Rainbow Ranch Farms

Piglets!

2012-02-28T07:38:00.000-08:00

For more details, please visit our facebook page or come by the farm, to say "hello".

Sow (T.D)farrowing on 2-25-12

Mary, laying fresh bedding.

Sow (H-BLK)farrowing on 2-27-12.

R.S.V.P's, Subscriptions & Kick-Off!

2012-02-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your subscriptions, orders and R.S.V.P's.
As of today, 2/23/12 R.S.V.P's are closed.

Today is Thursday, February 23rd, 2012. All orders & subscriptions placed from today until March 22nd, 2012 will be ready for pick-up or delivery in April 2012.

If you are a farm member, volunteer, participant, rancher, R.R.F. consultant, farmer and/or artisan joining us for S.H. Kick-Off, and do not have directions, please email me rainbowranchfarms@gmail.com

If you have any questions, please call me 1-760-868-6206
Thank you!

Feb. 14th 2012 - Pasture Rotation System For Heritage Cattle

2012-02-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

The day began at 5:20am on Tuesday, February 14th 2012. Moving cattle, discussing the rotational pasture grid for 2012, making fence repairs, selecting ready-cattle (for processing) and preparing for pasture upgrades.

Thank you! American Kunekune Breeders Association, Satterfield Family, Moore Family & Dairy, Olde Reminisce Farms, Lori Enright, Jim Enright, John B. Sherry G. Marco S. Danite C. June N. and Tom N.

Old fashioned, pastured and grass fed, grass finished, Heritage beef!

WHAT A BRILLIANT DAY! XOXOXO

Monthly Specials

2012-02-07T08:22:00.001-08:00

Monthly Specials have been listed, for farm-members only! www.rainbowranchfarms.com

Members-Work Shares-Volunteers-Donations-Thank you!

2012-02-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

WORK-SHARES & VOLUNTEERS: Please call me 1-760-868-6206 to schedule your days. Thank you. We have days open this week and through the month. We sure need the help. Thank you.

MASSIVE THANK YOU!

Thank you to all our devoted farm members, artisans and volunteers for all your participation and for making wonderful things possible.

We, as a group thank the Watson family for keeping our packaging costs down to a minimum. The Watson family donates new coolers and freezer-packs to Rainbow Ranch Farms for our shipping needs. A grand scale was donated by the Watson family, which we use every day and thank you for bringing us wonderful gardening equipment, too. Thank you! XOXO

Thanks to our farm members, C.S.A. runs smooth

Donations to the farm: Egg cartons, Freezers, livestock blankets, sheets, Italian heirloom seeds (W.F.), tables, chairs, stop sign, feeding buckets, livestock pipe corrals, pipe-shelter, soaker hoses, processing table, giant insulated-coolers, Ice-chests, sealer machine, meat scales (digital & manual), freezer-gel-packs, drip line-hoses, aqua-culture trays, spaghetti lines, and heirloom seedlings, building supplies, work & farm clothes, documentary DVD's, +++. Thank you!

Stephen R. and Gloria P. donated a case of 1-quart jars to Mary's Farm and they are much needed. Wide-mouths are exactly what she needed. Most appreciated. Thank you! XOXO

Getting Ready For Sat. Pick-Up

2012-02-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

Today: Separating fresh beef, pork, chicken and more for pick-up. 3 Dexters, 1 lowline Angus, 2 kunekune hogs, 2 English hogs (yes, the big black English Grande) all processed. Currently processing poultry. See you all tomorrow. I will be unavailable by phone, email or fb until Monday. Thank you

Happy superbowl Sunday!!

February: Farm Pick-Up & Shipping

2012-02-01T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hello and good morning:

All subscriptions placed between Jan. 1st and Jan. 23rd. for pick-up, will be ready for pick-up on Sat. Feb. 4th. 10am - 12 noon.

All subscriptions placed between Jan. 1st and Jan. 23rd. for shipping, will be shipped-out on Feb. 6th, 7th and 8th.

Special Orders: will be ready for pick-up on Feb. 13th, 14th and 15th.

If you have placed a subscription for pick-up and do not have directions, please email: rainbowranchfarms@gmail.com

Log-Into www.rainbowranchfarms.com
and view our "Monthly Specials". These are available for pick-up throughout the month. Simply call 1-760-868-6206 and make an appointment to come-by.

Starting a small scale cattle operation:

2012-01-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

We get many calls and inquiries about our cattle management and breeding protocols. We are always happy to help a small start-up operation.

It can be very challenging indeed to select the right breeds for your operation, learning about A.I. or natural covering, learning when a cow or heifer is in season, about calving, and so much more… it can be overwhelming, but please do not let that damper your great adventure into cattle ranching. It is easy, fun and very rewarding for folks of all ages, yes, children too.

Make your breed selections and decide what kind of cattle operation fits your needs.

Do you want a dairy cow? Do you want to grow your own beef? Do you want a little of both?

Do you want beautiful cattle for showcasing?

Decide if you want a bull on-site for natural covering or if you prefer A.I.(artificial insemination)

Have a good plan in place for feeding or pasture (living grass) grazing

Provide 24hr access to clean water

Make time to spend with your animals

Select a seasoned and experienced bull for a first time heifer. Be certain that bone structures and breed are similar as to avoid any injuries from breeding or a challenging pregnancy or difficulty calving.

We never breed yearlings, but that is just what we prefer.

Decide in advance, what you are going to do with a bull calf and what you are going to do with a heifer calf. It is always good to have a short term and long term plan.

We keep the calves with their mothers, we simply do things naturally. There are several choices for you to select from.

Develop a list of reliable and honest veterinarians, experienced breeders, log-time ranchers, helpful neighbors, and knowledgeable friends to be a phone call away, at a moment’s notice. Always be proud to ask questions, ask for advice, and ask for help! ***Never let an animal suffer due to your pride, that is not acceptable.***

Did you know that calves will stay on teat for up-to 1 whole year, if the mother allows?
Each individual cow is different and it is important to know your herd and their behaviors.

PROBLEMS: Things happen, even if everything you do is perfect. Do not let this discourage you. Be ready for any possible complications arising in your herd, such as injuries, sickness, dry-coat, loss of appetite, know the signs of copper deficiency etc.

SOLUTIONS:
You do not have to be a veterinarian to cattle ranch, you do not need to be a geneticist to selectively breed. Do not be misled by garbage being pumped out onto the internet by so-called experts.

True ranching, industry professionals are always ready, glad and willing to help each other. You will rarely hear them speak above your head (very rude), and they are always ready and eager to participate in helping you succeed.

We know from our many years of experience and knowledge that the most important thing is to have a strong love, true respect and understanding of all the animals you are working with.

It is not rocket science! But it can and will get very-very expensive. We manage our cattle expenses 1-2 years in advance. This method works for us, since we operate a private C.S.A. program.

Our pure breed and registered cattle have been grown by children for 4-h projects and F.F.A with tremendous success, and we are very proud.

Our cattle have gone into the show circuit by both children and adults, (even adults new to the showcasing circuit): with great success.

Our cattle end up on our dinner plate, and they are most delicious and nutritious.

Whatever your ideas or desires, we are happy to share our knowledge, education, experience and resources with you, to help you get started. We will put you in touch with honest and reliable industry professionals and veterinarians, field processors, butchers, ranchers and more, to get your list started.

If you are looking for small (dual purpose) breeds, heritage cattle, we have purebred Australian Herefords, American Lowlines (not hybrid), True Heritage, lowline Angus and Irish Dexters. We can help you put together a very nice starter herd.

