What's in Your Food?

written by

John Filbrun

posted on

June 18, 2020

This spring a neighboring farmer said to me "You know as well as I do that the meat industry is pulling the wool over our eyes.” 

He went on to tell me about some of the large pork processing plants he had visited. These plants spent extremely large amounts of money on equipment to inject the maximum legal amount of water and additives into their pork ham.

It's amazing how deceiving food labels can be. And some of them, not so deceiving, with additives that you can't even pronounce.

As the consumer, you deserve integrity and transparency when it comes to the food that you feed your family.

Because of that, it’s important to us here at the Maker’s Meadow to take the time to share videos and blog posts with you. We want you to experience an inside view of exactly how your food is being raised. 

Part of continuing to bring you higher quality food and a better eating experience, is always learning how we can be better stewards of the resources God has given us.

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As we drove through Texas. There were large commercial cattle feedlots on both sides of the road as far as the eye could see.


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Cattle in smelly lots without a blade of fresh grass within reach.

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Cattle and sheep enjoying life in the pecan orchard.

This week I spent a little bit of time in New Mexico visiting some friends, Josh and Kenton. They are grazing sheep and cattle in their pecan orchards.

I think it's a really neat idea and I hope to plant some trees to incorporate more diversity in our meadows as time goes on.

Each variety of plant mines different minerals and nutrients out of the soil. Especially deep-rooted plants like alfalfa, dandylions, and ryegrass.

The larger the variety of plants the animals have to graze and browse on, the higher nutrients and minerals will be in the meat that you enjoy!

Thanks for tuning in to stay informed and for being part of our family farm.

Additives

what's in your food

meat industry

organic farming

New Mexico farming

ryegrass

cattle

sheep

pecan orchard

More from the blog

Health Benefits of Pasture-Raised Turkeys

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!

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Q&A

What are your hours?

Online ordering hours are 24/7. 

You may contact us with questions or concerns between 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday, either by calling (937) 336-7025 or by emailing support@themakersmeadow.com.

Do you offer free shipping?

We do, on all orders over $149. This will increase to $199 on 9/21/24. 

Does The Maker's Meadow have a farm store?

Not at this point. However, local customers may select on-farm pickup for any order. All pickup orders can be picked up at the farm on Thursdays between 4 and 7 PM.

The Maker's Meadow

  • 3135 North Preble County Line Rd.
    West Alexandria OH 45381
  • (937) 336-7025

Did you know that you can get The Makers Meadow grass-fed hamburgers at local stores and restaurants?

Premium ground beef and Premium ground beef patties
Health Foods Unlimited

2250 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459

(937) 433-5100 



Premium ground beef and steaks, ground turkey, some pork sausage, and a little bit of lamb.
Rosie's Natural Foods Yellow springs

142 Dayton St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(937) 767-1888 

Whole turkeys,Premium ground beef and Premium ground beef patties.

Aullwood Audubon Farm & Aullwood nature center North Dayton

9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton, OH 45414

(937) 890-7360 

If you would enjoy regenerative grass-fed beef prepared for you at a restaurant, I would highly recommend the delicious burgers at... 

Wheat Penny Oven and Bar

515 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410

(937) 496-5268

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