Farm Happenings

Why Our Family Avoids MSG

By Angie Mentink

Growing up, some of my absolute favorite foods were Doritos and Jalapeno Cheese Dip, Tombstone Pizzas, and boxed Macaroni and Cheese. Most of the foods I loved came in a box or plastic container. After most meals I would feel tired, lazy, and unsatisfied. Little did I know at the time, that those foods I loved would cause some minor health problems that would lead to a completely different way of thinking, lifestyle, and cooking routine. Continue reading “Why Our Family Avoids MSG”

The Lord’s Provision

By Angie Mentink

It is the end of October and the weather has been very mild for this time.  What a blessing as we await our wood burning stove and haven’t had to run the furnace in the camper much.  As I reflect on this summer, and look around at what has been accomplished, I’m in awe. The Lord has been working through our family and those that have helped us in a mighty way to accomplish so much. Continue reading “The Lord’s Provision”

The Heat of the Summer

By Angie Mentink

The heat has been intense lately here on the farm. We are anticipating a cold front to move through sometime today. We are all looking forward to it. In the mean time we are heading to the dam for some much needed relief after nap time. We are approaching my favorite time of year. It’s a time filled with abundance, cooler nights, and a time to reflect on what worked well and what needs improvement. Continue reading “The Heat of the Summer”

Enjoying Summer on the Farm

By Kailey Mentink

This summer has been busy and hot but it has also been very pleasant. We have been able to appreciate a quantity of fun activities such as swimming at the pond, spending time as a family, and playing with our new puppy, Spice. We also have had a fun time playing with our cousin, Kate. She arrived from Lincoln on Saturday, and on Sunday afternoon we took a trip to the Platte River to go canoeing. Continue reading “Enjoying Summer on the Farm”

Our Hair Sheep

Benefits of Eating Grass Finished Lamb

By Angie Mentink

*Sheep have the highest CLA levels of all animals!

*Sheep raised on pasture have twice as much lutein, 14% less fat, and about 8% more protein compared to grain-fed lamb

*Lamb is an excellent source of Vitamin B 12 and a good source of niacin

*Zinc and selenium are found in high amounts

*Lamb is rich in iron, mostly in the form of heme iron, which is highly bio available

*Often people that cannot tolerate beef do well with lamb! Continue reading “Our Hair Sheep”

Enjoying the Weather

By Alena Mentink

Butchering our first duck came about in a rather unpleasant way. It started with a snapping turtle that the boys discovered on the sledding hill. The turtle looked harmless enough, but thankfully the boys knew better than to touch it. They thought it might be a painted turtle, like we have seen before, but since they were not at all sure, they left it alone. Continue reading “Enjoying the Weather”