‘Round the Farm
Hey Reader,
Quick update of whats currently happening on the farm:
Beef is running low right now. We’re hoping (fingers crossed) to get a couple steers into the processor in the next couple weeks. We had a run on beef around Christmas, so thanks for your patience while we work on stocking up.
Pork is looking good. We’re out of a few sausage flavors, but otherwise plenty of bacon, chops, roasts, and other cuts available.
Chicken – Still plenty of breasts and wings in stock.
Eggs – and this is what I want to talk about today – have really fallen off. We’re listing what we get, but it’ll be scarce until spring.
If you’ve been checking the online farm store and wondering where all the eggs went, you’re not alone. Like most folks can attest to, eggs just aren’t as available this time of year from pasture-based farms.
Here’s the thing: chickens are photosensitive. They need about 14-16 hours of daylight to maintain peak egg production. Right now in January? We’re getting maybe 9-10 hours of natural light. The hens’ bodies read this as “not baby-making season” and they slow down or stop laying altogether.
Now, the big commercial operations get around this with artificial lighting in their barns—keeping those lights on 16+ hours a day to trick the birds into thinking it’s perpetual spring. And that works, if you will, for consistent year-round production.
We feel that approach goes against what we’re trying to do here. Our birds are on pasture, following natural rhythms. When the days get short, they molt (lose and regrow feathers), rest their bodies, and gear up for spring. It’s pretty much as it sounds – a natural reset.
Does this mean no eggs until April? Not quite. We’ll get some here and there from our productive hens and the occasional overachiever. When we do, we list them. But it won’t be the steady supply you see in warmer months.
Come spring when the days lengthen and the grass greens up, the girls will ramp back up naturally. And honestly? Those first spring eggs after a winter rest are something special.
In the meantime, we’ve got chicken, pork, and (soon) beef to keep your freezer stocked.
Let us know what you think, and thanks for understanding the rhythms of our small, pasture-based operation.
Thanks for following us and allowing us to serve you. If you have questions, give us a shout! Have a wonderful week!
With our appreciation,
Jason, Lexi, & Family
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Getting Pasture-Raised Meats Doesn’t Have to be Hard
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.
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!
Local Delivery – We offer local home delivery to the Scottsville / Charlottesville / Palmyra areas (availability is determined by zip code at checkout). We deliver every Thursday 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!
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AI Disclosure: Every idea and opinion here is 100% human. I sometimes use AI to help with formatting, editing, or trimming things down—but the message is fully mine.
