'Round The Farm

Blog, Daily Happenings, and Updates

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This Week ‘Round The Farm – 05/21/2023

This Week ‘Round The Farm – 05/21/2023

‘Round The Farm

Cattle grazing

At this rate, we won’t be able to see the baby cows 🍀

layers are here

The new layers won’t venture more than 10 feet from the coop. Guess you could call them chicken 🤣

first eggs

But they’re making eggs!!! (Which will be available once production is up!)

No waste Dish soap

We added a tallow based no-waste dish soap 🧼

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What’s Happening and Longbottom Farm

Here’s what’s coming / planned!

egg mobile

Well, would you look at that? Spring has not only sprung, it has done a full cartwheel and backflip into our farm! The grass is greener, the sun is shining brighter, and our livestock are strutting around like they own the place – which technically, they kind of do.  Here’s what’s happening here on the farm.

The Barn is almost done!

I feel like a broken record saying that, but almost there!  Some electrical work is yet to be done, but otherwise we’re almost functional.  This means in the next few weeks (watch your email), we’ll be offering order pick-up 7 days a week (8a – 8p).   You’ll place your order, choose barn pick-up, and await a confirmation email that your order is ready (goal is to be within 48 hours).  Then head to the barn, grab your order from designated freezers we’ll have set up, and that’s it.  More to come in the next few weeks.

Pastured Poultry

We have birds that will be ready ~ 2nd – 3rd week of June.  Stock will be limited initially, but ramp up as we move to summer and fall.  Thanks for your patience!

Hand-Gathered Eggs

Layers are here!  200 to be precise.  We’ve gotten our first couple pullet eggs which typically signals that production will begin.  We messed up timing with selling our previous flock and getting our new flock here on the farm, so apologies for the delay.  Good news is we should have eggs in the next couple weeks!

Home Delivery

You may or may not know, be we offer Home Delivery every Friday to the Scottsville / Charlottesville / Palmyra area.  Pasture to Porch!  Just leave a cooler out, and we’ll place your order there (or we can meet you at the door).  It’s based on zip code, so when checking out at Longbottomfarm.com, enter your address and you’ll see the delivery option if you’re in our area.  There’s a $50 minimum order with $6 delivery fee, and delivery is FREE for orders over $99.  Stay home and let us bring the farm to you!

Beef / Pork Shares

First off, apologies to everyone that has been waiting for these.  We’ve had such a huge demand that way outpaced what we’re producing here on the farm.  That said, we’ve been investing a lot into growing our cattle and pigs and over the coming months, you’ll begin to see more shares available.  We have a couple Woodland Pork Shares available now (and you get to customize your pork share order!).  Cattle take ~ 3 years from start to finish to produce good grass-fed beef, thus the delay, but we’re getting there.  There are a couple Eighths and Quarters available now.  Just know we’re on it!

Other Projects

Going forward, we’ve got many more things planned.  It’s the old adage about not enough time in the day.  Pasture walks / tours are on the list, as well as vintage campers on the James for a glamping / farm stay experience.  There will be horse boarding, and of course the farm store.  We’re up to our elbows in a ton of projects but one thing that remains constant is our commitment to providing you with the best farm-to-table products. We greatly appreciate your support, even if it means putting up with our pasture puns and barnyard banter. Here’s to a fruitful spring and sizzling summer, seasoned with laughter and marinated in gratitude!

Memorial Day Grilling?

We’ve Got You Covered!

Memorial Day Grilling

As Memorial Day approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the true meaning of this important holiday—a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. It is with a sense of profound gratitude that we write to you today, knowing that the freedoms we enjoy and the moments we cherish are made possible by their sacrifice.

At Longbottom Farm, we believe in celebrating life’s moments with the simplicity and authenticity that nature provides. This Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in paying tribute to our fallen heroes by gathering with your loved ones and indulging in the simple pleasures of farm-to-table grilling. It is a chance for us to come together, appreciate the bountiful gifts of the land, and remember that we get to enjoy the company of those we hold dear because of those who sacrificed to make it so.

Here a couple recipes if you’re planning to fire up the ole’ grill.

Bone-in Pork Chops (3 recipes):

  1. Marinate the chops in a blend of olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme), and a splash of lemon juice. Grill over medium heat until cooked through, with a slight char on the outside and enjoy!
  2. Create a sweet and tangy glaze using a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze on the pork chops during the last few minutes of grilling for a delicious caramelized finish.  Viola!
  3. Season the chops with a smoky spice rub, featuring ingredients like paprika, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar. Grill until beautifully charred and serve with a side of grilled vegetables.  Bon Appetit!

