How to stay Young & Energetic like Ron & Lisa do!

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posted on

February 7, 2022

Note: Read to the end to see what new meat product The Bergners would like added to The Maker’s Meadow. Add your comment below if you too would like us to add it to our store!!

It's seems like perfect timing to introduce you to our Customer Spotlight Couple just two days before Valentine's Day.❤

I would like you to meet Ron and Lisa Bergner.

They recorded a video for us a few years ago showing us what you will find packed inside the Medium Pork Bundle. Just in case you’re wondering while watching this video... Ron stands 6 feet 7 inches tall!!

Ron and Lisa Bergner are not only long-time cheerleaders and customers of The Maker's Meadow, but also a wonderful couple who has stayed in love, young at heart and young for their age.

No doubt they have an uncanny, contagious zest for life.

How is it they are so full of energy and don't "act their age?"

Here are a few possibly reasons why...

#1 Reason: They stay physically active!

Lisa loves to ride horses and cook from scratch.

Ron runs trails, inline skates, ice skates, swims, and loves to ride a Unicycle.

Did I mention they are in their early to mid 60’s?

#2 Reason: They value clean eating!

Ron will be the first to say he loves his wife’s cooking as she makes everything “from absolute scratch.”

Truthfully, they avoid eating out as much as possible and enjoy eating at home.

Their eating habits changed thanks to a book entitled Natural Cures “They” Don’t Want you to Know About written by Kevin Trudeau and published in 2005 followed by More Natural “Cures” Revealed in 2006.

“Woke me up! That book changed me,” says Ron. “If you eat only clean beef and go back to eating ‘Big Ag’ beef, you’ll get sick.”

Ron discovered this to be true. Lisa tried to warn him but while on vacation he smelled some really good hamburgers cooking from a small ‘mom and pop shop’ and it was just six months to a year after they had started eating well. He gave in and ate the hamburger. His “experiment” did not end well.

“It went right through me!” Ron exclaimed.

They haven’t eaten fast food in years and instead purchase foods from local places like The Maker’s Meadow--which remains their sole source for meat.

Lisa says, “It’s a super place with great people. It’s nice to meet honest-to-goodness people who think along the same lines as we do, especially health wise.”

Ron adds, “How they treat their animals is fantastic. If animals are under stress, they produce bad aminos and bad fats. If treated well, animals will produce good fats, B12, and have a high nutritional value.”

They also highly recommend watching the documentary Thrive.

#3 Reason: Ron & Lisa love to bring friends together!

Each year they host “The Big Bean Cookout in the Woods” outside on their property usually in October or early November. They will use a ham from our farm along with some organic beans and cornbread. It’s a wonderful time of friends gathering together. If you get to know them, they will be quick to invite you too!

#4 Reason: They have future plans to build a Food Forest!

They have 50 acres upon which they want to grow heirloom fruit trees including paw paw (and lots more) along with nut trees like pecans, beechnut, hazelnut, and more! They also want to grow herbaceous plants like horseradish along with native prairie grasses. They hope to attract wildlife and to be able to eat sustainably with a veritable forest of fruits, nuts, berries, flowers and other perennial herbs and greens that are naturally pollinated, control pests with beneficial insects, and reproduce abundantly every year.

#5 Reason: They are quick to share what they love!

Next up, I wanted to give you a quick and easy recipe that Lisa kindly shared with us that Ron raves about!

Slow Cooked Pork Roast or Beef Roast Recipe

Set Oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit

Before you go to bed, place FROZEN roast in a dutch oven

Add water to the bottom

Top with raw onions, garlic, and organic celery salt

Add Lid

Note: Ron says after Lisa goes to bed he likes to sneak back in and add a little bit of “Worcestershire Sauce.” :)

Wake up in the morning to heavenly aromas of a tender roast!

For added variety, they sometimes will top the Pork Roast with Sauerkraut (Fab Ferments Dill Kraut)

Lastly, Ron and Lisa say they would absolutely love it if The Maker’s Meadow added Pork Kielbasa to the online store for their jambalaya recipe.

Would you like to purchase Pork Kielbasa from The Maker’s Meadow as well?

If so, please “cast your vote” by mentioning it in the comments below.

The more people who request a new product such as Pork Kielbasa, the more likely we will add it!

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!

How to stay Young & Energetic like Ron & Lisa do!

More from the blog

Why the Bills family supports our farm

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

Environmental Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

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