Livestock
Weatherlow Farms operates a multi-species grazing program utilizing managed grazing and holistic livestock management. What is managed grazing? Simply put; the way our livestock graze and move throughout the property takes into account many seasonal, topographical, and biological considerations such as variable grass growth rates and grow back recovery times, keeping the soil covered, not exposed, and supporting biodiversity in the farm ecosystem. Under careful and planned management, grazing livestock can make a positive difference to environmental resiliency producing healthy foods and healthy soils. These are the foundation for a holistic and proactive approach to livestock health and management. We strive to create a stress-free environment for all animals under our care, including the farm’s native wildlife. When sick or injured, animals are treated with natural remedies. Our animals receive fresh pasture daily, free choice minerals and clean drinking water. Offspring are raised on their mothers. All livestock are raised in groups and not in isolation.
Cattle
We source a herd of 40-50 head of All-Natural Angus cattle annually from reputable American ranches to be finished on our pastures. Our beef is entirely grassfed, and hormone and antibiotic free. Grassfed beef is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and high in vitamin A and E to name a few, all of which contribute to your and their health and wellbeing. See this article on A Greener World’s website for more information on the benefits of grassfed beef.
Poultry
Weatherlow Farms maintains a flock of both laying hens and meat birds. Our layers are Rhode Island Reds and they produce a beautiful deep-orange-yolk brown egg. Our meat birds are Freedom Rangers, which are a slower growing breed that produce darker meat and deep flavor. These beautiful birds follow after our livestock within our pasture system, foraging on a delightfully diverse free-range diet whilst laying Omega 3 rich eggs, available at The Store and as part of our CSA program.
Sheep
A flock of Dorper/Dorset lambs also join the herd for the season. They were born on a farm in Pennsylvania. They have been raised naturally on their moms from birth. Our lamb is 100% grassfed and finished, and hormone and antibiotic free.
Cow/Calf Producers
Weatherlow Farms is looking to grow its network of cow/calf producers in the Northeast. Because we finish our cattle on local pasture we do not target the same genetics that are most suitable for a grain finishing program.
We are looking to buy cattle in the Northeastern United States that meet the following criteria:
• Moderate framed feeder cattle (700-800 lbs.) – steer (castrated) and heifers (open) with a target finishing weight of 1,100 lbs.
• English breeds (e.g., Angus, Devon, Hereford)
• No grain supplementation, growth hormones or any other medical intervention to alter the animals growth profile as intended by nature
• Comprehensive birth and health records for all cattle
• Producers that are skilled, passionate, honest and looking to grow with Weatherlow Farms