‘Round the Farm

Spending time with these two crazies is always entertaining 🐱 🐴

Look who’s out of the ditch and back in action! A huge thank you to our 90 year old neighbor for the assist 🚜

She’s blurry because she’s fast 💨

We were so excited for the chimney work to be done, only to realize a 5 inch flue isn’t compatible with any wood stoves 😩

Don’t Sit on your Breakfast

Understanding Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects bird species. Certain strains, such as H5N1 and H5N8, have caused significant outbreaks among poultry and wild birds globally.

In the United States, the recent H5N1 outbreak has been particularly severe, leading to the culling of over 156 million birds to control its spread.

Our Commitment to Bird Health at Longbottom Farm

At Longbottom Farm, we prioritize the health and well-being of our poultry through the following practices:

Pasture Access and Sunlight: Our birds roam freely on pastures, receiving tons of sunlight and engaging in natural behaviors like foraging and dust bathing. This exposure not only enhances their quality of life but also contributes to stronger immune systems.
Nutritious, Non-GMO Feed: We provide a balanced diet of non-GMO feed, supplemented by the nutrients they obtain from foraging. This combination ensures they receive essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall health and resilience against diseases.
Humane Living Conditions: Unlike confined poultry operations, our farming practices offer a stress-free environment, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks. Stress and overcrowding in confined settings can compromise bird health, making them more susceptible to illnesses.

Acknowledging the Challenges

While we implement these best practices, it’s important to recognize that no farm can guarantee complete immunity from bird flu. The virus can be carried by wild birds, which may introduce it to domestic flocks.

However, by fostering robust health in our birds, we aim to minimize the risk and potential impact of such diseases.

A Thought on Disease Management

Historically, aggressive measures like mass culling have been employed to control disease spread. For instance, during avian influenza outbreaks, entire flocks are often culled if infection is detected.

While this approach aims to prevent further transmission, it raises concerns about the loss of potentially healthy birds and the hindrance of natural resistance development within populations (remember the American Chestnut?)

Our Role in the Broader Context

Reflecting on past pandemics, including COVID-19, we understand the importance of adaptation and resilience. At Longbottom Farm, our dedication to raising healthy birds (layers, broilers, and turkeys) contributes to broader efforts in disease prevention.

By maintaining high care standards and promoting strong immune systems in our birds, we hope we’re playing a part in reducing the spread of avian influenza, even if our role is a small one.

In conclusion, while challenges persist, our commitment remains: to provide the best care for our birds, ensuring their health and well-being, and by extension, supporting the health of our community.

Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you. If you have questions, give us a shout! Have a wonderful week and warm wishes!

With our appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, & Family

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How To Get That Pastured Goodness!

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 6th – Dec 14th) Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. 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!

Farm Pick-Up – Order online and pick up your order at our newly constructed barn. Place your order online, then once you receive the “Your Order is Ready for Pick-up” email (24 – 72 hours), pick-up anytime between 8am – 8pm SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! Your Order will be placed in our outdoor freezers / fridge for pick-up at your convenience and labeled with your name. Easy-peasy!

Locally Delivery – If 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!