Happy Mother's Day!

written by

posted on

May 10, 2023

Good Morning Friend,

Did you know that The Maker's Meadow would not be here if it had not been for my Mom?

You say, “Of course… because John Filbrun would’ve never been born to be a farmer.” But there's more to it than that…
When I was around 8 years old, my parents bought a cow for our family. My brother and I started milking two times a day and this was my first responsibility with livestock. My Mom’s desire for “good milk” helped my brother and I learn how to be responsible and how to humanely care for livestock. My Mom and Dad both encouraged me to start Rotational Grazing when I was around 10 or 11 years old. We started raising meat in the meadow for our own family.

After our family (especially my Mom) started experiencing the remarkable health benefits and enjoying the tender, richly-flavored meat, we decided to start growing enough for others as well.

In 2013, we were selling a lot of meat and it was time for us to name our farm. We spent weeks agonizing over what to call it. Some of the names that I remember talking about was, of course, names like “The Wendell Filbrun Farms” or “Filbrun Family Farm.” But most of all, my Mom wanted to call it “Peasant Pastures.” The way I remember it, all of us children had too much pride to accept a name like “Peasant.” We thought we were above that (even though it would be very accurate).

Finally, my Mom came up with “The Maker's Meadow” and we all really liked it because it gives God the honor and glory that is so rightfully His like it says in Psalm 115:1 and Psalm 115:14-18.

Psalm 115

¹Not to us, Lord, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.

²Why do the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
³Our God is in heaven;
he does whatever pleases him.
⁴But their idols are silver and gold,
made by human hands.
⁵They have mouths, but cannot speak,
eyes, but cannot see.
⁶They have ears, but cannot hear,
noses, but cannot smell.
⁷They have hands, but cannot feel,
feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
⁸Those who make them will be like them,
and so will all who trust in them.

⁹All you Israelites, trust in the Lord—
    he is their help and shield.
¹⁰House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—
    he is their help and shield.
¹¹You who fear him, trust in the Lord—
    he is their help and shield.

¹²The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
    He will bless his people Israel,
    he will bless the house of Aaron,
¹³he will bless those who fear the Lord—
    small and great alike.

¹⁴May the Lord cause you to flourish,
both you and your children.
¹⁵May you be blessed by the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

¹⁶The highest heavens belong to the Lord,
    but the earth he has given to mankind.
¹⁷It is not the dead who praise the Lord,
    those who go down to the place of silence;
¹⁸it is we who extol the Lord,
    both now and forevermore.

My Mom is great when it comes to cooking. She feeds us lots of delicious and nutrient dense meals. Click here to get her best recipe for delicious bone broth!

I remember another time more recently about 3-5 years ago when things were very tight financially and I thought I would need to shut the farm down. But my Mom really encouraged that God would give direction and make a way if he wanted it to continue. So far God has proved very faithful! My Mom has been a huge blessing from His Almighty Hand.

Thank you Mom so much. I love you!

~Your Son and Farmer

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Andrew and Allison Bills were gracious enough to host members of our team in their beautiful home and tell us why they like and support The Maker's Meadow.

