Wisconsin summers are too short. So, we like to take every chance to enjoy the fresh air of a beautiful summer morning. That includes cooking a hearty breakfast or...
Wisconsin summers are too short. So, we like to take every chance to enjoy the fresh air of a beautiful summer morning. That includes cooking a hearty breakfast or...
The picture is a little section of the cow pasture here at Sparrow Hill Farm. There are multiple kinds of clover, grasses, alfalfa and forbs all in this little picture. If...
The picture is a little section of the cow pasture here at Sparrow Hill Farm. There are multiple kinds of clover, grasses, alfalfa and forbs all in this little picture. If...
In Part 1, I wrote about biodiversity, how important it is, and how complex the soil microbiome is when managed correctly. In this article, I want to share a bit on how...
In Part 1, I wrote about biodiversity, how important it is, and how complex the soil microbiome is when managed correctly. In this article, I want to share a bit on how...
As you may know, we give our pigs the best life we know how to give them on the farm. They get to forage around their pasture in the fresh air...
As you may know, we give our pigs the best life we know how to give them on the farm. They get to forage around their pasture in the fresh air...
Well, I did not plan to write a Biodiversity Part 3, but here it is. It was inspired by a customer and friend who shared with me an article from The Guardian citing "pasture-fed"...
Well, I did not plan to write a Biodiversity Part 3, but here it is. It was inspired by a customer and friend who shared with me an article from The Guardian citing "pasture-fed"...
WHAT IS FARROWING? Farrowing is the terminology used to describe a pig giving birth to little piglets. HOW PIGS FARROW ON OUR FARM In this picture, our newest sow and...
WHAT IS FARROWING? Farrowing is the terminology used to describe a pig giving birth to little piglets. HOW PIGS FARROW ON OUR FARM In this picture, our newest sow and...
Organ meats or Offal cuts such as liver and heart are getting increasingly popular. This is due to the high nutrition value carried within. Liver, especially, is quite high in vitamin...
Organ meats or Offal cuts such as liver and heart are getting increasingly popular. This is due to the high nutrition value carried within. Liver, especially, is quite high in vitamin...
AN OVERVIEW OF OUR LAMB OPERATION As always, everything we do on the farm is in an attempt to bring the best quality food to market while respecting the animals,...
AN OVERVIEW OF OUR LAMB OPERATION As always, everything we do on the farm is in an attempt to bring the best quality food to market while respecting the animals,...
Once a cooking staple in the kitchens of our grandparents, lard fell out of favor over the years. The marketing engines behind factory fats like vegetable oil and margarine got...
Once a cooking staple in the kitchens of our grandparents, lard fell out of favor over the years. The marketing engines behind factory fats like vegetable oil and margarine got...
As you may know if you've followed us for long, the pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm are located in a pasture with prairie grass and other native perennials. As we move...
As you may know if you've followed us for long, the pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm are located in a pasture with prairie grass and other native perennials. As we move...
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT IT'S LIKE TO DO MORNING CHORES ON THE FARM? Watch the above video. I'll take you along as Eddie, Aaron and I go out to the...
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT IT'S LIKE TO DO MORNING CHORES ON THE FARM? Watch the above video. I'll take you along as Eddie, Aaron and I go out to the...
This yellow flowering plant in our pig pasture doesn't look particularly special at first glance. It is beautiful but there are a few unique characteristics that set this wildflower apart as one...
This yellow flowering plant in our pig pasture doesn't look particularly special at first glance. It is beautiful but there are a few unique characteristics that set this wildflower apart as one...
THE SUN PROVIDES ENERGY TO THE PLANTS The sunlight works in symbiosis with the grass, trees and bushes on the farm. The energy from the sun shines into the leaf...
THE SUN PROVIDES ENERGY TO THE PLANTS The sunlight works in symbiosis with the grass, trees and bushes on the farm. The energy from the sun shines into the leaf...
Meet Shadow. Our beautiful and faithful sheep guardian dog. She is highly energetic and loves chore time because it often means a fresh bone! WHAT TYPE OF DOG BREED IS...
Meet Shadow. Our beautiful and faithful sheep guardian dog. She is highly energetic and loves chore time because it often means a fresh bone! WHAT TYPE OF DOG BREED IS...
How do the pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm stay warm when it's cold outside? They have a healthy layer of fat just under the skin. This is their insulation blanket...
How do the pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm stay warm when it's cold outside? They have a healthy layer of fat just under the skin. This is their insulation blanket...
Looking to change things up this holiday season? Want to give a new side dish a try? Here are 11 sides featuring everyone's favorite farm meat, bacon. Give one a...
Looking to change things up this holiday season? Want to give a new side dish a try? Here are 11 sides featuring everyone's favorite farm meat, bacon. Give one a...
Why do we wait until the beginning of December to put rams with the flock at Sparrow Hill Farm? While it's much later than when many producers put rams with...