If you are looking for hybrid “meat class” cattle, we can put you in touch with some of our wonderful rancher-friends that specialize in Certified Red Angus, Black Angus and White Angus, as well as various English and French breeds.

Some of our friends have been family ranchers for 3 and 4 consecutive generations and that is impressive, and we love them!

Place your subscription orders for Feb. Pick-Up

2012-01-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

6 days left to place your subscription orders. We are almost sold-out for Feb. www.rainbowranchfarms.com

Grazed and Grass Fed/Finished, Heritage Beef

Grass Fed, Heritage Pork

Heritage, Free Range, Chicken

Heritage lamb, pastured and grass finished: Please order before Jan. 23rd. weights will be between 25-30lbs each. Includes cut and wrap.

Farm Pick-Up and Co-op Photos

2012-01-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Sam will be here today to take temperatures of the soil, where 2012 growing beds will be started. Members are welcome to volunteer!

What was Lesley doing on Jan 5th, 2012? Besides raking and cleaning grow-off coops, this beautiful lady was busy preparing Rainbow Ranch Farms CSA poultry, and stacking the fresh meats in the coolers.

January 7th Pick-up at the farm was filled with excitement as usual!

Rainbow Ranch Farms, little co-op!

Rainbow Ranch Farms, C.S.A. Pick-up at the farm!

"KORN!!"

One of the next set of horns, have been reserved by Tiara!

Jan. 7th 2012 Farm Pick-Up.

2012-01-07T05:13:00.000-08:00

Today's pick-up: EXTRAS!! cows heads, cow heart, pig head (cut in half, pig skins, pig hoofs, cow hoofs, pork fat, Pork Jowl, Extra steaks, roasts, ground beef, kabob + ALL turkeys $25.00 each!! Everything goes!!

First come-first serve!! See you 10am-12noon.

Thank you Lesley, who volunteered to package all the delicious chickens, loaded hundreds of pounds of fresh meat into the coolers, and spent an entire day working-hard on the farm to help get us ready for January farm pick-up. Pictures will be posted on our facebook page!!

January 2012:
We have a very short window of opportunity to clear-out range 2, till and plant before chickens go back into range 2, so we need to work fast.

We finally got a Troy-Built hand push tractor that is gas operated and has the capabilities of many applications. Right now it has a tiller on it, and thanks to the Watson, Guez, Erstad, and Vezina families, we have all the seeding, soaking, drip(water conservation)and tilling equipment we need to move forward easier than ever before. We even developed a method to keep the bulldozing livestock out of the growing beds..YAY!!

1. We R getting ready to till Range 2 for planting pasture with heirloom herb varieties, leafy greens and vegetables for the chickens, ducks, game birds and turkeys.
2. Expecting 1000 day-old chicks
3. Sam and Dennis are preparing starter plants for crops and herbs for farm members.
4. We will be moving the livestock night-time housing around, in an effort to feed and soften more of our desert landscape for next years growing beds.
5. Developing more worm beds, and more-more-more maggot beds for this year's birds.NOM-NOM!!

NEWS:
This year, we are happy to be working with a sharp team of volunteer farm-member consultants and architects that specialize in green building solutions "U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Rating System". We are very fortunate that one of our farm member's, Lesley, specializes in this area. We plan to improve and enlarge our processing area to accomodate more comfortable conditions, better efficiency and more sustainabilty.

Thank you for all your support, guidance and participation!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T04:29:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Remember, the best way to get in touch is by telephone 1-760-868-6206, I only check emails and FB between 4:15am and 5:30am, after that we are out back, on the home farm, processing, packaging, shipping, making repairs, improvements, hauling from the pasture and our breeders, processing plants, butcher shops, delivering or packaging for shipping +++.

Subscriptions, Deadlines, Pick-Up/Shipping

2011-12-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

All C.S.A. subscriptions placed between Nov. 24th and yesterday, Dec. 23rd will be ready for pick-up on Jan 7th (I hope, LOL) and shipping on the week of Jan 9th 2012. All subscriptions placed from today (Dec. 24th 2011) through January 23rd 2011 will be processed for February 2012. Thank you and Merry Christmas!!

We can't thank you enough!! XOXOXO

2011-12-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of our farm members, family and friends for all your support and participation.

It is wonderful that so many, including children are interested in farm/ranch daily operations and it is important that we know about the facts of growing food, developing healthy meats and proper/safe processing.

It is vital that we know and understand why grain fed/finished cattle and lamb (ruminants) is the worst choice to make and to know why, grass fed/free range/pastured pork, cattle, goats and lamb is always the best selection.

Poultry on a free range, with access to plenty of bugs, grubs and insects and offered a free choice of grass based, certified organic feeds makes for the most delicious and nutritionally wholesome chicken for your family dinner, and this has been scientifically proven time after time.

Unfortunately, we all read ridiculous and made-up claims made about production, feeding, genetics and or breeding practices and need to learn to understand how to tell what is faux and what is real. We also need to understand how to interpret these claims. This is just one reason why a verified or trusted farm/ranch operation is always the smart choice! Join us for workshops in 2012.

It is a simple life to grow wholesome food; even children in 4H and FFA do this. We are lucky to have a head start with our farming and ranching knowledge and family history and since 1991 we have been applying it to our adult lives. Who Knew?? LOL!

We, as a group learn so much valuable information from each other and because of this; our little farm/ranch will be growing by way of more produce production.

Thank you to all the farmers/ranchers/processing plants that have invited and allowed us to work and volunteer with you, it has been awesome to participate in your operations. Yes, Including milking Gloria’s goats and Mary’s goats, cutting/baling on Mike’s pasture, planting seeds for Kevin’s CSA, and harvesting October squashes, wrangling William’s cattle for out-of state transport, chasing Karen’s sheep and lambs for loading LOL-LOL (smart little buggers), and so much more.

We thank you!! for, volunteering, donating to the farm/ranch, working with the livestock, inspectors and farming/ranching operations and thank you for your hard work and participation. We always enjoy your visits and spending time catching up, while working, Tee -Hee.

We have been naturally growing our own meat and eggs since 1991 and in that time we have been encouraged by you, to share the bounties. Now we grow enough for all our farm members, family and friends.

Participation says it all: Let’s have another Shin-Dig!!
Say YES TO: Heritage breeds, heirloom sources, slow grown, grass-based, permaculture, sustainability, bio-dynamic and “True” organic methods, urban farming, community gardens, free range and pure meats.

Say NO TO: G.M.O’s, subsidized grains, herbicides, G.E.O’s, hybrid breeds of livestock, hybrid seeds, H.F.C.S. in foods, and artificial finishing and fattening (fat is cheaper to gain than meat), Why buy cheap fat? What a shame.

Our heritage breeds, put on a natural and organic finish without any grains, no corn, no barley and no soy….Brilliant!! And have the fulfilling flavor and nutritional wholesomeness that Greek and Roman Gods would fight for…LOL!! LOL!!

As a small group of like minded people, Rainbow Ranch Farms members, friends and family are making the difference we wnat to see. We participate in C.S.A. programs because we trust our farmers, know the food and are welcome to participate directly in all aspects of farming/ranching operations. This is a HUGE part of traceability and responsibility.

To know and understand how to grow food (breeds, zones, climates etc.) is a vital part of life and we are doing it nature’s way!

Merry Christmas to You ALL!! Rainbow Ranch Farm Members, freinds, family, neighbors and participants “You Rock!” XOXOXXO

Know Your Farmer - Know and Trust Your Food!

