Down on the Farm: June News and Notes from Gale Woods

by Farmer Tim
We’ve got goats at Gale Woods! 

A herd of 16 Kiko goats arrived on Sunday and have taken up residence on the hillside we call the buckthorn pasture. Twenty years ago this hillside was a grazed pasture with scattered mature Oaks in the overstory. Since the Gale family stopped grazing cattle and sheep here, it has grown up with prickly ash, buckthorn and garlic mustard—all invasive species that are very difficult to eliminate. 

We have been cutting and grazing with sheep and cattle, but progress toward restoring this to a nice forested pasture has been slow. So, when we were approached by Ecological Strategies, a non-profit that wants to demonstrate using goats for bio-remediation, we took up the offer to have goats here for the summer. 

As soon as they got off the trailer they started munching on the buckthorn. By the end of the season this pasture should look completely different and we are looking forward to having it restored to a useable pasture for our sheep and cattle.

Pasture Raised Meat Arriving Soon!
Over the next couple of weeks, individual cuts of lamb and beef and whole chickens will be making their way into our freezers. Cuts of lamb have arrived; whole chickens are scheduled to arrive Wednesday, July 3; and individual cuts of beef will be arriving by July 9. Please feel free to call the farm store (763.694.2001) before making the drive to ensure we have in what you are looking for. 

New to the Freezer
In keeping with making the most use of an animal, we are adding two new cuts of beef to our freezer selection: marrow bones and beef knuckle bones.

Marrow is the spongy, fatty tissue found inside of large bones. Mostly fat with a little bit of protein, marrow bones are most commonly roasted, simmered, grilled or poached and can be used as an appetizer, as a main course accompaniment, or as an ingredient in a dish. Bone marrow was once thought to be sinful because of its high cholesterol content, but this source of protein (rich in vitamins and minerals) is actually high in monounsaturated fats which will decrease LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. 

Beef knuckle bones come from the joints of the animal and have lots of cartilage. Thus the gelatinous base results in an excellent bone broth or soup stock, adding both flavor and minerals. They are unlike the beef soup bone, as most of the meat has been removed.

Farm Market is Up and Running!
Stop by and purchase freshly harvested produce from the gardens at Gale Woods Farm! Our Farm Market is held in conjunction with our Community Supported Agriculture shareholder pickup, located in the garage of the grey house. Most of the same fresh Gale Woods-grown vegetables found in the shares are available for purchase every Tuesday and Thursday, now through early October from 3-6:30 p.m. 

Quantities and prices may vary from week to week. If you can’t make it to the market, you may purchase produce in our farm store during regular business hours.

Make your own Jams & Jellies Just a few spots left!
Saturday, June 29, 12:30-3PM
Learn the basics of homemade jams and jellies. We'll demonstrate delicious recipes with strawberries for you to make at home. Add rhubarb for a tart twist, or adapt them for the berry of the season! Reservations required byJune 28. Learn more...

Puppet Escapades – Farmyard 4th of July
Monday, July 1, 10-11 AM
Hear all about the adventures of our farm puppet friends. Explore introductory activities with your preschooler before the show and take a hike on your own to see the wonders of the farm. This is an adult/child class. Reservations recommended by phone only; 763.559.6700. Learn more...

Make your own! Pickles Register now!
Saturday, July 27, 12:30-3PM
Go beyond pickled cucumbers and discover tasty recipes for a variety of pickling fun: beans, beets and more! We'll share recipes you can adapt for your favorite garden vegetables at home. Reservations required by July 26. Learn more...

Breakfast on the Farm Join us!
Saturday, August 17, 8:30AM-Noon
Start your weekend with a farm-fresh breakfast made from locally grown foods. Enjoy live music while eating in a beautiful farm setting. Walk around the farm, meet the farm animals, and explore the gardens. Registration deadline is August 14. Children under 2 are free. Learn more...