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

When it comes to selecting the healthiest and most sustainable sources of poultry, pasture-raised turkeys offer numerous advantages over their industrially farmed counterparts. Not only do pasture-raised turkeys enjoy a better quality of life, but they also provide a wealth of health benefits for consumers. Let's explore how our turkeys at The Maker's Meadow differ from industrially raised birds and why they are worth considering for your next meal. Higher Nutrient Density One of the standout differences between pasture-raised and industrially farmed turkeys is the nutrient profile. Pasture-raised turkeys, allowed to roam freely and forage for natural foods like grasses, seeds, and insects, tend to have a more diverse diet. This varied diet translates to a healthier, more nutrient-dense meat. More Omega-3 & Less Omega-6: Studies have shown that pasture-raised turkeys contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids compared to turkeys raised in confined, grain-fed environments. Omega-3s are essential for heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Industrially raised turkeys often consume a diet rich in corn and soy, which can lead to an imbalance of omega-6 fatty acids. This imbalance is linked to higher inflammation in the body and can contribute to various health problems such as heart disease and arthritis. Pasture-raised turkeys, by contrast, have a healthier omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Higher Levels of Antioxidants and Vitamins: Free-ranging turkeys consume a more natural diet that results in higher levels of important antioxidants like vitamin E, which supports immune function and skin health, and beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A and supports vision and cellular growth. Lower in Harmful Additives Industrial turkey farming practices often include the use of antibiotics and growth promoters to boost production and prevent disease in overcrowded conditions. Over time, this practice has raised concerns about antibiotic resistance and its long-term effects on human health. No Antibiotic Residue: Pasture-raised turkeys are typically raised without antibiotics, allowing consumers to avoid unnecessary exposure to these drugs. This is particularly beneficial for those trying to reduce their intake of antibiotic-laden foods. No Hormones or Synthetic Additives: Pasture-raised birds generally aren’t given hormones or synthetic additives, making them a cleaner option compared to industrially raised turkeys. Improved Fat Profile and Leaner Meat Pasture-raised turkeys tend to be leaner due to their active lifestyles, foraging in fields and moving about naturally. This results in less fat compared to industrially raised turkeys, which are often kept in confined spaces and fed high-calorie, grain-based diets to promote rapid growth. Lean Protein Source: Pasture-raised turkey is an excellent source of lean protein. Protein is essential for building muscle, maintaining metabolic health, and supporting various bodily functions. Healthier Fat Composition: The fat that pasture-raised turkeys do contain is generally healthier due to their active, natural lifestyle. Their fat is often richer in beneficial omega-3s and contains lower levels of unhealthy saturated fats, making pasture-raised turkey a better option for heart health. More Humane and Sustainable Practices Though the health benefits of pasture-raised turkeys are significant, it's also important to consider the ethical and environmental impacts. Pasture-raised turkeys typically live in environments where they have room to roam, access to fresh air, and a natural diet. This is a stark contrast to industrial farming, where turkeys are often confined to small spaces and raised in less humane conditions. No Factory Farming Practices: By supporting pasture-raised turkey farms, consumers can avoid supporting the industrial farming practices that contribute to environmental degradation, such as the overuse of pesticides, excessive water use, and pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations. Better Animal Welfare: Turkeys that are raised in pastures experience lower levels of stress and have healthier immune systems due to their more natural and humane living conditions. This often translates into healthier, less disease-prone birds that don’t require intensive antibiotic use. Enhanced Flavor & Freshness Beyond health and ethical considerations, pasture-raised turkeys also offer superior flavor. Because of their varied diet and natural lifestyle, the meat from pasture-raised turkeys is often described as richer, more complex, and with a better texture than that of industrially raised turkeys. This makes them a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Pasture-raised turkeys are also typically fresher for consumers because they are often sourced from local or small-scale farms like ours, which prioritize quality over mass production. These turkeys are usually processed in smaller batches, ensuring they are delivered more quickly and with less time spent in storage or transport. The shorter supply chain means the bird's natural flavors and textures are fully preserved. This freshness translates into better taste and higher nutritional value, giving consumers a superior product compared to turkeys that undergo long shipping times and extended storage in industrial settings. Choosing Better for Your Health and the Planet While pasture-raised turkeys may come at a slightly higher price than industrially farmed options, the health benefits they provide—from better nutrient content to the absence of harmful additives—are well worth the investment. By choosing pasture-raised turkeys, you're not only supporting your own health but also promoting more sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment and animal welfare. The long-term benefits of going pasture-raised and buying from us here at The Maker's Meadow far outweigh the cost differential of your average store-bought turkey. So if you still need a Thanksgiving Turkey, click here to order one!

Environmental Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

What exactly makes pasture-raised turkeys more environmentally friendly?

Happy Mother's Day!

More from the blog

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

Environmental Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

Sign up for free Farm Updates and Delicious Meat Specials!

Have you ever tried Subscribe & Save?

Q&A

The Maker's Meadow