2011-12-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Cattle Brand Inspections, Livestock Inspections, Verifications, Certifications & Traceability!!

Rainbow Ranch Farms is a private group of farm members, volunteers, participants, friends, family and neighbors.. breeding, growing, raising, producing and processing premium, grassfed, grazed, pastured livestock/meats.

About transparency and traceability: Our members know what it is we (as a group) do, how we do it, and why. There are certain things that laws and regulations require us to do, like livestock inspections, National Organic Program verification, DNA testing for registered breeds, USDA and CDFA Inspections, Health and safety Inspections, label and claims verifications and all records for review, just to name few.

We thank all of our members who took part in all our inspections this past year!

We do not lease B.L.M. Pastures or government graze land, we only work within our own private member base for all operations! We work very closely with our family, friends & farm members.

Thank you to all our wonderful family, friends & members who made 2011 an awesome year for sustainable, organic farming.

Livestock "BRAND" inspections apply to"cattle only" in California when they are bought, sold, traded, moved to/from rotational pastures, transported to slaughter plants etc.. The livestock "Brand" Inspector inspects each head and records cattle coming/going and checks to make sure all the ownership paperwork is in order, makes certain that the cattle are not stolen etc. We must show proper records and he/she inspects the brands(if any) of the cattle.

Reputable cattle and livestock producers follow legal Federal, State and County protocols, laws and regulations.

Livestock verifications and Inspections can apply to all livestock breeding by private party and by registered associations. Livestock Inspection is not to be confused with livestock "BRAND" Inspection, which is for only cattle, in California.

Rainbow Ranch Farms provide our family, members, friends, neighbors and consumers with details of how to manage our herds and flocks, our feeds and feed sources, and our pasture/ range management techniques and protocols. This makes it easy for our volunteers, family, members and friends to help and work on R.R.F. farms and ranches, with ease.

Here at Rainbow Ranch Farms, farm members, family and friends volunteer to operate the farms and ranches, assuring that all our consumers and members work with the animals that will be feeding their precious family, and understand why we follow EXTREME,strict breeding, feeding, growing, processing, hauling and humane handling protocols "Second to none".

Thank you for being so supportive, helping wrangle, farrowing, lambing, calving, cleaning, processing, hauling, etc.. etc.. We could not do it without you!! Thank you!

Not all farmers/ranchers are the same, this is what makes the world go around. Something for everyone! We are small, family "rural" farm with limited openings for membership opportunity.

For example: We raise purebred/pedigree cattle, Irish Dexters, Lowline Angus (NOT HYBRID), Lowline Herefords and various English and French breeds and crosses. In order to market or claim that beef as what it is we have to follow strict guidelines, laws, regulations and verification protocols.

The same is true for grass fed, pastured, grazed and grass/pasture finished. There are guidelines, laws and regulations that must be followed to "legally" make these claims. Grass fed does not necessarily mean grass finished, however grass or pasture finished does mean grass fed (most of the time).

When our livestock go to market or to slaughter there are several different ways we do it. If that animal is to be custom processed for farm members, neighbors, family and freinds, the mobile butcher/processor comes to the ranch, home-farm or pasture and dresses the stock on site, or we take (haul) it to a custom processing plant, then the carcass is hauled in a refrigerated truck to the butcher of choice for cut and wrap.

If a member has requested U.S.D.A. Inspected, (required when sold to the general public) Kosher or Halal, we transport to a USDA Inspected slaughter plant, which is also humane handling and certified organic, for processing, as per our member's request.

When cattle, hogs, lambs and goats are being sold at a retail point and offered to the general public via butcher shop, market etc.. they are processed at a USDA Inspected facility(certified organic and humane handling) and transported without breaking U.S.D.A. Inspection and/or traceability protocol.

Meat intended to be sold at a retail store, farmers market, health food store, butcher shop or via-internet, to the general public, must be U.S.D.A. Inspected and Processed under U.S.D.A. Inspection and bear a Federally Inspected stamp. These facilities must be licensed and inspected by the C.D.F.A., U.S.D.A. and/or Department of Environmental Health or the product is not legal for retail or wholesale sale to the general public.

Meats that are USDA inspected and processed here in California for sale to the General Public, are available in multiple forms: whole carcass, primal cuts, unpackaged in a display case, vacuum sealed or butcher paper wrapped with a U.S.D.A. Inspected label and safe handling instructions on the shipping container or on each individual piece.

It is against the law to adulterate any meat label.

Here at Rainbow Ranch Farms we grow, raise and process heritage and rare/endangered breeds of livestock. Our farm members are directly involved in every aspect of Rainbow Ranch Farms operations and protocols. We, as a group, back up our claims with verifiable paperwork, our own eyes and inspections. Just because a turkey has Spanish Black, Bourbon Red, or Eastern Wild colors, doesn't make it a purebreed "registerable" Heritage Breed. There must be proof (sometimes D.N.A. tests too)that the turkey, hog, cattle, lamb, chicken, duck etc.. is what it is claimed it to be.

Here at Rainbow Ranch Farms we are fortunate to have developed our own "Terroir" heritage breeds also, which are now available as farm choice.

All claims must be verified by a governing agency or entity (Heritage Breeds, free range, pastured, no corn, no soy, no wheat, no G.M.O's no barley, no grains, Gluten-free, fresh, freshly frozen etc.) or they can't be marketed or claimed as such.

A LITTLE TID-BIT FACT:Some cross breeds can carry the Heritage claim. The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy is a great source (not the only source) for learning about heritage breeds.

Thank you for getting us verified.. For Free!!
Rainbow Ranch Farms is a verified source for pure meats: Heritage breeds, free range, grass fed, pastured, grazed, No corn, No soy, No wheat, No barley, No grains, No G.M.O's, humane handing, using our own Certified Organic, species specifc feeds and fodder, and Gluten-Free! no vaccines, no medications, no antibiotics, no steroids, no hormones, no pesticides, no herbicides!

Just PURE and delicious Premium, gourmet meats!!

Because of all our wonderful family, friends, members and inspectors we now have several farms where we grow our heritage livestock. Our C.S.A. continues to grow into a joint effort and we can not imagine anything better than that. We have been blessed with a wonderful group of like minded people.

Our gourmet, premium and PURE meats are available online through our various websites, participating websites, select health food stores, specialty butcher shops, various co-op's, through several catering services, direct at the home-farm (Pick-Up, and we offer shipping direct to your doorstep).

Our meats are also available in Utah, Arizona and Nevada!!

Although we work closely with the U.S.D.A.compliance Inspectors, livestock Inspectors, and the C.D.F.A. we are not U.S.D.A., C.D.F.A. inspectors or Health department workers or specialists. All above statements are from our own interpretations and understandings. Please consult with your local federal and state agency for accurate legal regulations and laws!! or visit www.usda.gov

We had a great 2011 year! and we thank all our volunteers, participants, members, family, peeps and neighbors.

We thank all our wonderful livestock inspectors, Brand inspectors, U.S.D.A. and C.D.F.A. inspectors and we look forward to yet another year of growing premium, gourmet, pure meats.

Remember, If you don't know your farmer/rancher, you are not part of a true C.S.A. program!

$2.00lb USDA Inspected Pork Tenderloin Mix-UP

2011-12-13T06:13:00.001-08:00

$2.00lb (only 8 packages)We will have the (switched, scroll down for details) USDA pork tenderloin packages available in the offal cooler, along w/ soup bones, heart, liver, hoofs ++..First come, first serve/no shipping on offal/tenderloin. Pick-up Sat. Jan 7th 2012 10am - 12 noon.

