought
Last week was a tremendous struggle to get through. We literally skipped lunch 3 days because we just didn't have the time to stop and eat. As I was driving through Hot Springs to make deliveries, a car turned right in front of me into a grocery store parking lot. I almost hit them. I was mumbling and grumbling about this and going through a mental list of why we do what we do. (These seem to be the times our reasons aren't clear.) Then a thought struck me. The fabulous folks that I was delivering to right that very moment chose NOT to pull into a grocery store- industrial food chain supplier. Yes, at times, it would be easier on you to run to the store instead of driving downtown to pick up an order. Yes, at times, it would be easier to not care about our world, our communities or our economy. I realized what a symbiotic, dynamic, living relationship we have. And, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for educating yourself, choosing to spend your food dollars with us, and mostly, caring! You folks make more difference to us and our world everyday by your steadfast choice. I dedicate this quote to you:
Little and Often amount to MUCH
Another "Calamity-ville" Story
We travelled to Montgomery, Texas last Friday and Saturday to pick up our bulls. We usually have a piece of equipment that is questionablly safe for travel. Andy took care of this by having the trailer inspected thoroughly at an auto shop. Everything was great! We took off. Things went well until about an hour after dark, the trailer lights went OUT. All we had were brake lights and turn signals, no running lights of any kind. We stopped and bought fuses. It blew again within 10 miles. We drove the final 2 1/2 hours with our hazard lights on. Do you know you can hear that blinking sound in your sleep?? The next day was super. We heard some great speakers, networked with tremendous folks (hello Rudy and Ricky) and even bid on some heifers for sale. We loaded the bulls and headed back. Andy decided we would try a little cowboy ingenuity. (This wasn't his first rodeo with faulty equipment.) We bought duct tape, flashlights, batteries and some red plastic lids. Andy and Ben rigged up the two flashlights with cut-to-fit red lids to simulate taillights and then duct-taped the entire contraption to the side of the trailer. (I took a picture of this, but Andy was NOT in an amiable mood, so it isn't too pleasant). The lights lasted, oh, about 15 miles. We tried a larger fuse and a larger prayer! We got all the way home with lights! We also saw about as many police cars as county lines we passed over, expecting each time they would turn around to investigate our bizarre-o trailer! Just another day on the Youngblood home-front, for which we praise HIM for safety and answered prayers! But, finally, the result of efforts, Maverick:
Wild, Isn't he???
A Start
I started reading recently about GMO's. Let me say, I have not completed compiling my information. There are literally volumes and as much as I push the kids to learn the ability, I cannot seem to summarize very well. But I will try because I know you have much to do. I only hope this will start your own search party!
Some Disturbing Facts:
GMO: genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. (Wikipedia)
A gene engineer, in a laboratory, combines traits that would not combine naturally, like animal or bacterial genes by splicing them into the chromosomes of plants. This gives the plant the ability to be sprayed with mulitiple chemicals to control weeds and not be hindered in it own growth. These chemicals are obviously in the plant chemistry as well as the soil, in tremendous amounts. This engineering also removes the ability of a plant to reproduce. The unnatural product of genetic engineering is a "terminator gene" that causes a crop to not reproduce, just in case a farmer decides to save him some seeds instead of buying them from the seed company. (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver)
There are 6 main seed companies that control 98% of the world's seed sales: Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont, Mitsui, Aventis and Dow. Agribusinesses patent their varieties of seed and aggressively investigate and prosecute seed savers. They also patent varieties for the purpose of removing them from production. (Kingsolver)
I haven't even began to scratch the iceberg of health related issues involving GMO's. The above facts scare me enough to scour the sites like Seed Savers' Exchange and Slow Food International. I likely won't put a dent into the big six by planting heirloom seeds in my garden, but when I choose to buy my corn, peas, eggs or meat from a local farmer, educate others or share a delicious meal with a friend, I am exercising the notion that "little and often amount to much." I am also learning and will continue to look outside of my box, reach outside of my comfort zone and be healthier for it. Would you join me?
Blessings,
Tracy
Hello Local Food Lovers
I have been keeping lists of things to tell all of you! There seems to be so much going on lately, spring quickly melts into summer. Let me tell you of a few things before I forget!
*Farm Day: June 12th, 10:00 a.m. We will meet at the EZ-Mart in Wickes, actually behind it. We will be traveling to 2 different farms, the roads are dirty and bumby, so small cars are not recommended. Be sure to bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a sack lunch. We will provide the drinks and antibacterial gel!!
