Barn News
Last updated May 24, 2013

     Spring weather has arrived at the Farm. The fields are greener each day. All the animals are getting very anxious to move to the lush green grass. We have to wait to let them into the fields until the grass is well established so that it will continue to provide feed for the rest of the season. In the meantime they are testing our fences regularly!

     For the past decade or more we have been involved in the preservation of several rare breeds of domestic animals. We are able to accommodate these animals because we are not primarily involved in production agriculture. Having these animals contributes to our education and guest involvement programs. That said, it is important for the preservation of these breeds that they become a profitable recourse. We believe that these animals are important to preserve because they carry useful traits and genetics that need not be lost. Most of these breeds do not produce the amount of meat and or milk to make them a viable option for the ever increasing need to feed the world’s population. The positive traits that these animals carry are being introduced to mainstream production by cross breeding with other production breeds. In order to ensure that we do not lose the traits or these heritage breeds, sustainable markets must be established for meat, milk and fiber that these rare breeds produce.

     At the Farm we sell our own farm raised Heritage Breed pork, lamb and beef and wool from our Santa Cruz Island sheep. By purchasing products, you are helping to ensure the preservation of these important breeds. We offer both individual cuts of meats and you can order a half or whole animal cut to your specifications. All meat sold is USDA inspected, cut, wrapped and frozen ready for pick up at the Farm.

     A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association highlighted the Swiss Village Foundation program for preserving domestic Heritage Breeds. Included was an acknowledgement of our cooperative work with SVF. East Hill Farm and SVF work together through animal loaning for embryo collection and with assistance managing our Heritage Breed Program.

     Looking forward to seeing you and your family this summer!

     I'll see you along the way!
Farmer Dave

     
           Chloe, our farm mascot
                      and tennis ball aficionado!     

Barnyard Goal

        Our goal at East Hill Farm is to provide an enjoyable, educational farm vacation for our guests.  To achieve this goal we strive to provide realistic farm related activities.  The farm activities scheduled may be adjusted a bit to accommodate meal times and other activities.  The daily farm chores including milking the cows and goats, are necessary functions to be accomplished each day, as they are done every day on the farms of professional farm operators throughout the country. 

        We hope that your visit to East Hill Farm will be most enjoyable and provide you with increased awareness and understanding of the importance of agriculture to our society.  Come and enjoy a real farm experience in a comfortable resort atmosphere. Click here for a link to our Conservation Practices.