Mix-up at the butcher!! Members Please Read!

2011-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

Members: ABOUT PORK!! NOT all pork we picked up was our pork!!

There was a mix-up at the butcher, a farmers market vendor accidentally picked up OUR pork tenderloin and some other packages!!! Please post, please share!! Some of the pork from pick-up on Dec. 10th was not RRF HOG!! There was a pick-up mix-up!!!

Some of our pork tenderloin got mixed-up with a farmers market seller! Please be advised! The market seller got some of our pork and we got some of thiers.. Do not "like" their pork better than ours!! OMG!!!

There is nothing we can do, The farmers market seller, sold our pork at a farmers market!! This was an accident! please post and share!! Good thing he was not inspected during the market, he was selling custom processed pork illegally and by accident!

I am by the phone: call me with any questions or concerns 1-760-868-6206. Please share this info!! It is labeled as USDA inspected.

FFL 1-A CSA Program Renewal!

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Members to renew FFL-1-A on Sat. Dec. 10th. When renewing at the farm, membership fee is waived.

When renewing via www.rainbowranchfarms.com please renew before Dec. 15th (deadline) for 2012 FFL 1-A CSA.

Heritage Cattle & Birthing At The Farm & Ranch

2011-12-02T05:43:00.000-08:00

Jasper drops her calf at 7:20am on 11/23/2011 and it's a girl. Jasper is a pedigree, registered Dexter and calf is a white face, so cute. Here they were in the birthing chamber for the first 3 days and it was quite cold. Now they are all over the place.

Jasper is a great mother and is 12 years old.
The calf was named "Jasmine"

Jasmine, 1 minute old: born in the middle of the property, just after a cold and wet spell.

Now baby David and the Heritage, Lowline Angus calf/steers have another friend to play with.

Pick-Up Sat. Dec. 10th

2011-11-23T05:34:00.001-08:00

Farm Pick-Up has been rescheduled to Sat. Dec. 10th. 10am-12pm, Please share this on your facebook page, blog, twitter and pass it along!! NO pick-up on sat. 3rd.

Thanksgiving Turkey P/U & Shipping

2011-11-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

Turkey shipping today, check your email 4 tracking #, if you do not get a tracking # by 3:00pm, call me immediately 1-760-868-6206.

Butcher Your Own Turkey, Tue Nov. 22nd -10am.

Pick-up at the farm today 10am-2pm.

Turkey Pick-Up/Shipping

2011-11-16T04:22:00.001-08:00

Turkey pick up on Sunday, Nov. 20th & Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Turkeys will be shipped-out Monday Nov. 21st and expected to arrive on or before Wednesday Nov. 23rd.

Butchering your own? Be here early (9-10am)on Tuesday, Nov. 22nd. Bring a cooler w/Ice. Call 1-760-868-6206

FFL 1-A Renewal

2011-11-12T04:13:00.001-08:00

FFL-1-A CSA has been improved for 2012.

Subscription deadline is Dec. 15th 2011. Please contact me to renew. FFL 1-A members get first choice of renewal. There are limited openings. Thank you!

Please check the new and improved program www.rainbowranchfarms.com more food than 2011 and longer seasonal harvests.

Thanksgiving Turkeys

2011-11-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Processing heritage, free-range turkeys, between today and Nov.21st.

Your turkey will have the abreviation of breed and weight on tag:

WH = White Holland

WM = White Midget

RGW = Rio Grande Wild

RP = Royal Palm

BR = Bourbon Red

NARR = Narragansett Wild

CHOC = Chocolate

SB = Spanish Black

BS = Blue Slate

EW = Eastern Wild

®Ξενία’s Turkeys™
Terroir Desert Gold Turkey
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Terroir Desert Platinum Turkey
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

If you were not able to reserve your turkey on time, from Rainbow Ranch Farms; Please contact Lindy & Grundy Meats: 801 fairfax, Los Angeles, CA.: Call 323-951-0804 and reserve your turkey.

Be sure to get orders in as early as possible and pick-your turkey up, as soon as you can. They will sell-out FAST!!!

Calving At Rainbow Ranch Farms

2011-11-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

BEHOLD, a pure breed, pedigree Dexter calf born on 11/03/2011 at 1:20pm and weighed 45lbs.

within 10-15 minutes of being born, this beauty was standing, walking and jumping!

The Dam: a registered, pure breed, pedigree Dunn Dexter.

The Sire: a registered, pure breed, pedigree Black Dexter.

To save a calf and his Dam we called upon the troups for help (from Davis, CA. clear down to San Diego, CA.), our friends, various Veterinarians, family, farm members, volunteers, fellow ranchers and farmers: John Buccanan (Veterinarian, cattle/horse rancher/livestock management), Keith Betar (Race horses/cattle rancher/farmer/livestock mamagement & breeder), Sue Betar (pediatric nurse, race horses,cattle rancher/livestock management & breeder), Mary (goat farmer, M.H./livestock management & breeder), David Shirley (business man, volunteer, farm member, Restaurateur/livestock birthing coach), Carl (pasture management specialist, cattle/horse rancher/animal science & livestock breeder), Dennis Kelley (cattle rancher, farmer, livestock management & livestock breeder), Xenia (animal science, M.H., cattle rancher, farmer, livestock management/humane handling consultant & livestock breeder), Jaime Sinclair (humane handling consultant, veterinarian, sheep farmer, ruminant specialist & livestock breeder)and Scott Way (cattle rancher, animal science, horse rancher, livestock management and breeding).

Team work (with specialists)at Rainbow Ranch Farms for over 10 days & nights.

This was a difficult calving and compications started over 10 days before the calving. The Dam was lost, despite the round-the-clock efforts of many specialists. This was a heart break to be felt for a lifetime. Midge was a graceful heifer and had a gentle dispostion.

Her first birthing, and she was carrying twins. The initial preg-check did not detect the second calf, had the Veterinarians known, they would have taken a different/alternative approach. Midge was in well experienced & capable hands throughout this entire ordeal, yet she could not be saved. She was kept very comfortable and did not suffer.

She was well fed, hydrated and kept warm, clean, safe and comfortable. Thank you to all the wonderful people who assisted. Had it not been for all you wonderful folks, we would have lost both the heifer and the calf.

Our approach was to do ANYTHING & EVERYTHING to save her and the calf.

In both horses and cattle it is common practice to pinch off one of the twins to help prevent self absorbtion (especially on a first time birthing), but in this case the second calf went undetected in the initial preg-check.

It was a miracle the Dam held on as long she did and calved a beautiful, healthy calf. The Dam passed away within 3 hours of calving.

Currently the calf is in the laundry room, sleeping on moving blankets, being bottle fed raw goat milk. I was able to extract some of the mothers cholostrum and although it was not abundant, it will do. Thank God We have plenty of A-2 colostrum and milk here on the farm.

Calves, Box Truck, Kunekune, FFL, Lambs+

2011-10-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

CATTLE:

3:37am, gearing up for California, state livestock inspection(cattle)today on pasture. Dennis and the pros(Jacob, Leo and Sarah..tee-hee) will be moving, hauling and pulling calves. Rainbow Ranch Farms have added Lowline Angus and Lowline Hereford cattle to the herd of Dexters, Limousin, Charolais, Jerseys, Holsteins and crosses. 3 of the Lowline Angus, bull calves will be coming here to the home front.

Rainbow Ranch Farms is planning on moving cattle herd closer to the home front(within a 200 mile radius). If any member has pasture land available for the farm members herd, please let me know.

