Farm Happenings

June Farm Happenings 2018

Posted on by Angela Mentink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The month of June here on the farm has been a little unusual. We experienced extreme heat at the beginning of June along with more than a week of cooler temperatures and heavy rain. We were barely keeping up with all the work, but the rain allowed us to catch up on some much needed deep cleaning, bookwork, and weeding. Some of my brocolli plants got confused and thought it was time to seed out, but a few look like they may produce something. We were blessed with an abundance of strawberries and enjoyed strawberry ice cream, yogurt smoothies, and strawberries as a topping for toast and soaked oatmeal. Abigail (the baby) thought the oatmeal with strawberries was “Mmm.”  The kids have had some opportunities to earn money through their businesses as well as ours. It’s such a blessing to be working together helping each other out. As I think back at all we were able to accomplish this month I know it was the Lord working through us.

Animal News

Continue reading “June Farm Happenings 2018” →

Farm Happenings May in 2018

Posted on by Angela Mentink

This spring we are growing and raising more food than ever before. Quality, clean food, raised beyond organic standards has changed our lives so much that it has become an obsession of which we have had to repent of at times. We love the vibrant, energetic way we feel, increased performance and endurance, and the flavor of our own food. It’s a great feeling to be providing even more food to our customers as well!

Life on the farm continues to be bustling and filled with a variety of learning, chores, cooking, projects, growing, weeding, and fun this month. We are seeing great improvements in our pastures (although we have a ways to go!), the plants and trees are growing well, and we all delight in this time of year as we are able to get outside more frequently. We are moving animals daily on our paddocks, harvesting food and medicine, planting more seeds and plants, and always have a project in progress. Many people ask us if we are preparing for something by growing all this food. Honestly, we grow our own food because we have very high standards and we want to know how our food is being produced. We also don’t store food out of fear, but because we believe that we are being good stewards of our abundance. I must confess that the more history we read, the more our eyes are open to the fact that it is a very wise practice to have some food stored up for a reasonable amount of time, but we are trusting that God will provide all of our needs. We also believe the Lord gives and He takes away, so nothing is truly ours. Continue reading “Farm Happenings May in 2018” →

Homemade Season Salt

Posted on by Angela Mentink

Homemade Season Salt

Most seasoning salts contain MSG a known neurotoxin (toxic to the nervous system), irradiated spices, and other harmful preservatives. The key to this recipe is purchasing good quality, organic spices. We relish the savings and flavor of Azure Standard’s spices. We added Rosemary since it has been shown to break up the potentially cancer causing compounds that can form when meat is cooked (especially grilled meats).  We love this season salt for steaks (esoecially pork chops), hamburgers, and potatoes. In the past we purchased Redmonds Organic Seasoning Salt which is a great option for convenience. Redmond’s product does not contain Rosemary. Continue reading “Homemade Season Salt” →

Homemade Natural Laundry Care

Posted on by Angela Mentink

Avoid Toxic Chemicals and Fragrances and Save Money

1. Pre-Treat Stains right away with our natural soap bars (works great for hand washing items too).
2. Use a cold rinse cycle for clothes or socks containing dirt.
3. Use our homemade laundry soap recipe below.
4. Hang clothes to dry (great way to get outside, get a fresh outdoor scent, and save a little on the electric bill).

Continue reading “Homemade Natural Laundry Care” →

Happenings On Mentink Famiy Farms in April 2018

Posted on by Angela Mentink

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost overnight work on the farm went from a relaxed, busy pace to a brisk hustle. Along with the routine work, the birth of our calf added the chore of milking twice a day. We feel blessed to have good quality dairy again and yellow butter (even though our cow is not on pasture yet). We have also been planting trees, seeds, and plants, along with the continued projects on our house. At the end of the day we are ready for a good night sleep.  We are also thankful to own land to grow good quality, clean food for ourselves and others.

