Cascade Brook Farm

We started strictly as a purebred Black Angus Farm. As a result of customer requests for other products and our research on the benefits of biodiversity on a farm, we later added Berkshire pigs and heritage breed chickens. Now, we cannot imagine the farm without our chickens  “Lucy”, “Braveheart” et al. Our farm products now include Heritage Berkshire Pork and fresh eggs along with Black Angus Beef. Specialty “Rustic” breads are also available by special order. Read more about “Heritage Breeds“.

Our Feeding Protocol

• Our cows are pastured on fields during the growing season that are tested (soil analysis) and appropriately fertilized. These fields are herbicide and pesticide-free.
• We changed our feeding protocol for our cattle in January 2011 from a grass-based, daily grains system to exclusively 100% grass fed. Through education, customer inquiries about the dietary benefits of “grass-fed” beef, and ultimately the health and welfare of our cows, we have converted to exclusively grass-fed cattle. After months of observation, we have noticed that the cattle have done really well. Their coats are shiny, their eyes bright and the calves gain weight and size at a rate that surprises us.
• During non-pasture seasons, the cows are provided with premium quality hay that is available to them 24/7 free-choice.
• Our cows enjoy free-choice mineral blocks and free-choice clean water 24/7. During the non-pasture season, the cows use a climate-controlled automatic watering system which is sourced directly from our well. We have discovered that quality and availability of water is often overlooked for farm animals.
• Our “Berks” are treated like royalty. And considering that all purebred Berkshires can be traced back to the herd kept by the “House of Windsor”, that’s not a bad thing. We purchase our berks as 8 week old piglets from a registered herd and Berkshire breeder in Middlebury, Vt. We pick them up in a straw filled kennel and they are outside the rest of their lives. They graze, root and have a self feeder that is always filled with all natural, non-medicated, grains. They are loved every day and are very friendly.

Humane Treatment – We believe that our free-range farming methods are environmentally friendly and healthful.  We are convinced that our cows and pigs undergo less stress with our free-choice food and watering methods and therefore produce a higher quality of meat. Certainly a happy and contented animal.

Beef Production – There are no preservatives in the processing of our beef. We do not use any hormonal implants to make our animals grow faster and bigger. Our grass-fed methods of beef production are clearly better for the environment, better for the cattle and better for our customers’ health.

Pork Production – There are no preservatives in the processing of our fresh pork meat. If some smoked meat (bacon for instance) is desired, the additives are water, salt, brown sugar, dextrose, sodium nitrate and smoke flavoring. We do not use any hormonal implants to make our animals grow faster and bigger. Our grass-grains fed methods of pork production are clearly better for the environment, better for the pigs and better for our customers’ health.

All our meats are processed and packaged at Adams Farm in Athol, MA, a USDA certified and inspected facility.

How to Buy a Side of Beef or Pork

The next best thing to growing your own meat is to buy beef in bulk from your local farmer.  The advantages of buying in bulk include superior quality meat, fewer trips to the grocery store, buying meat that is already packaged for freezing, uniformity of product and excellent pricing. Buying a Side of Beef and Pork is a great idea if you you eat meat often, have storage space, like to cook,  and quality is important to you.

Our Black Angus Beef: You will receive individually packaged retail cuts whether you buy it by the side or individual piece. We try to process our beef in late October or November and then it is ready for customer pick up in December or January. We need to make our appointments for processing 6 months in advance. We will deliver for a nominal fee. Our custom built freezer/trailer will ensure that it is completely frozen upon delivery to your door step. Quantities are limited so please contact us to find out our product availability. We are now taking orders for 2012.

Our Heritage Berkshire Pork: Described as the “Kobi Beef” of pork. You will receive individually packaged retail cuts whether you buy it by the side or individual cuts.

We purchase and raise piglets by order. So if you want a side or whole, you need to order by February for delivery in the fall. At this time, we are retaining only one pig for sale as individual cuts. We are now taking orders for 2012 for a Berkshire. We try to process our pork in early October and then it is ready for customer pick up in December. This includes the time needed to cure (smoke) any specified cuts.  We make our appointments for processing 6 months in advance. We deliver for a nominal fee. Our custom built freezer/trailer will ensure that it is completely frozen upon delivery to your door step.  Read more about Berkshires.

Tender Porterhouse Steak from Grass-Fed Black Angus Cattle

Delicious Dinner Ham from Heritage Berkshire Pork

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