It's that time of year again! Our broiler production is winding down as winter approaches. The last group of broilers (meat birds) left the brooder a few weeks ago. But we're not finished brooding chicks yet! Next years laying hens are a week old and are doing great. This year we ordered 50 Road Island Red and 50 Ameraucana chicks to add to our laying flock. The Road Island Reds are very hearty and good egg layers and while not quite as productive, the Ameraucana's lay a beautiful blue-green egg which hopefully makes your morning brighter and full of wonder. The Ameraucana's are also a very attractive bird with a gorgeous gold and black pattern - not to say the RIR are anything to bock at (bock, bock, bock). Following 3 weeks of pampered life in the brooder, the chicks will then transition to our chicken tractors until they're old enough to join the free-range flock. It's very risky starting a batch of chicks this late in the year. There's always the chance of a wet, cold spell, and the predators (hawks, coons, & coyote) are daringly searching for a meal during the dark days of winter. But life and death are all part of the great circle we experience everyday here on the ranch.
This Week's Markets
The Pflugerville Pfarmers Market has moved into it's Pfestive Market Season and will only be open twice a month for the rest of 2021. We will still be delivering preorders to the market location on days the market is closed and will continue to do so until the market reopens in 2022.
The Elgin Farmers Market is a year-round market that will remain open every Thursday. Pre-orders are encouraged.
The Taylor Farmers Market is a year-round market that will is open every Saturday. Pre-orders are encouraged. Live music most Saturday's from 11 -1.
The market will be closed December 25th and January 1st. It will reopen and remain open every week starting January 8th, 2022.
