Even in this modern day and age... Farming is hard.
Farmers and ranchers frequently encounter a variety of stress-related challenges. These include significant financial burdens resulting from high levels of debt, fluctuations in market prices for their agricultural products, social isolation, pressures of keeping the family farming legacy running, stigma associated with mental health issues, and reliance on uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions.
Due to this extreme stress, farmers and ranchers experience depression and suicide rates that are double those of the average person.
Every season, those in agriculture face new uncertainties and challenges. Will it be a mild or rough winter? Will we have a storm that wipes out my crops? Did that hot, dry summer last year cause my cattle to not get bred? There was a fire on the range where I run my cattle, and now I don't have enough feed for all my cows. What will commodity prices be when I'm ready to sell?
Unfortunately, our pasture-raised chicken provider, Brian, recently experienced a disaster.
When chicks first arrive on the farm, they are too fragile to be put directly on pasture. Therefore, they spend their initial weeks inside a brooder, where the temperature is consistently maintained until they are old enough to tolerate outdoor living conditions. These cozy houses are typically heated with propane heaters or heat lamps. However, a downside to this heating method is that it can pose a fire hazard. A good friend's shed burned down because a heat lamp fell during the night and ignited a fire.
Unfortunately, Brian experienced a fire incident. Fortunately, none of his other brooders caught fire, and the local fire department was able to contain the blaze quickly. It's truly heartbreaking to lose an entire batch of chickens; the stress and weight of that loss can be incredibly overwhelming. Though Brian is good at persevering, it doesn't lessen the financial impact that this type of event can cause.
Brian works hard through the hottest summer months to provide us with the highest quality chickens you can find in the area. Despite this setback, his first batch of chickens was already out of the brooders on pasture, so we will be receiving our first batch of fresh chickens the second week of June.
Brian is best supported by your loyal purchases of his delicious chicken. Season after season, he dedicates himself to raising chickens on pasture, ensuring that you receive the highest quality chicken for your family.
Your continued support of our business is what keeps us going, helping us navigate both emotionally and financially challenging times.
Thank you for your continued support! ❤️