April started more like winter than spring on the farm with a light dusting of snow and frigid temperatures. Many of the days in April were below the average temperature. We delayed planting our early crops like potatoes, broccoli, and cabbage until the later part of the month. With all the work indoors, I barely noticed the weather. Usually at the end of February I feel as though I can’t wait until spring, but this year has felt different. I have enjoyed the time inside as we anticipate a very busy growing season. As the busyness starts, we are thankful we have dedicated so much time to planning, organizing, and preparing. Despite our own plans, I know there will be struggles and hardships along the way. It’s always easier to look back and see why we have to endure them as they teach us patience, compassion for others, humility, and perseverance.

Continue reading “Happenings On Mentink Famiy Farms in April 2018” →

Ham and Bean Soup

Posted on by Angela Mentink

Ever wonder what to do with those cured ham hocks? I used to just throw them to the dog until I discovered ham and bean soup. The key to excellent flavor is sourcing good quality pasture raised pork. The nourishing bone stock is the most important step in making this soup.  Properly prepared stocks are high in nutrients and contain collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphates, and amino acids. They were a staple in traditional kitchens and they are quickly gaining in popularity again. Make this inexpensive soup any time, but especially on those cold winter days while you await spring! Continue reading “Ham and Bean Soup” →

Benefits of Our Pastured Meats

Posted on by Angela Mentink

Introduction

Did you know that pastured meats contain more nutrients and have less fat and calories than meat from grain fed animals? As we grow our beyond organic, pasture based farm, we continue to see the benefits of a pasture based system. We have reaped the health benefits and relish the testimonies of our customers’ health stories and compliments on flavor, texture, and even the smell of the meat.  As our family reads the Bible, and we look into sustainable animal husbandry practices of the past along with God’s design in nature, we see very similar systems.  Because we live in a fallen world, we will never enjoy perfect health for ourselves or for our animals, but by seeking God’s wisdom, we believe we can improve the quality of life for ourselves and our customers, as well as our animals. With chronic diseases and cancer rates soaring, contaminated water becoming the norm, increased antibiotic resistance, and wildlife suffering, we must stop and ponder, “What has changed with our food, environment, and lifestyles that could potentially be to blame?” Continue reading “Benefits of Our Pastured Meats” →

Happenings on the Mentink Family Farm in March 2018

Posted on by Angela Mentink

Spring is a time of new life on our farm. We all enjoy the birth of new animals and look forward to caring for new babies, spending more time outside, garden produce, flowers, and green pastures. Today is a cloudy, cool spring day. We had a nice shower overnight and the grass is beginning to green up. There is excitement as we think about what we will be planting and the projects we hope to accomplish. We are constantly praying and seeking guidance and wisdom. Spring is a time when we set very high goals and sometimes think we can accomplish more than our time allows. Unfortunately, something always suffers in the heat of the summer, but each year seems to improve. Continue reading “Happenings on the Mentink Family Farm in March 2018” →

Family Traditions

Posted on by Angela Mentink

By Angie Mentink

A Thanksgiving tradition that our family embraced several years ago is to take the day before Thanksgiving off of school and prepare food for the next day. I relish this time with our children working side by side in the kitchen, listening to music, and thinking of the great food that will be enjoyed by many, along with the numerous undeserved blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. Continue reading “Family Traditions” →

Gathering in the Harvest and Baby Number 7 Arrives!

Posted on by Angela Mentink

By Angie Mentink

We enjoyed a leisurely walk to the dam on Sunday afternoon. After about an hour of visiting, skipping rocks, relaxing, soaking up the sun, and taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures a strong north wind began to blow. We decided we better head home quickly. As we were walking briskly, watching the leaves whirling far distances from the trees, it occurred to all of us that winter was near. The summer flew by faster than any summer in the past and none of us feel ready for the cooler temperatures. The kids do Continue reading “Gathering in the Harvest and Baby Number 7 Arrives!” →