Dear Customers and Friends,

     Greetings from the Gingerich Farm! The long days of summer are here... Sometimes I think they're too long. I try to cram every moment full, and when the sun just lingers until 10:00 it seems like I just keep cramming and suddenly it's late and I'm still not done! The sunsets are just glorious though, and I usually take Loria out to the porch swing to rock her to sleep and watch the sun go down. Summer is also the time when we eat a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches out on the picnic table. Chocolate milk and whatever is fresh from the garden rounds out the "picnic" and the children think it's just perfect. It seems regardless of how busy it gets there's always time for a "sweet" moment or two in a day and somehow Summer seems to have more than it's share of "sweet spots." Maybe that's why I love it.

     Farm news—It's already time to think turkeys ( at least for us it is! ) We start them in a heated tent in July. They are just a day old when we get them. They love grass, hence the idea of putting them in a floorless tent that can be moved to fresh grass daily.

     We are also starting more baby chicks. We are trying to start a new batch of chicks every month to ensure a steady supply of chickens this winter. Next processing dates for on farm pick-up of fresh chicken are July 27th after one p.m. By appointment, July 28th and 29th. Priced at 2.45 per pound. We will be adding chicken breasts, leg quarters, and wings to the menu by July 29th.

     A note about chickens – buyers beware when buying chicken that is labeled "Grass Fed," Free Range, all natural etc. The label should say "pastured" or "grown on grass." Most of this is marketing schemes. The chicken should have a golden color to the skin, and the fat should feel firm and silky to the touch. That's what grass will do. If the fat feels smeary or mushy beware. Also the skin will be a pale beige/ gray color.

     The pigs are fat and sassy now so we'll probably be sending them for processing mid July. Pork should be available for sale by July 28th. Someone asked what the pigs eat, -- they are our "garbage disposals." They love skim milk, old milk, even sour milk, badly cracked eggs, garden wastes etc. And when there's nothing better to eat they eat cracked corn. They also root around and eat grasses and clover. If you are interested in bulk pork, the price is 4.15 per pound.

     Put on your calendar--- Customer Appreciation Dinner, Friday evening, September 11th. We look forward to seeing you all!

     Also a special thanks to our club members. Our delivery system is a success!

     Until next time, enjoy your Summer and we'll see you in September, if not before.

     As always, thanks for making us a part of your lives, you are certainly an important part of ours!!

                                                                                     The Gingerichs

                                                                                            at Homestead Heritage