Boneless Pork Chops (3 recipes):

  1. Make a zesty marinade using soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. Let the chops marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Cook over medium-high heat until nicely browned and cooked through.
  2. Prepare a simple herb and lemon butter by combining melted butter, freshly chopped herbs (such as parsley and thyme), lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Baste the pork chops with the butter while grilling to add extra flavor and moisture.
  3. Grill your boneless pork chops with a vibrant fruit salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of honey. The fruity salsa complements the pork chops beautifully.

Boston Butt (Pulled Pork):

  • Rub the Boston Butt generously with a mixture of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Slow cook it over indirect heat on the grill until the meat is fall-apart tender and easily shredded.
  • For added smokiness, use wood chips or chunks of your choice (such as hickory or applewood) while smoking the Boston Butt.
  • Serve the pulled pork on soft buns with your favorite BBQ sauce, along with coleslaw and pickles for a classic pulled pork sandwich. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for larger gatherings.

Dry-Aged Ground Beef Burgers:

  • Keep the seasoning simple and let the flavor of the dry-aged beef shine through. Form the ground beef into patties, season with salt and pepper (or one of my favorites is Montreal Steak Seasoning), and grill over medium-high heat until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  • Add a gourmet touch by topping the burgers with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and a slice of melted Swiss or blue cheese.
  • Serve the burgers on a toasted brioche bun with your favorite condiments and fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion slices.

Bratwurst:

Honor those who made this day possible, time with family and friends, and enjoy your grilling adventure this Memorial Day!

Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you.  If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, give us a shout!  Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day!

Round Longbottom Farm 2022 Family Photo

With Our Appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, and Family

Farmers Markets

Want to pick some Longbottom Farm beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and coffee as well as other locally produced goodies.  These are the places to do it. 

Charlottesville City Market – (April – December) Every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm.  A great way to stock up on some local food and treats while enjoying some fresh air.  Thanks to all those that have come out to support local farms and artisans in our area.  Hope to see you there!

Curbside Pick-up – Order online and pick up on farm with our Curbside Pick-up.  Place your order, choose your day, and pick-up anytime on that day between 11 am and 4 pm.  That’s it!

Locally DeliveryIf you are within 30 minutes of our farm (availability is determined by zip code at checkout), we offer home delivery to the Scottsville / Charlottesville areas.   We deliver every Friday for orders over $50 ($6 delivery charge) and FREE DELIVERY for orders over $99.  Simply Order online and we’ll take care of the rest!

Farm Store

It Tastes Right Because It’s Raised Right!

Hand Gathered, Farm Fresh Eggs

Experience the difference and give our free range, premium eggs a try!

Virginia Raised, 100% Grassfed, Black Angus Beef

Our Virginia raised beef at Longbottom Farm is 100% grass-fed & grass-finished.

Longbottom Farm Pastured Pork

Raised in a combination of pasture and woods, our Pastured Pork produces a flavor like no other. Experience the difference.

This Week ‘Round The Farm – 04/26/2023

This Week ‘Round The Farm – 04/26/2023

‘Round The Farm

Grass Cutting

She’s desperate to mow, but unfortunately she doesn’t weigh enough to disengage the safety seat.

CatchMaster Fly Trap

If you were wondering what pesticide-free fly control looks like, this is it!YouTube

Cows lining up

These guys sure do appreciate it 🐮

Pucker-Up Buttercup lip balm

Bennett’s balm is available on the website! (Click Here)

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Food For Thought: Those “Last Time” Moments

Youngest Helping Out

You know what they say, life is a journey, not a destination. And as a small family farm and parents of 3 amazing girls, we’re all about enjoying the ride.

As farmers and parents, we also must acknowledge that to “enjoy the ride”, we must be mindful of the most important asset we have, and that’s time. It’s not cars, homes, tractors, livestock, or other material things.  At the end of the day, the most valuable thing we have is time, and It’s the one thing we can never get back.  We often take it for granted, not realizing that we may be experiencing something for the last time without even realizing it.

This idea came to mind when my youngest daughter recently changed the way she says her bedtime prayers. For as long as I can remember, she would say “insure-name-we-pway-amen,” as if it were all one word. But the other night, she ended with “in your name we prway, amen.” It was a small change, but it marked the last time I would ever hear her say those 4-year-old words again.  It’s so easy to take things for granted and not realize when something might be the last time we experience it.

It was one of those moments in life where a profound realization hit me.  She (They) will never be as young again as they were this day.  Watching them grow up to be all they can be is my dream, but a sadness came over me about all the “last time” things I’ve missed with my girls.  Moments I’ve missed because I was mowing the lawn or building a farm structure, or some other task that seemed important at the time.  Countless times where I’ve asked them to “wait a minute” while I’m doing something on my phone.  What moments did I miss while researching a farm project or burying myself in work that looking back seems pointless now.

