Producer
Lilac Hedge Farm
City: Holden, MA,
Website: https://lilachedgefarm.com/
About Us
Here on Lilac Hedge Farm, our farm practice is setting a new standard in pasture-raised livestock farming. We are more than farmers, we are caretakers with a commitment to stewardship that reaches beyond our farm gate. We are proud to be bringing to market animal proteins like we used to eat years and years ago. We take pride in caring for every aspect of our farm, from the complexities of managing an expansive 350 acre farmland to assuring that each individual egg is nest-laid and hand-gathered. We are devoted to farming our way because we believe that the earth’s most delicious, healthiest foods are created when farmers work in harmony with nature. On the farm we raise beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey and duck on a pasture based system from birth to processing. Animals are then processed and direct retailed to consumers through 15+ farmers markets per week, a meat CSA, and various wholesale and restaurant accounts.
Practices
Rotational Grazing
With over 100 acres of fenced in pasture, animals are moved to fresh grass every day or every few days depending on their prescribed rotational grazing plan. These grazing plans have been developed by us in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to figure out the ideal animal stocking density, forage types (planted grasses) and rest periods for the grass to regrow. This is the best management practice for our animals, soils and environment
Processing
All our meat is processed at local Federal and State inspected slaughterhouses in New England. Our primary red meat processor is located just 30 minutes from the farm. Their handling facilities were designed by Temple Grandin, who is world renowned in humane slaughter design. All of our meat is hand cut by skilled artisan butchers based on our meticulous cutting instructions
Humane
From the day an animal arrives or is born at our farm it is treated with the utmost respect and given 100% of our efforts to give it the best life possible. Every life has meaning, and we do whatever it takes to help an animal thrive and prosper. Our animals are never given growth hormones or steroids.
Family Values
Our farm exists because of the friends, family and community of workers that keep it running. Days are measured by tasks accomplished, not hours spent, and requires a team effort to make every aspect of this farm function. We feel every child deserves to grow up around the farm, feed newborn chicks, bale hay, and learn life's lesson that cant be taught through a computer screen.
With over 100 acres of fenced in pasture, animals are moved to fresh grass every day or every few days depending on their prescribed rotational grazing plan. These grazing plans have been developed by us in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to figure out the ideal animal stocking density, forage types (planted grasses) and rest periods for the grass to regrow. This is the best management practice for our animals, soils and environment
Processing
All our meat is processed at local Federal and State inspected slaughterhouses in New England. Our primary red meat processor is located just 30 minutes from the farm. Their handling facilities were designed by Temple Grandin, who is world renowned in humane slaughter design. All of our meat is hand cut by skilled artisan butchers based on our meticulous cutting instructions
Humane
From the day an animal arrives or is born at our farm it is treated with the utmost respect and given 100% of our efforts to give it the best life possible. Every life has meaning, and we do whatever it takes to help an animal thrive and prosper. Our animals are never given growth hormones or steroids.
Family Values
Our farm exists because of the friends, family and community of workers that keep it running. Days are measured by tasks accomplished, not hours spent, and requires a team effort to make every aspect of this farm function. We feel every child deserves to grow up around the farm, feed newborn chicks, bale hay, and learn life's lesson that cant be taught through a computer screen.