Why do we wait until the beginning of December to put rams with the flock at Sparrow Hill Farm? While it's much later than when many producers put rams with...
Ever wonder what happens in the time between the pasture where the animals live and your plate when you enjoy a delicious cut of meat? This is our version of...
Ever wonder what happens in the time between the pasture where the animals live and your plate when you enjoy a delicious cut of meat? This is our version of...
As I've said earlier, sheep are truly built to handle the elements with ease. The other day I put out some nice bedding hay for them. I figured they would...
As I've said earlier, sheep are truly built to handle the elements with ease. The other day I put out some nice bedding hay for them. I figured they would...
What a year. All I can say is thank you! Thank you for allowing us to help feed your families with the best the Midwest has to offer. For allowing...
What a year. All I can say is thank you! Thank you for allowing us to help feed your families with the best the Midwest has to offer. For allowing...
According to Kim Severson of The NY Times, "regenivore" is the new word for 2023. She writes "A new generation wants food from companies that are actively healing the planet...
According to Kim Severson of The NY Times, "regenivore" is the new word for 2023. She writes "A new generation wants food from companies that are actively healing the planet...
THE LIFE OF SOWS AND THEIR LITTERS ... AT SPARROW HILL FARM Today Wrinkle is in heat. She is one of our best sows. Louie the boar has been tending...
THE LIFE OF SOWS AND THEIR LITTERS ... AT SPARROW HILL FARM Today Wrinkle is in heat. She is one of our best sows. Louie the boar has been tending...
In Part I, I wrote about the difference in how we raise our pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm compared to a commercial operation. The focus was mainly on the sows. But what...
In Part I, I wrote about the difference in how we raise our pigs at Sparrow Hill Farm compared to a commercial operation. The focus was mainly on the sows. But what...
BOBOLINKS ARE A COOL BIRD At least I think they are cool! This is for a couple reasons. First, they have the lightest song that floats over the pastures. Listen to...
BOBOLINKS ARE A COOL BIRD At least I think they are cool! This is for a couple reasons. First, they have the lightest song that floats over the pastures. Listen to...
THE SEAFOOD LOVERS' DILEMMA IN THE MIDWEST I love the Midwest. Our home is here. And our farm is here. The food produced in this part of the country is...
THE SEAFOOD LOVERS' DILEMMA IN THE MIDWEST I love the Midwest. Our home is here. And our farm is here. The food produced in this part of the country is...
The fresh vs. frozen debate has been going on for as long as there's been frozen meat. Does it really matter if meat has been frozen before you thaw and...
The fresh vs. frozen debate has been going on for as long as there's been frozen meat. Does it really matter if meat has been frozen before you thaw and...
Notice the steam rising from the pile of hay? Look closely. You can see vapor, illuminated by the rays of the sun, rising off this pile. This is the boar and...
Notice the steam rising from the pile of hay? Look closely. You can see vapor, illuminated by the rays of the sun, rising off this pile. This is the boar and...
A friend of mine up the road, Jeremy LaPointe, is a restoration ecologist. We've been doing a lot of talking about issues surrounding agriculture. Assumptions, pros, cons and more....
A friend of mine up the road, Jeremy LaPointe, is a restoration ecologist. We've been doing a lot of talking about issues surrounding agriculture. Assumptions, pros, cons and more....
We get this question periodically. Is your farm organic? It depends. If you are asking if we are certified organic by a third-party agency, the answer is no. However, if you if...
We get this question periodically. Is your farm organic? It depends. If you are asking if we are certified organic by a third-party agency, the answer is no. However, if you if...
Look at those huge mouthfuls of hay. I was watching, as I often do, in amazement as the sheep's small but powerful jaws systematically intake their coarse, dry hay. How...
Look at those huge mouthfuls of hay. I was watching, as I often do, in amazement as the sheep's small but powerful jaws systematically intake their coarse, dry hay. How...
WHY "HIGH ON THE HOG" MEANS WHAT IT MEANS The term "high on the hog", when referencing a wealthy lifestyle or luxurious accommodations, actually originated with a reference to the...
WHY "HIGH ON THE HOG" MEANS WHAT IT MEANS The term "high on the hog", when referencing a wealthy lifestyle or luxurious accommodations, actually originated with a reference to the...
This was the scene I was met with when I went to do chores after the big snow last week. The sheep had hay. But the snow doesn't bother them so...
This was the scene I was met with when I went to do chores after the big snow last week. The sheep had hay. But the snow doesn't bother them so...
There is a huge shortage of young people entering into food production. Especially farming. This can paint a bleak picture for the future of good food. Unless we honestly look...
There is a huge shortage of young people entering into food production. Especially farming. This can paint a bleak picture for the future of good food. Unless we honestly look...
SHEEP AND PARASITES As you may know, we don't care for synthetic or commercial de-wormers on our farm. That can be interesting when raising one of the most parasite prone livestock...
SHEEP AND PARASITES As you may know, we don't care for synthetic or commercial de-wormers on our farm. That can be interesting when raising one of the most parasite prone livestock...