The farm needs another/upgraded truck for hauling the livestock trailer, the 69 Ford is not what it used to be (but, still ticking), if you or someone you know has a truck for Rainbow Ranch Farms, it is needed.

Box-Truck:
Rainbow Ranch Farms needs to borrow/utilize a small box truck for the month of November, we are happy to trade for rent or usage. If you or anyone you know, has one for the farm to use for November, please let me know 1-760-868-6206.

F.F.L. 1-A:
F.F.L. 1-A please renew at farm pick-up for 2012.
Starting in 2012, the farm is considering offering pick-up on both the first Saturday and the first Sunday of each month, in an effort to offer members more open and flexible options.

Vounteers:
Volunteers needed to process all the Coq-Au-Vin/soup/stew/broth roosters. They are HUGE!! and the last ones I harvested were weighing 5-7lbs each.

Kunekune Pigs:
More Kunekune pigs are scheduled to come to the farm before January, get your subscriptions in for luau and oven roasters.

Thank you to keith, Dennis, David S., the kids, Sirpa and Kristin for being such a tremendous help on the last Kunekune (luau) processing day, last week. What a task! LOL-LOL.

Sheep/Lambs:
Rainbow Ranch Farms pure breed Saint Croix and Black Barbado sheep on pasture: 3 ewes have dropped lambs, the girls that are here on the home front will have another tup coming soon! The Dorper crosses will be ready for processing in the Spring of 2012.

Quail:
Tender and delicious Quail will be available exclusively at L.G. Meats.

Turkeys:
Starting 2012, Rainbow Ranch Farms will have a limited supply of heritage turkey available all year!

FREE - Mulch, Compost, Manure - FREE
Farm members are always welcome to pick up mulch, manure and compost from the decomposing section. This is a combination of decomposing poultry, game bird, cattle, hog and sheep manure, bedding materials, feathers, blood meal and a rich blend of all farm organic matter. Perfect for your garden, fruit trees, flower beds and farm. Call for pick-up, bring a shovel and some happy helpers.

The farm is currently moving the hot stuff to the front growing bed area for curing. Always select from the back 40.

I need more coffee!!

Heritage Turkeys Subscriptions/Orders

2011-10-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

4:41AM Good morning all, how are you?
Heritage turkeys for thanksgiving must be subscribed to by Oct. 31st.

FFL members, if U would like your turkey ready for pick-up on Sat. 11/5/11 let me know.
1-760-868-6206 or email me!

Sun. Oct. 23rd is closing day of C.S.A. subscription orders for Pick-Up at the farm on Sat. Nov. 5th.

Subscription orders being placed between Oct.24th through Oct.30th will be shipped within the first 2 weeks in Nov or if being placed for pick-up, pick-up will be the first Sat. in Dec.

C.S.A. subscriptions/orders placed between Oct. 1st -Oct. 30th for shipping, will be shipped within the first 2 weeks of Nov.

Thank you!

About Our Farm Members: Thank you!

2011-10-21T06:21:00.000-07:00

Thank you to our volunteers, participants and farm members for making great things happen!

Some of R.R.F. volunteers, consultants & helpers: Dave V., Tom N., June N., Sherry G., Stephan G.,Sirpa, Karen, Kristen P., Craig R. & Gary, Angel G., Gloria P., Keith, Sue, Lesley S., David S., Mary E., Zoubeda (and whole family), Andrew, Dennis K., Julia V., Johnny L., Albert S., Katherine B., Mike & CC M., David B., Carl, All the beautiful/helpful children... and the list will require it's very own website, to continue, THANK YOU! xoxoxo

Our new door, stretching netting, improving/erecting fencing, Processing & packaging poultry & luau hogs, pulling calves, hauling cattle, cleaning coops, building livestock housing/shelters & the honey shack, organizing the butchering barn, raking & moving manure. Sheep and lamb management, direct livestock care and making Rainbow Ranch Farms the #1 "working" member, volunteer and "participant operated" farm in California and probably the U.S.A.

Thank you for all the wonderful gifts and sharing delicious goodies, mm-mm-nn..Artisan cookies, breads, baked goods, homemade root beer, ginger ale & broth, home grown Pomegranates, lemons, herbs, giant garlic, Organic coconut products, roasted and smoked chickens, living baskets, tomatoes & broth, Artisan cheese, BBQ sauces, tooth powders, heirloom seeds and starter plants, T-shirts and homemade table savers for hot pots, and so much more... XOXOXOX

Rainbow Ranch Farms, where we all know, trust and love each other. We know our farmers, know our butchers, know our processors and know our food. Woooo-Hoooo!

Thanksgiving Turkeys: Deadline 10/31/11

2011-10-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Turkeys must be subscibed to before the end of October. FFL members already have turkeys reserved. Members visit www.rainbowranchfarms.com to reserve your turkey. Non-members, look for us on http://www.localharvest.org/california-free-range-heritage-turkey-C6516

Oct. 2011 Pick-Up Details

2011-09-30T09:03:00.000-07:00

Remember, please bring glass, 1QT jars and egg cartons. FFL participants, eggs and chickens will be available for purchase (wholesale FFL prices). Eggs and chickens are not included in 2011 FFL, Oct.- Nov. or Dec.

www.rainbowranchfarms.com

October: Farm Pick-Up

2011-09-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

Farm Pick-Up: Saturday October 1st. 10:00am - 11:30am
Remember to bring your subscription/order printout and a cooler w/frozen gel packs or ice, to pick-up your products.

Any questions, call Rainbow Ranch Farms 1-760-868-6206

STEAKS STEAKS STEAKS: POST HERE!!

2011-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Steaks offer, post here..

Oct. C.S.A. Subscriptions

2011-09-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

ABOUT C.S.A. PICK-UP:
Place subscriptions before September 23rd, for farm pick-up.
ABOUT C.S.A. SHIPPING:
All subscriptions placed between September 1st and September 29th, will be shipped out within the first 14 days of the new month.
www.rainbowranchfarms.com

Coq-Au-Vin - Roosters

2011-09-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

Roosters are ready! Members, you are welcome to process your own. These are the big boys,and perfect for Coq-Au-Vin, slow roasting, stew, soups, broth and stock. Call to schedule your processing time and date: 1-760-868-6206.

Pick-Up Manure, Mulch and Dried Manure

2011-09-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

The hogs and chickens have been working hard, turning the mulch and compost pile out back. Anyone needing good, healthy compost, dried manure and mulch, you are welcome to pick-up. Bring truck and shovel! Call 1-760-868-6206

September Poultry C.S.A. Shipments

2011-09-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Rainbow Ranch Farms C.S.A. Poultry program:

Sept. Poultry CSA shipments will be shipped out on Monday, Sept. 12th, Tuesday Sept. 13th and Wednesday Sept. 14th.

For more info, please visit www.rainbowranchfarms.com "information"

The Future Of Food

2011-09-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.thefutureoffood.com/
I watched this for the 4th time. It is available on www.hulu.com and on www.netflix.com

Cajon Fire!!

2011-09-02T18:06:00.001-07:00

If the cajon fire keeps you off the freeway on Saurday, that's okay, we will be here on Sunday for you! Be careful!!

KCRW 89.9FM 12 noon today

2011-09-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

‎5:36am and good morning...

Rainbow Ranch Farms has been invited to participate on KCRW.COM-89.9FM - Listen LIVE, Pod Cast, Streaming ++ Airs @ 12 Noon TODAY Thursday, Spetember 1st 2011.

Show will be talking tomatoes, home cooking and range chicken, well (RRF) range chicken.

There will be very exciting guests, sporting knowledge, fun facts and experience.