*Locally Grown Clothing Co. Here is a new company, just in case this interests you. They have some neat products that promote, help you spread your beliefs and network with like-minded food lovers.
*Farmer's Market Schedule starting soon!! We will begin our farmer's market schedule the last week of May.
Tuesdays, Starting May 25th, Gateway Farmer's Market, Texarkana, AR (Jefferson and 9th)
Thursdays, Starting May 27th, Polk Co. Farmer's Market, Mena, AR (Depot Parking Lot)
Fridays, delivery to Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village and Little Rock online markets.
*If you haven't already, please join our Facebook group for quick updates, photos and funnies.
*If you are interested in buying in bulk, such as a whole, half or quarter beef, whole or half hog, or whole goat or lamb, email me and I will add you to our list. The pigs will be ready sooner than the beeves. We are happy to help you out!
*We have scheduled another day at the processor, June 2. So if you see we have ran out of an item, check back with us. We are increasing production just for you.
An Appreciative Thought
Last week was a tremendous struggle to get through. We literally skipped lunch 3 days because we just didn't have the time to stop and eat. As I was driving through Hot Springs to make deliveries, a car turned right in front of me into a grocery store parking lot. I almost hit them. I was mumbling and grumbling about this and going through a mental list of why we do what we do. (These seem to be the times our reasons aren't clear.) Then a thought struck me. The fabulous folks that I was delivering to right that very moment chose NOT to pull into a grocery store- industrial food chain supplier. Yes, at times, it would be easier on you to run to the store instead of driving downtown to pick up an order. Yes, at times, it would be easier to not care about our world, our communities or our economy. I realized what a symbiotic, dynamic, living relationship we have. And, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We thank you for educating yourself, choosing to spend your food dollars with us, and mostly, caring! You folks make more difference to us and our world everyday by your steadfast choice. I dedicate this quote to you:
Little and Often amount to MUCH
Another "Calamity-ville" Story
We travelled to Montgomery, Texas last Friday and Saturday to pick up our bulls. We usually have a piece of equipment that is questionablly safe for travel. Andy took care of this by having the trailer inspected thoroughly at an auto shop. Everything was great! We took off. Things went well until about an hour after dark, the trailer lights went OUT. All we had were brake lights and turn signals, no running lights of any kind. We stopped and bought fuses. It blew again within 10 miles. We drove the final 2 1/2 hours with our hazard lights on. Do you know you can hear that blinking sound in your sleep?? The next day was super. We heard some great speakers, networked with tremendous folks (hello Rudy and Ricky) and even bid on some heifers for sale. We loaded the bulls and headed back. Andy decided we would try a little cowboy ingenuity. (This wasn't his first rodeo with faulty equipment.) We bought duct tape, flashlights, batteries and some red plastic lids. Andy and Ben rigged up the two flashlights with cut-to-fit red lids to simulate taillights and then duct-taped the entire contraption to the side of the trailer. (I took a picture of this, but Andy was NOT in an amiable mood, so it isn't too pleasant). The lights lasted, oh, about 15 miles. We tried a larger fuse and a larger prayer! We got all the way home with lights! We also saw about as many police cars as county lines we passed over, expecting each time they would turn around to investigate our bizarre-o trailer! Just another day on the Youngblood home-front, for which we praise HIM for safety and answered prayers! But, finally, the result of efforts, Maverick:
Wild, Isn't he???
A Start
I started reading recently about GMO's. Let me say, I have not completed compiling my information. There are literally volumes and as much as I push the kids to learn the ability, I cannot seem to summarize very well. But I will try because I know you have much to do. I only hope this will start your own search party!
Some Disturbing Facts:
GMO: genetically modified organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These techniques, generally known as recombinant DNA technology, use DNA molecules from different sources, which are combined into one molecule to create a new set of genes. This DNA is then transferred into an organism, giving it modified or novel genes. (Wikipedia)
A gene engineer, in a laboratory, combines traits that would not combine naturally, like animal or bacterial genes by splicing them into the chromosomes of plants. This gives the plant the ability to be sprayed with mulitiple chemicals to control weeds and not be hindered in it own growth. These chemicals are obviously in the plant chemistry as well as the soil, in tremendous amounts. This engineering also removes the ability of a plant to reproduce. The unnatural product of genetic engineering is a "terminator gene" that causes a crop to not reproduce, just in case a farmer decides to save him some seeds instead of buying them from the seed company. (Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver)
There are 6 main seed companies that control 98% of the world's seed sales: Monsanto, Syngenta, DuPont, Mitsui, Aventis and Dow. Agribusinesses patent their varieties of seed and aggressively investigate and prosecute seed savers. They also patent varieties for the purpose of removing them from production. (Kingsolver)
I haven't even began to scratch the iceberg of health related issues involving GMO's. The above facts scare me enough to scour the sites like Seed Savers' Exchange and Slow Food International. I likely won't put a dent into the big six by planting heirloom seeds in my garden, but when I choose to buy my corn, peas, eggs or meat from a local farmer, educate others or share a delicious meal with a friend, I am exercising the notion that "little and often amount to much." I am also learning and will continue to look outside of my box, reach outside of my comfort zone and be healthier for it. Would you join me?
