February 2026 Newsletter
“What good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
~John Steinbeck
Hey, baby, it’s cold outside!
Farm work doesn’t stop during the winter months; it just slows down a bit. But when temperatures really drop, farming gets a little more challenging. It’s our job to make sure the animals stay safe, and we go to extra lengths to make sure they can eat, drink, and be merry in the manner they’re accustomed. God has been gracious to us, and all the animals are doing well! We’re beyond grateful for that!
Raise ‘em up right!
And even though we (and the animals) are hunkering down for the cold weather and snow in East Tennessee, we’re also busy looking ahead to Spring and Summer! And one of the biggest items on our agenda is chicken! Yes, we have lots of laying hens to keep the eggs coming, but we also plan to offer pasture-raised meat chicken this year!! We’re very excited to bring this new offering to our customers that are looking for local nutrient-dense, healthy alternatives to the chicken they find at the supermarket, because let’s face it, many of us are too “chicken” to even think about the way those factory chickens are raised!
We’ll still offer our delicious and nutritious pasture-raised pork, and we’re working hard to have grass-fed beef ready by next year too! Yes, we’re “beefing” up production all around, and we’re really looking forward to adding some pasture-raised chicken and beef to the menu!
Eggs-tra, Eggs-tra!!
There’s more than one way to peel an egg! Ivester Farm pasture-raised eggs are not only healthy and delicious, they‘re also fresh…really fresh! And even though fresh eggs are the best eggs, they can “ruffle your feathers” when trying to peel them after boiling! Those shells just don’t want to turn loose! It’s enough to make you want to use “fowl” language! But not to worry! We’ve found a tried-and-true method for peeling boiled eggs with ease:
Easy-Peel Farm Fresh Boiled Eggs
1. Bring the water to a boil first. Then gently lower the eggs into the water. (a wire basket or large spoon recommended).
2. Lower heat to a simmer… not a rolling boil. Cook for 10 -13 minutes.
3. Remove the eggs and drop into another container for an ice bath for 30 seconds.
4. Then crack each egg once on the end, and place back into the ice bath for a minute.
5. Remove the egg and roll on counter with your hand, then peel away!!!
Try peeling your fresh boiled eggs this way, and you’ll have something to “crow about” for sure!
Check out our website! www.IvesterFarm.com
If you haven’t visited our website lately, we’ve made some changes we think you’ll love!
We’ve added some new photos and recipes that will hopefully put a smile on your face and put some pork on your fork!
We’re Baaaack!!
The farmers markets at Market Square and Oak Ridge are back in business after the Christmas break and the inclement weather that closed the markets down for the last two weeks of January! We’ve missed everyone at the markets and are looking forward to being back on February 14! It’s always our joy and honor to see you and talk to you, so be sure to stop by and say hello!
You’ll find us at these times and locations:
Market Square in downtown Knoxville on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through March. We’ll be back at Market Square for the summer season beginning May 2, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Roane State Community College in Oak Ridge on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. until March 28. Then…
Oak Ridge Farmer’s Market at Jackson Square beginning Saturdays April 4, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Your Local Anderson County Farm