The professionals be talking tomatoes and home cooking. Please tune-in, will be fun and informative.

Rainbow Ranch Farms will promise to offer stuttering, dead air space, ummm, hmmnn and mixed up facts.. TEEE-HEEE...

Thank you, Erika, Amelia, Katie, Warren and KCRW 89.9FM. Rainbow Ranch Farms is proud and honored to have been considered and invited to participate in this show.

Updated Security Measures by Michelle

2011-08-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone that was able to help.

Rainbow Ranch Farms, is the only farm in it's class, that we even know of. It stands to reason that you follow the leader and learn all you can about the farm setting prec·e·dent/ˈpresid(ə)nt/ - especially if you are making similar, unverified claims.

New and improved RRF security measures and updated privacy programming are in place.

Here's what happened next..The desperate attempted intuder!

She thought trafficfaker.com would protect her ISP address and her browsing activity, but we found the desperate (attempted)hacker. She has been using fake email addresses from Live.com, msn.com and yahoo.com. It has been handled.

She holds over 4 fake email accounts on facebook and was trying to download RRF members/friends list to make unauthorized contact with RRF members.

She fell for all traps (hook, line and sinker)set by programmers, servers, facebook administrators and of course RRF computer nerds.

This was a desperate attempt to steal RRF proprietary livestock feed information, legal farm share and membership agreement, farm member lists, physical locations of all RRF farms and both owned and leased pasture fields, livestock records and to gain access to RRF prices, products, photos and protocols.

This is what cracked us up..LOL RRF does NOT keep records on computer..LOL- RRF is like the Amish over there in the desert.

As a result, RRF farm phone line was also fully inspected (overkill) and new phone security measures have been put into place. Verizon was very helpful and did all the upgrades for FREE.

Thank goodness RRF security and privacy measures are always top-noch and updated regularly. She was NOT able to get in, hack, infiltrate or gather any info. Simply trying desperately to infiltrate F/B members pages, website, and blog.

This issue was immediately recognized, reported, addressed and quickly resolved.

RRF Yahoo-group will be closing, please join RRF here on rainbowranchfarms.blogspot.com Facebook.com or twitter.com to continue getting your updates!

RRF F/B fiends list is now private and can not be seen, by anyone. RRF website security measures have been updated and new log-in info has been applied.

After consulting with RRF merchant account administrator, they are in the process of further securing RRF check-out buttons, to ensure not only merchants account optimum security and privacy guarantee, but increased security that meets RRF CRAZY standards. Including: only loggged-in (currently subscribed) subscribers can subscribe to C.S.A. and CO-OP products through RRF website.

NEW website susbscription buttons will be up by mid-September.

Thanks to everyone involved, for volunteering time, software, cables, great music, delicious food, knowledge and dedicating so many resources to protecting the privacy of Rainbow Ranch Farms, members, volunteers and paticipants.

RRF is a private, member-only farm, CSA and CO-OP. RRF members own and operate the farms as a group. We all share similar philosophies and standards regarding how are food is handled, grown and harvested. It is illegal to steal proprietary information and intruders and infiltrators to our groups will not be tolerated.

If you are not a member and would like to learn about RRF, take a RRF workshop class, they are offered throughout the year.

Next chapter.....
Michelle (farm member, participant and volunteer).

Castrating Pigs - Grass Fed -GRASS FARMERS

2011-08-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

KNOW YOUR FOOD - KNOW YOUR FARMER -

CASTRATING PIGS :
Castrating pigs can sometimes be necessary, depending on what the future plans for that particular pig are.
Castration is not always necessary to produce delicious pork.

An experienced hog grower, while managing a small herd, can grow delicious boar, in addition to RAINBOW RANCH FARMS, DA LE RANCH IN LAKE ELSINORE,CA. GROWS DELICIOUS BOARS ALSO.

GRASS FEEDING PIGS :
Pigs enjoy grasses, fruits, vegetables, root crops, rotting carcasses and pretty much everything in between.

When growing hogs organically, biodynamically and naturally, by permaculture methods, it is important to have a strong understanding of the moon cycle, numerology, building, earth science, livestock, health, proper diet, nutrition, feeding and species specific knowledge and experience.

Very few (count them on 1 hand) farmers are grass based (in the U.S.A.) and only 2% of the population are small family farms today.

Many folks (including faux farmers (resellers)) see a trend or lifestyle growing in popularity (paleo, Atkins, raw, organic etc), or see an opportunity to take advantage of organic consumers, and jump on a soap box or band wagon to make an extra dollar, all while lacking ethical business practices, experience, knowledge or being under investigation for fraud.

As a consumer, you are responsible for taking a long hard look at your farmer, their history, and checking their reputation, in an effort to make an educated (common sense) decision regarding their mental, sociological and physical capabilities, AGAIN “PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES”.

Farming, in general is very laborious and hard, physical work. If your farmer does not have a [bad] attitude, they are not really farming.

Growing hogs, cattle, poultry, sheep, lamb, goats and other livestock on a free range and grass based methodology; takes a lot of time, MONEY, skill, MONEY, know-how, MONEY, creativity, MONEY, volunteers, MONEY, labor, MONEY, resources, MONEY, energy and MONEY. It is a group effort.

You may read on the internet from unreliable, inexperienced or faux farmers (if you FB or TWEET in those circles) that hogs and poultry do not eat grass, or cattle, lamb and goats cannot be finished on grass.

These claims are made by folks that get free spent barley from breweries, getting cheap, old sack grains, and in other words "garbage" that lacks proper specie-specific nutritional content and collecting unsold popcorn and meat from the farmers market, to feed their newly aquired little piglets and sheep.

Has anyone STOPPED to ask where this faux-farmer has been aquiring pork, lamb, beef and poultry from, all these years to sell at farmers markets and more recently to crossfitness gym members? Well, we do know! and it's not pretty. And for the next 10 years they will be doing the same thing.

These faux farmers (my new word, and it should cause a buzz, watch for it online)(who live in glass houses)also are known to feed their livestock actual home garbage (plastic, styrofoam, cardboard, McDonald's and Jack In The Box left-over's and backed-up sewage, as well as lama, horse manure and cigarette butts, dipped in soda and beer).

RAINBOW RANCH FARMS is a reliable, clean and ethical source of grass fed, premium and gourmet meats, and we have many volunteers and farm members participating in our farming practices. Some members operate urban farms, many have taught Rainbow Ranch Farms, a thing or two, and RRF is still gaining knowledge daily. This is a group effort.

Rainbow Ranch Farms is blessed to have a group of members, friends, family, neighbors and participants to include nurses, farmers, ranchers, nutritionists, soap makers, chefs, economists, writers, teachers, labor workers, college and university professors and specialists in horticulture, permaculture, botanical sciences, animal sciences, veterinarians, doctors, lawyers, homemakers, artists, biologists, feed and nutrition, species specific specialists and many, many more.

As a collective group, we work together to grow the highest quality, gourmet and premium meat, on any market today.

Rainbow Ranch Farms has been included in many productions, including documentaries, commercials, RAIDS, films and dance-off’s. Some of our livestock have been employed by Foley artists and calendar photographers. Some of the livestock featured have already been consumed.

We are the only verified-source, farm, growing free range, grass fed, heritage breeds, WITHOUT the use of corn, soy, barley, oats, wheat, and G.M.O's.

Our official verifications occurred after a faux farmer (currently under investigation for fraud), made false claims about many farms, health food markets, farmer market vendors, artisans and small butcher shops within their area, all while trying to get them shut-down, in a continuing fit of extreme jelousy and vengeance.