Blessings,
Tracy
I do love the longer days of spring. We get many more items checked off our list. The only problem is the inside work gets put off until dark! By that time, I am ready to melt into a chair!
I am researching and reading about GMO's. As usual, knowledge comes with responsibility. I will pass along what I learn soon. Please feel free to email me any interesting links or information you have come across.
IMPORTANT DELIVERY CHANGE: Texarkana, April 19th CANCELLED
Your VOTE Counts: We need your ideas on one of our products. The processor has given us an option with the hot dogs. We can get them 4 dogs to a 1lb. package or 8 dogs to a 1lb. package. Which would you prefer?? Let us know and that is what we will do.
Many of you have expressed and interest in attending Farm Day. All you need to do is let us know by email so we will have an idea of how many. I will send out more detailed information at a later date.
BEEF
We are ready to add you to the waiting list for bulk beef, either a whole, half or quarter. Let us know what is best for you!
Many of you know about Facebook. There is a game on FB that is called Farmville, which I do not play. A lady overheard a conversation between a friend and myself at a restaurant. We were discussing sheep and goats and how rough the summer and winter had been for them. The lady interrupted and wanted to know if we were discussing our animals on Farmville. I told her no, our REAL farm! As I retold this story to my family, my brother remarked, "You should have told her you work everyday in CALAMITY-Ville" We could start a whole new game!! Join us if you haven't already.
Remember to tell us your preference of hot dogs: 4 or 8
Just to brighten your day! Blessings, Tracy
We are scurrying around quite nicely with spring days blooming! I wanted to share with you our delivery schedule. Since I didn't add it to the last newletter OOOPPSS!!
Texarkana-Gateway Farmer's Market~Monday, April 19th 5:00-5:45p.m.
Mena-Polk Co. Farmer's Market, Wednesday, April 21st 5:00-5:45p.m.
We will be taking more animals to the processor the middle of April for more MSG-Free Sausages, Bologna and Salami, we are running a little low!! We might also try some summer sausage this time.
As always, we are serving Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village and Little Rock through their online markets. Please join these if you live in these areas for weekly delivery.
Blessings to You and Yours this Easter! We thank HIM for His sacrifice, grace and mercy!
Thank You, Jesus!
The Youngbloods
Youngblood Grassfed Farm Newsletter
March 26th, 2010
Hello Farm Friends,
We are beyond ecstatic with the spring warmth and sunshine. The "peepers" are singing, conducting their orchestra, it seems, at a near by spring-fed pond. Spring feels like a huge, fresh breath after being under water too long. It is a relief to me, as well as restoration. Welcome Spring!!
The grass begins it's growth, the sun warming the soil. The rotation of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs begin. We have mended some fences for the sheep and goats. We plan to rotate the finishing pigs with them, althought not in the same paddocks, just the same place. The cattle are starting out the leased place we acquired late last year. We will keep a few pigs, the sows and boar, here. We are excited to see what the intensive rotational grazing will produce for this year.
Last weekend, Andy and I traveled to Fort Payne, AL to go shopping. For bulls! We were successful, too. Andy has researched many breeds and talked with numerous folks about different traits, successes and failures, data, and other general questions. He came across the Southpoll. It is a cross between Red Angus, Hereford, Senepol and Barzona. They are labeled as the southern, grass-genetic animal. Andy met the founder of the breed, Teddy Gentry at a grazing conference in Franklin, Texas. Teddy Gentry may sound familiar to you if you were a fan of the southern-rock/country group, Alabama. He put his money to work! After many months of studying pedigrees, visits and additional research, we set out for Alabama to shop for bulls. Our first choice, we found out, Teddy had decided to keep as his herd bull, so we picked the next best! They are young, but will not have to service the girls for a little while yet. It was a very pleasant experience, beautiful country and top quality animals. We saw the sires as well as the mommas' these bulls were raised from. We got to ride with Dave Roberts who manages Teddy Gentry's herd as well as, yes, Randy Owens. On a small country lane through the pastures, we met Randy Owens! He was out checking his cows. Not an everyday event for folks like us! No I didn't get a picture, not of him anyhow, but here are the bulls we bought. 
