Saturday, November 17, 2012

Season of Thanks

We're very thankful for the farm this time of year. It's been a busy year, but we are beginning to see the successes of our labor. And for that, we give thanks.

Here are some pictures of the farm and a few updates you might enjoy! Think of Carlson Farms this Holiday Season, for all your catering needs. Also, swing by Arcadia Ales in Battle Creek, and Food Dance in Kalamazoo to try one of their many dishes featuring Carlson Farms!

A great time from this summer! Thanks to Food Dance for all your support and business! Check out Food Dance and their new, fresh, in-house-baked bread!

The new Copper Ridge Inn on Carlson Farms. 








Pastured chickens for some tasty holiday dishes. Pick yours up today!




Saturday, April 21, 2012

Hope Springs Eternal

Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.
 
 In the midst of blizzards and ice, wind and frigid temperatures, barren land and dark skies, what is it that keeps us going? How is it that we sit down at night and say to our tired bodies and minds, "It gets better." "We have something to look forward to." "The glass is half-full."

Hope springs eternal. 

We've heard this many times and as we look around us during this lovely spring, we see our mid-winter thoughts of hopefulness and optimism blossoming in the fields. We hear the peeps and chirps of the newly hatched chicks. And we see the light in the eyes of our animal friends; the pasture is ready and it is time to roam and play and breathe in the clean, crisp air of spring in Southwest Michigan.

Our chickens are out to pasture. Our lambs, born during the cold winter, are happily frolicking in alfalfa and tall grass. Our hogs and cattle are most pleased to see that we are no longer bringing them the same-old, boring, day-after-day-after-day bales of hay and feed that they have grown tiresome of in the winter months. Instead, the pastures are open. Everyone can breathe. 

Well, almost everyone. 

For us, though we aren't complaining about the warmer days, spring is the beginning to our year. Spring is filled with days of long hours and busy schedules. It's our time to prepare the beginnings of what will become a harvest for you. It is no secret that if you look out into the pastures and see all the happy animals, it is truly a sign of a dedicated, hard-working, and loving farmer. 

We hope that you support those farmers. We hope that you support us.





We also want you to remember this spring, that the beauty you see surrounding you comes at a price. Respect the beauty and respect the earth. She will thank you in the end.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Livin' In Michigan



Our hens are all pastured. So, on beautiful, sunny days (especially during this mild winter), our ladies like to venture out of their "pen" and visit us. You know, to catch up on all the good farm gossip. There's lots to talk about on the farm these days - all our new projects, the new members of the family (besides Ellyaire Sue - Blake and Jenny's daughter), and of course, what would "farm talk" be if you didn't chat about the weather.

We have certainly had some lovely lake-effect snow. The powdery, soft-lookin' kind. But after only a few of these snows, we started to feel some of what this spring may have to offer. Now, we suggest you 'knock on wood' if you are thinking about how nice it would be for no more bitter cold nights, because although we would like to be sippin' on tropical drinks and enjoying warmer days too, let's be realistic:

We. Live. In. Michigan.



Wishing you happy and healthy days! Come visit us soon and take a look at all our new projects! Perhaps you could catch up on all the gossip with the girls, too.