Luckily, they are still young and many of the “last time” moments are yet to come.  It made me really realize how important it is to cherish every moment.  That’s a common phrase on cards or wall decor that tell you how to live or feel (“Don’t tell me what to do sign!”), but it’s never had meaning like it does now.

Hopefully this will give you the same perspective I’ve been given, or maybe you’ve known this all along and are thinking, “welcome to the club buddy”.  Either way, I thought it was an experience worth sharing.  It’s my belief that experiences are what life is.  Good, bad, and all in between.  When I think of what the purpose of life is, for me, it’s to collect experiences.  They are what makes us who we are.  Don’t let those “last time” experiences go unnoticed.  When that “last time” does happen, be thankful that you were present and got to be a part of it.  Then take comfort in knowing that one of many new “last times” is just beginning.

Jewish American Pot Roast

Chuck Roast Recipe You’ll Love!

Jewish American Pot Roast

Do you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious and comforting meal? How about inexpensive ingredients like Beef Chuck Roast or Beef Short Ribs.  Look no further than our juicy and tender pot roast recipe.  We’d like to thank one of our loyal customers at the Charlottesville Farmers Market for providing this recipe.  Credit goes to Mimi Sheraton and adapted by Julia Moskin from the New York Times cooking website.  We’ve also added a few twist of our own that elevates this classic dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 pound chuck roast or 4-5 pounds short ribs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3-4 cups beef broth
  • 3-4 stalks of celery, chopped

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper.
  • In a Dutch oven or large ovenproof pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
  • Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
  • Add the paprika, turmeric, thyme, and a pinch of salt to the pot and stir until the spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the beef broth to the pot and stir to combine.
  • Return the beef to the pot and spoon some of the onion mixture on top. Cover the pot and place it in the oven.
  • Bake for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender and falls apart easily. Add the chopped celery in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  • Serve the beef and gravy on top of a bed of mashed potatoes.

That’s it!  Give it a try and let us know what you think.  You can find Beef Short Ribs and Chuck Roast at our online store and rest assured that the meat you’re getting is top quality and raised with care.  We can’t say it enough, Thank you for your continued support of our small family farm!

Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you.  If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, give us a shout!  Have a  wonderful week!

Round Longbottom Farm 2022 Family Photo

With Our Appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, and Family

Farmers Markets

Want to pick some Longbottom Farm beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and coffee as well as other locally produced goodies.  These are the places to do it. 

Charlottesville City Market – (April – December) Every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm.  A great way to stock up on some local food and treats while enjoying some fresh air.  Thanks to all those that have come out to support local farms and artisans in our area.  Hope to see you there!

Curbside Pick-up – Order online and pick up on farm with our Curbside Pick-up.  Place your order, choose your day, and pick-up anytime on that day between 11 am and 4 pm.  That’s it!

Locally DeliveryIf you are within 30 minutes of our farm (availability is determined by zip code at checkout), we offer home delivery to the Scottsville / Charlottesville areas.   We deliver every Friday for orders over $50 ($6 delivery charge) and FREE DELIVERY for orders over $99.  Simply Order online and we’ll take care of the rest!

Farm Store

It Tastes Right Because It’s Raised Right!

Hand Gathered, Farm Fresh Eggs

Experience the difference and give our free range, premium eggs a try!

Virginia Raised, 100% Grassfed, Black Angus Beef

Our Virginia raised beef at Longbottom Farm is 100% grass-fed & grass-finished.

Longbottom Farm Pastured Pork

Raised in a combination of pasture and woods, our Pastured Pork produces a flavor like no other. Experience the difference.

This Week ‘Round The Farm – 03/20/2023

This Week ‘Round The Farm – 03/20/2023

‘Round The Farm

new egg mobile

 With 200 new layers due at the the end of the month, it was time to hustle on the new mobile coop 🥚

fertilizing the garden

The old layers like to help the girls with garden prep.

fertilizing pastures

Wood chips and chicken poo for the hay field, just don’t follow too closely! 💩

Muck Boots for real

Poor Goldberg got to see pigs for the first time. I don’t think he’s a fan 🐷

Don’t Miss Out!

Sign up below and receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox!

Bringing the Farm to You!

Do you love coupons?  Happy farm animal photos?  Farm shenanigans and some really bad puns?  Sign up for this and more right to your inbox.  Once every 1-2 weeks.  No spam, we PROMISE!

