For several years, we kids have been suggesting that we write a family Christmas letter. However, Mom, with the intention of doing so, has found that her schedule never allows her to do one. As a result, she proposed that we do it ourselves. Here is a glimpse into the Mentink family life.

While most people dream of vacations to the Bahamas or Disney World, I dream of visiting people groups that are living a more traditional lifestyle, carrying on the customs of their ancestors. That is why I was excited this month to be able to visit an Amish family at the Nebraska, Kansas border. I have always been fascinated by the simple, close knit Amish people. Along with this experience, we had some changes on the farm as we entered another season.

Our son Caleb has loved hunting since he was very young. Recently, Cory and I felt led to buy him a dog of his own to train up and assist with his passion. He takes care of the predators on our farm, and we pay him by the animal. We found what we were looking for in Pawnee, Nebraska at an Amish family’s home. Normally I wouldn’t make a long trip for a dog, but after praying about it, we decided to make a day of it. Since Cory had no extra time to come with us, the five youngest children and I headed for our destination with plans to stop along the way for a picnic lunch and a little exploration at the Homestead National Monument. This free museum surprised us with its rich history and abundant things to see and do. We were able to get a deep understanding of the hardships endured as people settled this wild country. I was fascinated by the videos that depicted how the farmers would clear the land, plant the fields, and finally harvest. We do a lot of hand work on our farm, but it made me so thankful for the technology that makes some of our work almost effortless.

Our time at the museum ended too soon and we were back on the road again. I had planned our route to Pawnee on a map at home, but relied on the GPS to get to their house. By planning our route and not following the GPS, I saved us 30 minutes. After going through Table Rock, we were led over an ancient, narrow bridge that I didn’t want to cross. With apprehension I crept over the bridge Continue reading “Farm Happenings in November 2018” →

The month of October started with our annual fall party and ended with a full day of chasing our bull through our farm, rearranging animals, and then putting up over 150 square bales and winter proofing our combine in the dark. Thanks to the rain and mild temperatures, all the animals are still on pasture and we are getting close with our winter preparations for them. We enjoyed several farm tours this summer and hope to continue growing our farm.

Several years ago, we started a tradition of a Fall Party. This year we all dressed up as someone from history and had to say a quote by this person. We all used things from around the house. Some of the kids did some sewing and others found items in our dress up box or closets. As everyone arrived in the living room there was great laughter. My husband was by the far the funniest with a few of the kids being pretty close. He had dressed up as Albert Einstein. He had placed arrowroot powder in his wild hair Continue reading “Farm Happenings in October, 2018” →

As the growing season comes to an end, we use this time to observe and reflect upon what worked well and what needs to be improved or changed next season on the farm. Over the last few years, after learning about permaculture, we have made a lot of observations and discovered a lot of wisdom and knowledge through this process. As Alena wrote in her Permaculture article, “Permaculture is working with nature instead of against it. It is also making thoughtful observations before putting useless labor into a project. Instead of thinking that things need to be done a certain way, permaculture is remaining open to new ideas.”

Over fifteen years ago, we bought our first laying hens. We were told by several well-meaning people that our chicks would die and suffer a terrible illness if we didn’t give them medications in their feed. Without hesitation Cory and I both agreed that the reason we were going to the work of raising chickens was to avoid medications and toxic feed. We were convinced that good quality feed, sunshine, green grass to forage on, and clean living conditions would produce healthy chickens. We took a risk and we are so glad we did. From our observations our chickens have thrived in these conditions and the flavorful eggs with dark yellow yolks speak for themselves. We have lost numerous chickens to predators over the years and a few here and there to unknown causes, but we will continue to strive to decrease these losses, and continue to improve our practices.

More recently, a new batch of piglets had scours. We were not aware of this until two very knowledgeable men walked in to see our new piglets one day at different times. They could both smell the trouble. We were told that our piglets would be dead by the next day if we didn’t medicate. My husband and I both knew that medication was not an option. We prayed and did a little research but didn’t find much for natural treatments. We decided to cut back on mom’s feed and give her extra apple cider vinegar in her water and extra kelp in her feed. The next day the piglets were alive and they quickly recovered. The farmers were so excited they decided Continue reading “Farm Happenings in September, 2018” →

This is our favorite time of year. The windows have been thrown open, the sound of chopping, blending, boiling, and the whirring of the dehydrator are frequent sounds in the house. The smell of spices, apples, and fresh baked bread permeate the kitchen. The cooler nights remind us that we have limited time to bring in the harvest before the first unknown frost. As I bustle about trying to accomplish all of the work to be done I’m mindful and thankful for all the technology that makes the work easier and more efficient. My great-great grandparents would have been beyond grateful for such extravagances. Continue reading “Farm Happenings in August 2018” →

The one word the Lord has put on my heart this month is simplicity. We are living in an amazing time of opportunity, work, entertainment, and serving. I have learned the hard way how important it is to guard my time and pray about all opportunities (even good things) because I can only do so many things well. Through this hardship, I have learned that by focusing on the important things I have been called to do, it allows me to better accomplish them.

We have also been reminded this month that to get the best results in a situation it often takes hard work, diligence, perseverance, and sacrifice to accomplish. Regenerative farming is a great example of this. Rather than quickly treating a symptom in an animal or plant we are looking to find the root cause of a problem. This takes extra time and research, but usually ends with a stronger, healthier animal or plant.

Continue reading “Farm Happenings July 2018” →

USDA Inspected Pork Prices

Beyond Organic, Pasture Raised, Soy Free, Hormone and Medication Free, MSG and GMO Free, and Humanely Cared For.

Ground Pork:                                         $5.55/lb.

Bone in Pork Chops: (1.3 to pounds)   $6.75/lb.

Shoulder Roast:  (2.5 to 5 pounds)      $6.25/lb.

Ham Roast   (3.5 to 5 pounds)             $6.50/lb.

Spare Ribs:   (2.7 to 3.2 pounds)        $4.15/lb.

Pork Hock     (3.3 to 4.88 pounds)      $3.10/lb.

Lard: (unrendered and ground)      $2.60/lb.

Pork Belly:  (12 to 15 pounds)           $5.80/lb.

Belly weight is 12 to 14.5 lbs.

SAVE with a Pork Bundle

10 Lbs. Ground Pork: $50.00

Details: Pick up at the farm is always free. We are working toward shipping out meat. We offer free delivery if we will be in your area or we may be able to work out a delivery for a fee. Contact us for more information.

Continue reading “June Farm Happenings 2018” →