So, lemons into lemonade, PEOPLE! AS A RESULT, WE ARE THE ONLY VERIFIED SOURCE..
grass based operation, growing heritage breeds (including, rare and endangered livestock), free range, grass based, grass fed, humane handling and NO corn, NO soy, NO wheat, NO barley, NO G.M.O's and YES!! GLUTEN-FREE

FREE RANGE :
When poultry are FREE-RANGE, they are scratching, digging up bugs and grubs and searching through pig and cattle pooh for goodies and yummies.
This does not mean that a farmer feeds pig pooh to their range poultry.

When pigs are free range, they root and root, and dig up the gardens and crops... everything!! If a young, small chicken walks past a 450lb hog and is too slow to move from under her chin... That chick might get SWALLOWED.
This does not mean that a farmer feeds live chicks to their range pigs.

Join the Rainbow Ranch Farms network today and participate in our co-op. Do you make artisan goods? Join us today and offer your wonderful products to our group.

HAVE TO WRITE SOMETHING?
When a person is talking out of their stinky side, and trying to hurt good, honest farmers, insulting consumers, vendors, shop keepers, C.S.A's and co-op's, on an ecologically correct MISSION, you just have to write something.

We have been contacted by local media, Dancing with the stars, Housewives of Riverside County, and the DMV wanting to learn of our sources and reasons for living(but we have none). So, as a group, we decided to offer our sources and information, because the public has a right to know!

Contributors to this article include, Paul K., Therese E. and Eliza M.

Website access updated!

2011-08-28T08:04:00.001-07:00

Registered Farm Members: In an effort to protect the privacy of farm members, log-in info to the website, has been updated! Call or email for new log-in access. 1-760-868-6206 or rainbowranchfarms@gmail.com

Sold out for pick-up sept. 3rd

2011-08-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Grass fed Pork and beef is SOLD OUT for Farm Pick-up on Sept. 3rd. Pick up between 10:00-11:30am

Pick-Up - Sat. Sept. 3rd 10-11:30am

2011-08-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Remember when picking up at the farm Protein Baskets, Poultry CSA or Beef Shares, bring your paypal print-out! Thank you!! Sat. Sept. 3rd 10-11:30am.

Our yahoo group has been compromised by spammers and fake email addresses, please follow us on localharvest.org - twitter - facebook or right here on on our blogspot. Thank you.

If you have been getting emails from our yahoo group that are not the usual format, please delete them and follow us at one of the above locations, or please call me 1-760-868-6206 or email me from our website www.rainbowranchfarms.com

CSA's & P.Baskets Shipped Today!

2011-08-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

CSA's + P. Baskets Shipped Today! check your email 4 tracking #. If U R expecting a box & did not get a tracking #, call 1-760-868-6206

CSA's Shipped Today -Expected To Arrive On Tuesday

2011-08-08T17:52:00.001-07:00

Check your email for tracking number. C.S.A's shipped today, if you are expecting a CSA box & did not get a tracking number, call 1-760-868-6206 - P. Baskets will be shipped Tuesday & Wednesday.

Memberships Are Sold-Out!

2011-08-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

Participating Members have an option to renew membership. No new farm-members can be accepted at this time.

We are sold-out of lamb, we have 5 goats, 2 are ready for harvest and 3, we must wait until they are "ripe" LOL.

Heritage Thanksgiving turkeys are almost completely sold-out for 2011.

We are limited on chickens out in their field, however, we will continue growing throughout the year, for the first time ever.

Chickens are still laying eggs, turkeys and ducks have gone on strike!

Once we calculate the orders and the last hog and beef cow for harvest to cover protein baskets: I will let everyone know via our website, that we are "sold-out".

If you have any questions, please call me 1-760-868-6206, Thank you

No Phone Service! No Dial tone - Static!

2011-08-05T08:35:00.001-07:00

Our phone service is on the fritz, no dial tone and lots of static, I have put in a work-order online. Please email me or facebook message me. Thank you.

We are on KNX1070am @12:13pm Today

2011-08-04T11:32:00.001-07:00

Just interviewed by KNX 1070am radio, Hostess: Kathy Kiernan. Show will air on theradio today around 12:13pm and can also be heard on www.cbsla.com

Bring 2011 farm membership to pick-up

2011-08-03T19:08:00.001-07:00

In light of the rawsome RAID this morning, all farm members must bring a signed 2011 farm membership agreement to pick-up. If you do not have one please visit www.rainbowranchfarms.com and print one. No custom meats can be offered without a farm agreement!!

Paleo Diet: Smart eating or latest fad? by YahooGreen

2011-07-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

By Michael d'Estries, Mother Nature Network
More from Guest Bloggers blog

In the quest for optimum health and weight, should humans consider looking back at what their ancestors consumed? That's the theory proposed by the "Paleo Diet" (aka, Caveman Diet), which recommends taking cues from the age of hunters and gatherers and leaving some of our modern food groups behind.
The idea is simple: You eat a diet that's gluten-free, but rich in lean, organic meats, fish, poultry, eggs, vegetables, fruit and nuts. As much as possible should be sourced locally. You exclude grains, legumes, dairy products, salt, refined sugar and processed oils.

All of this measures up to a eating regimen that, according to Loren Cordain, professor of health and exercise at Colorado State University, is a "powerful way to normalize health and well-being."

Cordain is joined by thousands of others who have found similar success on the Paleo — with the site Whole9 providing perhaps the best description of the benefits saying:

"Eating like this is good for maintaining a healthy metabolism, and reducing inflammation within the body. It’s been doing great things for my energy levels, body composition and performance in the gym. It also helps to minimize my risk for a whole host of lifestyle diseases and conditions, like diabetes, heart attack and stroke."WebMD, which always does a decent job of uncovering the truth behind these diets, quizzed a bunch of health specialists who agreed that better health can be achieved on the Paleo, but still believe moderation is the key to overall well-being.

"People who eat diets high in whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy tend to be healthier because these foods are nutrient-rich and there are mountains of research about the health benefits of diets that include, not exclude, these foods,” Keith Ayoob, EDd, RD, and assistant professor at New York's Albert Einstien School of Medicine told the site.

That "mountains of research" bit touched upon by Ayoob is one of the problems facing the Paleo from gaining more scientific backing. There just haven't been enough large studies to satisfy experts; which is one of the main reasons why U.S. News & World Reports ranked the diet nearly dead last in every category for its first ever "Best Diets" report.

"For the Paleo Diet, additional evidence is needed to show conclusively whether or not it is as effective as some people hypothesize," Ben Harder, general manager of Health and Science at the magazine told ABC News. "The most relevant studies have been small, as our published review of the Paleo Diet indicates. We hope researchers will publish more — and larger — studies on the Paleo Diet so that health experts, including our expert panel, have more evidence to consider in the future."

Still interested in giving the Paleo a shot? Wikipedia has some great background information on the diet — while the official site can get you started on meal plans and other advice

Harvest Today! Cattle, Hog & Lamb: Join Us

2011-07-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

Cattle, Hog & Lamb harvest today, Thursday July 21st. All members interested in participating, are welcome. Meet the custom, mobile processor, ask questions, see how it is done for all of us. Arrive no later than 1pm.

Inspect your CSA boxes

2011-07-14T06:33:00.001-07:00

Please inspect your C.S.A. boxes, to be certain that they arrived in good condition and cool to the touch. Please call me 1-760-868-6206 if you experience any issues with your UPS delivery service

Free Manure, Mulch

2011-07-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Free organic matter, manure/mulch (mixed, cattle, hog, sheep, poultry + bedding) for all farm members.