The Dangers of Farming

A Cautionary Tale of Woe

tractor fun

Let’s face it, farming is a dangerous business. Every day, you’re out there battling nature, trying to coax crops from the earth and raise animals that don’t always want to be raised. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it. And as a farmer, you’re constantly faced with the risk of injury.

That’s why, when I hurt my back recently, I started to think about all the ways it could have happened. Was it the time I got kicked by a cow? Maybe it was the time I tried to ride a pig like a bucking bronco and got thrown off. Or perhaps it was the time I got into a wrestling match with a particularly stubborn bale of hay. I could have been attacked by a rogue chicken, or accidentally fallen off the loading chute while herding cattle. The possibilities are endless, and each one more absurd than the last.

Of course, the truth is much less exciting. I simply twisted my back while getting out of my truck one morning. There was no epic battle with a farm animal, no daring rescue from a precarious situation. Just me, making a simple movement and feeling a twinge of pain. Most of my body wanted to leave the truck, but apparently one stubborn muscle decided to stay.  It’s not a glamorous injury, but it’s a reminder that even the most mundane activities can have consequences.

So what’s the lesson here? Well, I guess it’s that farming isn’t the only dangerous activity out there. Everyday life can be a real pain in the backside, too. You never know when a rogue bag of groceries or a stubborn door hinge will strike. That’s why we all need to take a lesson from my injury and start living life like we’re in a constant state of danger. You know, wear a helmet to bed, put on knee pads to do the dishes, and always keep a first-aid kit in your pocket. It might look a little ridiculous, but hey, at least you’ll be prepared for anything. 

Just kidding, but it’s important to remember that accidents can happen at any time, in any situation. And sometimes, the most mundane activities can be the most dangerous. So be careful out there, fellow readers and farm friends. And if you see me hobbling around the farm with a sore back, just remember that it wasn’t a wrestling match with a hay bale that did me in. It was just me, getting out of my truck.

What Else is Happening ‘Round the Farm

Lots happening as Spring approaches.  Here’s what to look out for.

Barn: Road is complete to the barn and electricity / water is almost done.  This will be the new pick-up area soon with freezers / refrigerators outside.  NOT YET, but soon, pick-up will change to 7 days a week between 8am – 8pm once you get a “all ready” notification. This is not in place yet will be ready in the next few weeks!

Restocking: We have pigs and cattle going in April so will be fully restocked in all of your beef and pork favorites next month.  

Pasture Walks: Once the barn is complete, we’d like to do Pasture Walks once a month. Pasture Walks are an opportunity to see the animals, explore the farm, and learn about why and how we raise our animals as we do.  Watch for future announcements.  

Chickens: Our layers are expected to be on farm (pullets) beginning of April so eggs should be back soon.  Our Pastured Poultry should be restocked in June with chicks due on the farm 1st week of April.  

YouTube YouTube: Something new we’re trying.  Are you tired of watching cat videos all day? Let’s switch it up with some happy cattle, a farm tour, or a recipe or two.  We’ll be adding videos here every couple weeks or so.  Next up is rendering pork fat / tallow, starting your own backyard chicken flock, and tour / construction of the new egg mobile we’re building.  Check out our past videos and let us know what you think!

Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you.  If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, give us a shout!  Have a  wonderful week!

Round Longbottom Farm 2022 Family Photo

With Our Appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, and Family

Farmers Markets

Want to pick some Longbottom Farm beef, pork, poultry, eggs, and coffee as well as other locally produced goodies.  These are the places to do it. 

Charlottesville City Market – (April – December) Every Saturday from 8 am – 12 noon.  A great way to stock up on some local food and treats while enjoying some fresh air.  Thanks to all those that have come out to support local farms and artisans in our area.  Hope to see you there!

Curbside Pick-up – Order online and pick up on farm with our Curbside Pick-up.  Place your order, choose your day, and pick-up anytime on that day between 11am and 4pm.  That’s it!

Locally DeliveryIf you are within 30 minutes of our farm (availability is determined by zip code at checkout), we offer home delivery to the Scottsville / Charlottesville areas.   We deliver every Friday for orders over $50 ($6 delivery charge) and FREE DELIVERY for orders over $99.  Simply Order online and we’ll take care of the rest!

Farm Store

It Tastes Right Because It’s Raised Right!

Hand Gathered, Farm Fresh Eggs

Experience the difference and give our free range, premium eggs a try!

Virginia Raised, 100% Grassfed, Black Angus Beef

Our Virginia raised beef at Longbottom Farm is 100% grass-fed & grass-finished.

Longbottom Farm Pastured Pork

Raised in a combination of pasture and woods, our Pastured Pork produces a flavor like no other. Experience the difference.

NEVER MISS A FARM UPDATE

Stay up to date on farm events, announcements and farmers market locations.