The patch of hair missing on their back is due to the ultrasound testing just completed for rib-eye size and tenderness testing. They check for connective tissue to determine tenderness. You can go to our website to view a few other pictures of the trip. They will also be posted to our farm facebook page. Become a fan today!
________________________________________________________________________________________
We have been selling a lot of product on the Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village and Little Rock on-line markets. Our goal is to continue this as well as attending the Texarkana market weekly. We do have a good supply of link sausages left as well as different pork cuts. We are running low on beef cuts. We will be taking a few animals in April that will be made into more sausages, bologna and salami. These products have had rave reviews and they are made without MSG or nitrites!!
In honor of spring, we are offering a Sampler Grillin' Pack of Link Sausages. This includes one package of each sausage: German, Smoked Sausage, Fresh Bratwurst, Smoked Bratwurst and Hot Dogs!!
SAMPLER Grillin' Pack of Sausages
$32.50
Farm Day
As usual, time flies and we find ourselves wondering where it went. We have had many requests for folks to come to the farm, see what we do, see the animals and maybe get your hands dirty a little! We decided to set a date or it won't happen. We will have a Farm Day on Saturday, June 12. Let us know if you are interested in attending. We are making plans now.
Education Opportunity
I wanted to pass along some information I have about a new event that is relatively close. It is called Natural Wellness Expo. It is in Tyler, Texas. There are some tremendous speakers from the world of whole-food, natural health and wellness. The conference features:
Jordan Rubin of "The Maker's Diet," and "Great Physician's Rx" www.JordanRubin.com
- Sally Fallon Morell of "Nourishing Traditions," and founder of RealMilk.org and The Weston A. Price Foundation. www.westonaprice.org, www.realmilk.com, www.newtrendspublishing.com
- Doug Kaufmann of "The Fungus Link," and host of "Know the Cause" www.KnowTheCause.com
- Robert Scott Bell host of the nationally syndicated health radio program "The Robert Scott Bell Show" for health insights and freedoms www.rsbell.com/radio, www.RobertScottBell.blogspot.com
Let me know if anyone is interested!!
Blessings to you and yours!
Tracy
We are Youngblood Grassfed Farm. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for welcoming us to the online market community, supporting our farm and it's ideals. We are looking forward to a great spring and summer.
If you have any questions about our farm, your order or just want to chat about the animals, give us a shout!
I also wanted to let you know we will be unable to deliver this Friday, therefore all of our products are unavailable. They will be available the following week.
We will be making a trip to Alabama to again improve our genetics on the farm. We will be traveling to bring back a bull with forage-tested genetics. We are truly excited and hope you understand our absence.
Andy and Tracy Youngblood
We wanted to let you know of some new and unique opportunities for you to order from Youngblood Grassfed Farm. We have joined up to sell through 3 online farmer's markets. You order what you want, just like any online shopping, but with your grocery list, and we deliver your products; weekly for Little Rock and Hot Springs Village and every other week for Hot Springs.
Here are the links for the following markets. They are open on Sunday night through Tuesday night. I deliver on Friday, you pick up on Saturday (Hot Springs Village on Friday)
Hot Springs Village Village Community Market
Hot Springs Spa City Local Food Coop
Little Rock Little Rock Local Food Club/Arkansas Sustainability Network
I will continue making deliveries to Texarkana, Mena, DeQueen and locally.
Later this week, I will be sending out our newsletter. I look forward to visiting with you about raw milk, and various sucesses and failures!
Let me know what you think about the online markets!
Blessings,
Tracy
Hello All!
I have had many requests for sampler packages. I have finally created some some. There are great savings by purchasing larger quantities such as this. They are also on our Product Prices and Availability page. I am sending this out since I am making deliveries soon. Enjoy!!
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*Chuck Roast |
2-3lbs. |
*Pork Steaks |
3lbs. |
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*Minute Steaks |
2lbs |
*Pork Cutlets |
3lbs. |
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*Beef Tips |
3lbs. |
*Smoked Sausage |
2lbs. |
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*Breakfast Sausage |
3lbs. |
*Breakfast Sausage |
2lbs. |
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Mixed: Beef and Pork |
$75 |
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Beef Chuck Roast |
2-3 lbs. |
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