The grass has been green for a couple weeks now. I have seen many farms where the livestock has been out since the grass turned green. We wait a bit...
The grass has been green for a couple weeks now. I have seen many farms where the livestock has been out since the grass turned green. We wait a bit...
What is the most important part of the first few minutes after the lambs' birth? On our farm, it is a strong bond forming between the ewe and the lamb. HOW...
What is the most important part of the first few minutes after the lambs' birth? On our farm, it is a strong bond forming between the ewe and the lamb. HOW...
There are so many areas where our farming operation has a perfect symbiotic relationship with Nature. Take a look at this picture. You'll notice a redwing blackbird singing his heart out...
There are so many areas where our farming operation has a perfect symbiotic relationship with Nature. Take a look at this picture. You'll notice a redwing blackbird singing his heart out...
Water, our planet's lifeblood, sustains not only our survival but also the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Regrettably, traditional agricultural practices have contributed to significant water pollution, threatening aquatic habitats...
Water, our planet's lifeblood, sustains not only our survival but also the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Regrettably, traditional agricultural practices have contributed to significant water pollution, threatening aquatic habitats...
Until now, I have never written about the fake meat companies. Interestingly, their mission is similar to regenerative agriculture. To provide ethical production of food that tastes good, is nutritious, and...
Until now, I have never written about the fake meat companies. Interestingly, their mission is similar to regenerative agriculture. To provide ethical production of food that tastes good, is nutritious, and...
We just moved our shipping operation from a cramped little shed to this beautiful space last week! This is where we ship your boxes as well as pack for farmers' market....
We just moved our shipping operation from a cramped little shed to this beautiful space last week! This is where we ship your boxes as well as pack for farmers' market....
Well maybe bees don't have proper knees. Maybe that is just a phrase coined years ago. But they do have needs. Needs that must be met to sustain both their...
Well maybe bees don't have proper knees. Maybe that is just a phrase coined years ago. But they do have needs. Needs that must be met to sustain both their...
In the agriculture world, sheep and lambs are de-wormed with commercial worming medications more than almost any other livestock! They tend to be fragile, and easily succumb to worm infections. When...
In the agriculture world, sheep and lambs are de-wormed with commercial worming medications more than almost any other livestock! They tend to be fragile, and easily succumb to worm infections. When...
We intentionally farm in a way that makes room for wildlife. Deer and turkeys love our farm! I snapped the above picture while doing pig chores. A deer standing in...
We intentionally farm in a way that makes room for wildlife. Deer and turkeys love our farm! I snapped the above picture while doing pig chores. A deer standing in...
Short answer, our life and millions if little lives depend on it. So yes, it is important to do our best to protect the bustling world below the grass. Folks...
Short answer, our life and millions if little lives depend on it. So yes, it is important to do our best to protect the bustling world below the grass. Folks...
HOW WEEDS ARE A HUGE BENEFIT TO OUR FARM PASTURES Weeds are a vital part of nature's healing process for worn, exposed, or otherwise abused ground. In other words, they...
HOW WEEDS ARE A HUGE BENEFIT TO OUR FARM PASTURES Weeds are a vital part of nature's healing process for worn, exposed, or otherwise abused ground. In other words, they...
Wild bergamot is a breathtaking, flowering, herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to North America and is commonly found in various regions across the continent....
Wild bergamot is a breathtaking, flowering, herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to North America and is commonly found in various regions across the continent....
We are feeding hay. Midsummer. This is not unusual on many farms. It is unusual for us. This marks the first time we have needed to feed hay to our cows...
We are feeding hay. Midsummer. This is not unusual on many farms. It is unusual for us. This marks the first time we have needed to feed hay to our cows...
The Great Plains of North America have long been adorned with a diverse array of native prairie plants. Each playing a crucial role in the delicate ecosystem that sustains countless...
The Great Plains of North America have long been adorned with a diverse array of native prairie plants. Each playing a crucial role in the delicate ecosystem that sustains countless...
It's been a while since I have highlighted our beautiful and noble farm dog, Shadow. I'll give just a little praise for her and her interesting heritage, as well as...
It's been a while since I have highlighted our beautiful and noble farm dog, Shadow. I'll give just a little praise for her and her interesting heritage, as well as...
We drink a delicious, locally brewed beer. The pigs get the byproducts. Nothing goes to waste. Beer is essentially an infusion of roasted malted barley and sometimes other grains that...
We drink a delicious, locally brewed beer. The pigs get the byproducts. Nothing goes to waste. Beer is essentially an infusion of roasted malted barley and sometimes other grains that...
When animals are raised humanely on open pastures, the nutrients and flavor permeate the meat all the way into the fat.Give our pasture-raised and 100% grass-fed meats a try. If you don't agree it tastes better than the cheap meat you can buy at the supermarket, let us know. You'll talk directly to your farmer. And we'll work with you to make it right.
