July 2024 Newsletter
Hello Friends!
What’s New on the Farm!
As we shared in our “What’s New,” section last month, we have lots of new Rhode Island Red hens, and we’re building another Egg Mobile so these lovely ladies can ride around in style! Our Egg Mobiles transport our chickens to new pasture weekly so they have access to all their favorite foods, including fresh grass, worms, and bugs! It may not sound like the perfect meal to us, but to chickens it’s the ultimate feast! Moving the chickens regularly not only gives the chickens fresh pasture, but it also helps keep our fields fertilized and helps cut down on all the bugs that like to “bug” us! It’s the perfect way to keep nature balanced and keep our hens happy! It also allows us to provide our customers with delicious, healthy pastured eggs! It’s a win-win for everyone!
Why Pastured Pork?
Just like our pastured eggs, our pastured pork is healthier than conventional pork because our pigs are out on pasture (otherwise known as “hog heaven”) where they can eat a more diverse diet, including plants, insects, and nuts! They also have access to nearby woods, where they can get plenty of shade and find yummy nuts. Our pigs are never given antibiotics or hormones, and they are getting plenty of sunshine and fresh air! And if you know anything about pigs, they love a good mudhole in the summer, so they’re loving life out near the creek on a hot day, where they can roll around and get “piggy with it” in the mud! All this results in healthier pigs that are lower in saturated fats and higher in protein and vitamin E.
And while we’re on the subject of delicious, healthy pork, try out our pork chops with our favorite pork chop recipe!
Recipe of the Month
Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
Ingredients:
· 4 pork chops, ¾ to 1-inch thick
· Salt to taste
· 1 tsp. chili powder
· 1 tsp. onion powder
· ½ tsp. paprika
· ½ tsp. black pepper
· 1 Tbsp. olive oil or avocado oil
Directions:
1) Season pork chops on both sides with salt. Set aside.
2) Make the spice rub. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
3) Rub both sides of the pork chops with the spice rub. Use all of it.
4) Heat oil in a skillet (with a lid) over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork. Cook until golden, 2-3 minutes. Flip the pork so that the seared side is facing up.
5) Reduce the heat to low, then cover the skillet with a lid. (Make sure to use a lid. This helps keep in juices and flavor). Cook 6-12 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145F when inserted into thickest part of chop. Pork chops will be done when juices run clear.
Joke of the Month
Why did the pig dump her boyfriend? Because he was a real BOAR!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
As always, thank you for supporting local farms!! We LOVE chatting with our customers, so be sure to stop by & see us at the Farmer’s Market in Knoxville on Market Square on Saturdays!
Your Local Anderson County Farm. www.ivesterfarm.com