Questions about our New Hampshire Farm
Q – Can we visit Cascade Brook Farm?
A – Yes. Email or call for an appointment. The tour is intended to be educational and fun. No sales, no requirements, just enjoy your time on the farm. To purchase a side or whole animal, a farm visit is required. (603.927.4013)
Q – Where is Sutton, NH?
A – Sutton is a rural community that is just off of I-89. Our town is about a half hour ride from Concord, NH and only 10 minutes from New London, NH. We are close to both Mount Kearsarge and Mount Sunapee.
Q – What does a tour of the farm consist of?
A – A Farm Tour consists of visiting all the animals and their habitats. We discuss the unique and similar aspects of each species, their feeding protocols, fencing and much more. It is intended to be an educational and enjoyable experience. A tour takes about 2-3 hours. It is not a sales event and there is no charge. People who have come for a tour usually leave with a much keener sense of what a farm can and should be.
Q – Is your farm an organic farm?
A – The term organic has been a source of debate for years. The USDA has recently defined what Organic means. We are not a certified organic farm primarily because we have used chemical fertilizers in the past 5 years. We have converted forest to pasture and felt that by using the appropriate fertilizers (lime, NPK) at the recommended amounts, our pastures have become a rich source of forage and nutrients for our animals. When the animals are not spreading their manure through rotational grazing, we are capturing the manure and composting it in an approved manure storage bin for spreading in the fall. Already we are building soils and helping the fields with natural materials. As our herd grows and time goes by, the need for chemical fertilizers will subsequently be eliminated.
Questions about our Beef and Pork
Q – What is certified Angus beef and is your beef certified Angus?
A – There are different certifications on the market today. One of the most popular brands is Certified Angus Beef (CAB). It may surprise you to learn that to receive the brand certification, cattle must first be at least 51% black-hided or AngusSource ® enrolled. To qualify as CBA it need only be 51% black-hided? We wonder what kind of Angus that is. Our Black Angus, like all purebred Angus, are 100% Black. Learn about Certified Angus Beef (CAB), their feedlot certifications and other programs . Our Angus are not CAB, nor feed lot animals. Ours are 100% purebred Black Angus, grass fed and with the herd sire on our farm that is a Champion Registered Black Angus bull.
Q – Is their a difference between Angus and other beef?
A – There is no debate among Angus cattlemen, but other beef producers certainly feel there is little, if any difference, in the beef breeds. We believe a well-bred, well-fed and naturally raised Black Angus simply cannot be beat for marbling, texture and flavor. We let our customers decide.
Q – How much meat do I get from a side of BEEF and how is it packaged?
A – How much Black Angus beef you will receive depends on the size and condition of the animal. We strive for top condition of all animals, no matter what stage of life they are in. Generally, you can expect 175 lbs. to 200 lbs. of meat from a half-size Angus portion. You will receive individually cut and packaged retail cuts.
Q – How much meat do I get from a side of PORK and how is it packaged?
A – How much Heritage Berkshire Pork you will receive depends on the size and condition of the animal. We strive for top condition of all animals, no matter what stage of life they are in. Generally you can expect 65 lbs. to 75 lbs. of meat from a side of pork . You will receive individually cut and packaged retail cuts. As a guide, an average live hog, weighing 250 pounds, cut into bone-in chops and roasts, closely trimmed, regular ground pork/sausage = 133 lbs. of meat.
Q – What is the process for ordering a side of BEEF or PORK and how is it packaged?
A – Contact us to get on the order list, attend a personal farm tour and then provide a $250 deposit. From there, we will confirm your order, review your personalized cut lists with you and then keep you informed until your delivery date.
Q – Do I need a freezer for my side? And if so what size?
A – Yes. As a general guide, 50 pounds of meat will fit in about 2.25 cu.ft. of cooler/freezer space. Meat from one-eighth of a typical beef will weigh roughly 50-60 pounds and meat from one-half of a typical hog will weigh roughly 60-70 pounds. The empty freezer compartment of a new, average-size, home refrigerator is about 4.8 cu.ft. Therefore, if you only get one-eighth of a beef or a half hog, you should be able to fit it in a mostly-empty home freezer. You may want to shop for a small stand-alone freezer to allow for more storage space to keep the meat colder for long-term storage. Stand-alone freezers can maintain temperatures of -10°F or colder. We recommend an energy saver with a key lock to ensure the door is not left open and a seal always exist. We also recommend buying bigger than what you estimate. From our experience, we have found that once people try high quality local foods, they start buying all types of local foods. We think you’ll use the space.
Q – When can I get my side of pork?
A – The pork is processed in late October and is ready for customer be pick up around late November/December. Smoked pork takes time to cure. Delivery is also available for a nominal fee.
Q – Do you deliver the meat?
A – Yes. We will deliver sides or wholes for a reasonable fee. We have a custom built freezer/trailer unit that ensures when it is delivered to your door step it is completely frozen. Or you can pick it up at the farm at no charge.
Q – Do you sell individual cuts of beef and pork?
A – Yes. Email or call for availability. This winter season we are at the 2012 Concord Winter Farmers Market at Cole Gardens. We also sell from the farm. Just call ahead. The Angus beef price list and Berkshire pork price list are current. We only bring specific cuts to market. If you want specific cuts, please call ahead of the market and we will be sure to bring them for you.
What is the price of a side of beef or side of pork?
Our 2012 price is $5.10 lb hanging weight for beef and $5.10 lb hanging weight for pork. This includes all processing, packaging and ready for your freezer. Packaging is frozen fresh, vacuumed sealed individually labeled pieces cut to your specifications.
Questions about our Farm Animals
Q – Are your cows grass fed?
A – Yes. As of January 2011, we changed our feeding protocol from grass and all natural grains to strictly grass and legumes (alfalfa, clovers). We were very concerned about the qualities of completely grass fed beef as it relates to what discerning diners expect in their beef. We were overwhelmed by the responses our customers – “Wow”, “Fantastic”, “No better beef anywhere, anytime”. We attribute this to the high quality forage always in front of our herd, our paying attention to superior genetics and their no stress lives.
Q – Are your animals organically raised?
A – Our cows eat forage that is not certified organic and therefore cannot be considered organically raised. Our animals are born and raised outside in as natural environment as can be provided. The cows are on pasture during the pasture season and are fed premium hay all winter. We have our hay tested in a forage analysis lab to ensure protein and RFV (Relative Feed Value) meet or exceed our quality standards. They always have high quality forage right in front of their noses. The pigs are raised and live outside. They root around all day, play in the mud and have a clean shelter filled with straw that is replaced as needed.The pigs have all natural grains available to them 24 x 7. Pigs are the cleanest and smartest animals on the farm. No doubt. The chickens are in their coop at night and are let out every morning until dusk when they return to the coop. All day they scurry about the farm. They dig, eat bugs, eat greens and generally have a really good time. The happiness and well being of the hens is exhibited through the quality and prolific production of their eggs.
Q – Do your animals receive growth hormones, medicated feed, or medications of any kind?
A – No… None. Our animals are born and raised without the use of antibiotics, synthetic hormones or any drugs whatsoever. We have not had a cow, pig or hen require any medical attention in 5 years. If we were to have a sick or injured animal, though, we would do whatever is necessary to save the animal including the use of antibiotics and medications.
Phone: 603.927.4013