We use it to build our crop and pasture growing beds. Excellent for winterizing trees, plants, hedges and roses in cold zones. Bring shovel and you are welcome to it!

Call: 1-760-868-6206

Pick-Up At The Farm Today!

2011-07-02T03:42:00.000-07:00

3:27am Coyote's R howling, coffee brewing, checking FB, Twitter,Yahoo Groups & E-mail. Once the sun cracks through I will feed, water, rake, shovel, haul, collect eggs etc. & then.. prep pick-up boxes.

Mary brought me a small noise maker that operates on compressed gas. I hear those coyotes and boom, I am out the door making noise..YES!! at 3:30am LOL-LOL I guess I am cranky before I have had a cup of coffee..Tee-heee..

Today promises to be very hot, I will have delicious and refreshing bottled water in the harvest barn, where the swamp cooler should also be blowing cool air.

I will try not to keep anyone waiting, thank you!

C.S.A. Poultry Shipping Today!

2011-06-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

June, 2011 C.S.A. poultry C.S.A. boxes are being shipped today, via U.P.S. please check your email for Quantum View tracking numbers, they should be in your email on or before 3:00pm.

If you are expecting a CSA box and do not get a tracking number by 3:00pm, please do not panic, simply call me 1-760-868-6206 and let me know, Thank you!

Lamb Tail Docking Inhumane, Cruel, Unnecessary

2011-01-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

This is ugly, if you have a weak stomach, please do not read, how most lambs are treated before going to the dinner table.

Here is the complete and original article:

http://animalwelfaretaiwan.webs.com/sheepandlambs.htm

Before being slaughtered the infant lambs will have a number of horrific procedures carried out on them.

Remember: Always be certain that your lamb was humanely treated, before giving money to further the abuse of innocent animals, especially livestock that we use and grow for food. It is important to respect the life and harvest of all livestock.

At only a few days old all the male lambs will be castrated. Usually they will have an extremely tight plastic ring placed around their genitalia, this cuts off the blood supply and the reproductive organ subsequently withers and falls off. This is excruciatingly painful and is done with out pain killers or anesthetic. In older lambs the scrotum will be cut open and the testes extracted. This is all done to make the meat tenderer as well as to control the temperament of the child and accelerate his growth.

The babies will also have their ears tagged by piercing and under go “tail docking”, this is when the tail is either cut off or has an extremely tight plastic ring placed on it which like the castration causes the tail to shrivel and fall off. The docking is meant to prevent parasitic infections but there is little scientific evidence to suggest that it is effective.

Older sheep may also have their horns removed whilst the lambs will be disbudded. These are all agonizing and unnecessary operations often carried by non-expert staff with no sanitization or medication. Some young lambs are so terrorized by the castration that they subsequently go into shock and stop suckling, they eventually die from starvation beside their distraught mothers.

Tags: tail lamb unnecessary inhumane sheep cruel docking

CUSTOM FIELD HARVEST - ON FARM

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Field harvest on Monday, January 24th, 2011, in the morning.

Food For Life 1-A members, this is one of your cows for February "BEEF SHARES", we are harvesting 2 for you, 1 steer has already been done (yesterday) and is at the butcher shop for hang, cut and wrap, the other is a hiefer, she will be harvested here on the farm.

After our custom processor has finished, Dennis will then transport the carcass to the butcher shop for hang, cut and wrap.

You are welcome to join us. Please let me know if you are coming up to share this morning with us, so I may prepare some bevarages and enough seating.

Know your food is always free range, grass fed, heritage breed and humanely treated.

About Rainbow Ranch Farms

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Rainbow Ranch Farms is owned by a cooperative group of farm members and operated by farm members protocol.

Rainbow Ranch farms is a verified source of heritage, free range, grass fed/finished gourmet and premium meats, without the use of any G.M.O's, corn, soy or wheat.

A small, private farm, specializing in the delicate dietary and health needs of a close nit group of people. We are proud of our animal husbandry standards, and make improvements on a regular basis.

From Raw Foodies, paleo's to Purists, to the family next door, seeking and working hard to preserve old fashioned farming, heirloom foods and heritage livestock. A group striving to make the world a better place, and to make certain that foods are grown and harvested with humane treatment and grown as nature intended.

We do not use corn, soy, G.M.O's or wheat as a feed, or as an additive in any of our pasture grasses, or proprietary feed blend, nor do we use barley etc. We are "Grain Free and Gluten-Free". Working extra hard to move forward without the use of G.M.O's or patented seeds.

We steer away from using commercial strains of livestock, in an effort to help preserve rare and endangered breeds. Some of our products are now in small grocery outlets within California.

We grow a wide variety of heritage,non-industrialized, rare and endangered breeds of pastured, grass fed and free range livestock; We may be the smallest farm, growing the largest variety of free range, grass fed, heritage breeds in the U.S.A. today, with loving and humane standards, second to none.

Our meats are grown as nature intended, pure, lean, delicious and "sushimi fresh". We offer both fresh and freshly frozen. Fresh pick-up, fresh delivery or next day air shipping is available. Now that is tricky!

WHAT MAKES RAINBOW RANCH FARMS SO OUTSTANDING?

NO Medications, NO Hormones, NO Steroids, NO Antibiotics, NO Additives, NO Pesticides, NO Herbicides, NO Animal-By-Products, NO Arsenics, NO Fungicides, NO G.M.O.'s, NO Microbial s and NO Artificial Grow Lights.

NO CORN, NO SOY, NO WHEAT, NO G.M.O's and GLUTEN FREE!

Heritage breeds

Advanced product traceability

Rare and endangered breeds

Free range

grass fed

Pastured

Grazed

Humane and Ethical handling

Grown to maturity

Organized record keeping

Superb animal husbandry, second to none

Clean and safe living conditions

Environmentally safe and ecologically friendly protocols

Compliant with all laws, regulations and safety standards

Clear and compliant labeling

Since 1991, we have improved our farming techniques and continued to grow on a self sustaining, bio-dynamic permaculture.

Rainbow Ranch Farms is a small, private farm cooperative, generating the purest foods which are demanded by farm members.

Rainbow Ranch Farms: where members control their food from day one to the day it hits the dinner table.

Our proprietary feed blend is "Certified Organic", manufactured by the highest standards in todays industry without any corn, soy, wheat, G.M.O's and Gluten-Free!.

We are CERTIFIED and LICENSED "FARM MEMBER APPROVED".

If you have any questions, please contact the farm.

About Caponization

2011-01-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

A surgical procedure performed on 2 week old baby chicks (males, Cocks), where a slice is made to the ribcage into the chicks cavity (while awake), to access the young chicks testicles. A sharp instrument is then inserted into the cavity of the baby chick, and both testicles are ripped and cut out.

No anethesia is offered! In many countries this procedure is outlawed, and for good reasons; It is completely, and utterly cruel, inhumane and dangerous.

Some farmers do this to get their birds to grow faster, instead of focusing on their hormones, the birds are busy growing.

Once birds have been caponized, they must be given antibiotics in their water to prevent infection. many die from shock, during the procedure, and shortly after the procedure, if they are not given antibiotics, they surely do die of septic poisoning, infection and complications as a result of this type of (do-it-yourself) surgical procedure.

Here, at Rainbow Ranch Farms, we do not offer capons, not ever! All our birds are grown naturally, with all their parts; grown with respect and kindness. We believe that growing meat naturally and humanely, the end result is superb and offers a most superior flavor.