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April 2008

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Central region bloggers

Margaret HochlaMargaret Hochla
El Reno, Oklahoma

I have been married for 27 years to Victor and have 4 children. The two girls and two boys range in age from 25-10 years. We are pleased to still have one grandparent from each side of the family ... More about Margaret

Sareen Dunleavy-KeenanSareen Dunleavy-Keenan
Minneapolis, Minnesota

I live in Minneapolis, in 1.5 story craftsman bungalow with beautiful woodwork, but a tiny lot. Sharing this space is my husband Brendan, 'baby' (5/07) and 'new baby' who is expected to join the fold in August. More about Sareen

Gina Keenan-KlagesGina Keenan-Klages
Eau Claire, Wisconsin

My name is Gina, and my husband's name is Patrick. We have three children, ranging in ages from 1 to 5 years. Our household also includes my mother, who is living with us from September to May. More about Gina

Donna McClurkanDonna McClurkan
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Early January may seem an inauspicious time to begin an "eat local" project in Southwest Michigan. As if to underscore that point, nearly a foot of snow fell in Kalamazoo on January 3. More about Donna

Cher Stuewe-PortnoffCher Stuewe-Portnoff
St Louis, Missouri

My first father-in-law taught me to garden in the mid-1960s. Over the next few years, with a family of five to feed, I read everything I could find about nutrition ... More about Cher

Vera SchabickiVera Schabicki
Ashland, Mississippi

Four years ago my five children, one husband, two dogs, one cat and I moved to the rural South from a large northern California city. We went from .12 acres to a rambling 57 acres. More about Vera

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From beef to pork

Posted at 5:04 PM on April 22, 2008 by Sareen Dunleavy Keenan (4 Comments)

We made a substantial dent in the side of beef we bought last year. So much of a dent that I am a bit embarrassed to admit it. We love to share food, so my explanation is that we had tons of pot roast dinner parties.

The meat has been nothing short of fantastic. Organic, grass fed beef that has stood up to every side by side comparison we have thrown at it. Every time we ask someone, they have always chosen the Trail's End beef as the better product. Surprise.

But, some people talk about having to get their family used to eating local meats. I have mentioned before that I love the local chickens we have found. However, buying one chicken at a time isn't much of an issue. Buying one pig at a time is another issue.

We are in the market for a pig. Well, probably only 1/2 of a pig. But now, thanks to helpful comments, I know some people raise animals well, and some take a while to get great at the process. Needless to say, with this financial commitment, I am nervous.

What are your suggestions? Who do you use? Do you like them? Help! This beast will be with us for quite some time. If no suggestions come in, I will choose to believe the lovely people at Farm in the Market for their ideas.


Comments (4)

Hi Sareen,

I'm looking forward to your suggestions. Your tips about Callister Farm chickens and Mom's Best cereal were terrific. The St. Paul farmers market may be another place to start. I have gotten small amounts of pork from producers there that was quite good.

Posted by Debby | April 27, 2008 2:20 PM

I get great pork from Clancy's in So Mpls. I know it is all locally raised so they (Kirsten and Greg) could give you some suggestions.

Posted by Shevvi | April 30, 2008 12:59 PM

Shevvi-

I am always meaning to get over there! Thanks for the excuse to move it from "someday" to "this weekend." It is a strange challenge to taste test all of these different animals before committing to one that will spend a year in your freezer. I am excited to get out of my shopping routine.

Posted by Sareen Dunleavy Keenan Author Profile Page | April 30, 2008 5:25 PM

Debby,

I think that at the St.P farmer's market we have only tried lamb. I think it is time to give pork a try. A few years ago I had written off pork as dry and boring. It is exciting to get back into the swing of things with great pork. I will let you know what I find. -sdk

Posted by Sareen Dunleavy Keenan Author Profile Page | April 30, 2008 5:27 PM