Buy Fresh, Buy Local

I had the opportunity to speak at the Defrees Center's Women are Wonderful event on Saturday the 11 of Feb.  I had a good turn-out of visitors who were interested in how we raise our animals.  I would like to say thank you again to all involved.  I had the chance to answer some questions that participants had and hopefully cleared up some inconsistencies that people have.  The biggest one being that fancy label that the USDA came up with to separate some foods from others: "ORGANIC".  I, for one, am not a fan of the word.  I think it is commonly misunderstood.  Organic only separates what is put into an animal.  To be organic, animals can receive no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics.  Organic does not necessarily mean meat that is naturally raised. Organic certification refers only to what an animal has or has not consumed.  Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients.  Notice the word most.  Organic does not necessarily mean you are getting the healthiest foods possible.  A chicken can live in a large, cramped barn its entire life with no fresh grass, no natural sunlight, poor ventilation, and still be considered Organic.  Simply because it ate a grain that was organic certified.  The term that I would be searching for is "naturally raised."  Naturally raised animals receive all the ammenities that their confined counterparts are withheld.  But, most natural producers feel it unnecessary to jump through USDA hoops to put the label on their meats.  Most natural producers can prove their operation is in the best interest of all involved (animals, producer, consumer, and mother nature) by inviting you to their operation.  If you buy local, I would advise you to tour the farm you buy from.  See how they operate.  See what they feed, where they feed, and how the animals are housed.  This will tell a lot about the food you are buying.  We invite patrons to visit whenever.  Just call to be sure we are around.  Most natural producers have nothing to hide.  They actually invite guests to learn about their operations.
I would also like to restate my stance on buying local.  Please support your local porducers.  There are many of us operating with the same goal: Provide the best food for our communities in the healthiest way possible.  You may have to do some searching and questioning, but you can find us.  You will be very satisfied when you do.  For the most part we (producers) are not in competition with each other.  We help each other and share a common thread.