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Herd Share Program

A New Way Forward

Hi farm friends.  About two years ago, we began offering our first herd shares.  Bulk packages of beef and pork in quarters, halves, and wholes.  This was a great way to stock up on your favorite cuts of meat and save some money in the process.  As spring arrives, we’re excited to be offering more shares this year and we’ve made a few changes based on feedback from previous years.  These are all changes that will benefit you as well as give us a bit more control over the final product once it’s left our farm to the processor.   

No more complicated cut sheets! 

As a farmer, I myself struggle with these cut sheets sometimes. There are probably 20 different names for each cut and every processor seems to use a different name. We use a few processors in the area, and I’ve found myself having to call or google to get clarification.  To keep it simple, this year we’re going with the best cuts at the most popular sizes and with names you’ll know and recognize.  Stress free, easy peasy.  

No more unknown cost!

Hospitals operate in a fashion where you receive services, and then are sent a bill with no clue how much that bill will be.  As a healthcare provider myself, I don’t think that’s fair and a big problem with our system.  With that in mind, why would we bring that same model to purchasing shares?  Historically, you would place a deposit and then once we took the animal in and the processing was done, you would get a bill for the remainder of the purchase. This could vary by hundreds of dollars depending on the size of the animal, technique of the butcher, hanging time, etc.  This isn’t fair to you and we want to change that.  This year, the cuts and quantity will be listed ahead of time before you spend a penny, so you know exactly what you were getting and how much it cost.  While our shares aren’t available yet, have a look at our share page to see how this works.  The price / cuts will change periodically based on size of animal / cuts received and you’ll know all this upfront before making any purchasing decision.    

Know exactly what you’re getting upfront!

Our cattle can vary by hundreds of pounds. This impacts the size and quantity of cuts you get. Couple that with different cutting techniques by different processors, and it leaves a lot of questions as to what exactly you’ll get back.  The traditional model of paying by the hanging weight does take this into account, but doesn’t always equate to value when applying external factors such as trimming, dry aging, and technique.  So, this year, all cuts will be listed as well as quantity so no surprises.  This also allows us to discount every cut to ensure value.

We will be offering our first shares around June-July this year. 

You’ll see the shares listed (Eighth, Quarter, or Half) as well as the quantity of each cut you’ll receive. We will put these packages together once the animals are back from the butcher to ensure you get all cuts and that every cut is discounted to reflect the bundle savings.

We know it’s a big decision to put this much money into feeding yourself and your family. We want to ensure that your dollar goes the furthest and that you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.  Let us know what you think. Like this, love this, or do you prefer the traditional way of buying shares? We’d love to hear your thoughts and value your feedback!

What Else is Happening at the Farm?

Spring is here and everything is greening up nicely.  Love this time of year.  Not too hot, no too cold.  Life abounds everywhere and color returns to wintered landscapes.  With spring means the farm ramps up as well.  Here’s what’s happening. 

Pigs are on farm!  We’re working with other local farms in an effort to meet demand and keep in stock.  We’ll be fully restocked with pork late June and plan for more restocking later summer / early fall.  Shares will also be available so keep your eye out. 

Pastured Poultry is coming this year.  We’re building chicken houses, brooders, and getting the farm ready.  Our first batch should be ready June / July and should maintain a decent stock from that point on.  It all hinges on processor availability but ironing out work-arounds (i.e. on farm processing) if that falls through.

Coffee is fully restocked (apologies for understocking).  We’re also adding a decaf blend next week so watch for that. 

Beef will be fully restocked in June as well as shares being offered June-July.  We’ll be contacting those on our wait list in addition to adding shares for purchase on our website.    

Last but not least, we’ll be offering farm tours again likely mid – late summer.  As healthcare providers, we both follow the pandemic numbers / trends closely.  Masks and vaccinations are playing a big part in combating this pandemic.  This doesn’t mean we let our guard down of course, so rules will be in effect, but we miss you!  We miss our interactions with you, and also want you to see how your food is raised.

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!  Stay healthy and safe!

With Our Appreciation,

Jason, Lexi, and Family

Charlottesville City Market To-Go