We enjoyed some splendid weather for our farm open days and walk in May, but it has been pretty variable since then. The goslings are growing at a great rate now and are getting out to grass as often as the weather allows and appreciating the grass in their diet. They are about two thirds feathered now, so are able to stand a shower or two but prolonged rain is still not a good idea. Once fully feathered they are very tough birds and seem willing to take anything that the Cushnie weather can throw at them, particularly relishing a wild windy day.
Of the other stock, we have just had the first two Belted Galloway calves of the year which are doing well. These are the first calves from a new young bull we bought last year and we are looking forward to seeing how they shape up, so far so good. The pigs are doing what pigs do and have produced a succession of litters over the last month or two. Some of the litters have been smaller than we would like but as a consequence the piglets are growing very fast, having more milk to share around and spending less time squabbling!
Our open days this month are on Thursday 25th, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June and we are open at the farm from 10:00am - 4:30pm each day. Deliveries will be going out to Inverurie, Alford, Strathdon, Aboyne, Tarland and Upper Deeside on Thursday and on Friday to Banchory and Aberdeen. This month we have the full range of fresh pork, lamb, beef and venison. The beef is Highland again this month and depending on sales this month we will probably be back onto Belted Galloway next month. Hugh Grierson Organics chickens are also available again as whole birds and as a range of portions as are our usual range of cured and cooked products. An up to date order form is attached. If you are wishing to order the chicken then please do get the order to us by Sunday.
A few people have enquired over the last month or two about our monthly buyers scheme for customers purchasing regularly. If you are interested in this option, broadly similar to a veg box scheme, further details can be found on the how to buy pages of the website which can be reached via this link.
We don't have available any smoked bacon this month, but for those of you who like to use it in cooking we do have minced smoked bacon which is great for adding to ragu and bolognaise sauces.
As normal we shall be at Banchory Farmers Market this coming Saturday (20th) from 9am to 1pm and at Inverurie Farmers Market on the 11th July. Looking forward to the July open days we shall be having another farm walk, this time in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council's ranger service and including some children's activities.
