Carnivores

We again have meat, meat, and more meat around the Adkins' household. This is the fifth year that we (the Lee family)have ordered meat from a family farm. We order half a stear, a whole pig, whole chickens (we have done a lamb) and split everything into four parts. It works out very well and the meat lasts the better part of a year.

On Tuesday the meat was delivered to my Dad's house and it filled his deep freezer that is three feet high and four feet wide probably. A friend and I split it up into four parts and carted it off to the respective families. I love doing meat this way because we get so many different cuts and the price is unbeatable (about $2.84 a pound).

Anyone who knows me, knows that I can be particular about food. I like real food (and there is a lot of fake food out there!). Several years ago we had a few encounters with less than desirable meat at Sam's club and from then on I decided we would not buy meat injected with water, hormones, etc. And if you buy organic meat at a store - it costs an arm and a leg.

We found Bob Otis at the Farmers Market and have been thoroughly happy with his service and meat. He delivers the meat to our home. He kills the stear and pig just for our family, so we can pick exactly what cuts we want and how much of each cut we want. We know the farmer who raises our food; and we appreciate supporting our local farmers. The animals are free range on the Otis farm and although they are not certified organic (too many government hoops to jump through)the Otis farm fulfills all the requirements for healthy organic animals. It is actually surprising, even if a farm is certified organic and meets FDA stipulations, this is not necessarily the most healthy way for an animal to live. Cows are not meant to eat organic corn, they are meant to eat grass. Corn causes the cow to become heavier and fat so that they weigh more and produce more meat to sell, yet this is not their natural diet; in fact, the corn causes the cows to become bloated and have indigestion, so then the farmer need to medicate them so that they are able to digest the corn. It is all very backwards and a person does not learn these facts unless through research. It is all very intriguing and movies like "Food Inc", "Food Matters" and other films are quite informative.

The last few years Mike and I have tried to be more aware of eating a healthy diet (I especially got more interested with my Mom while she was sick) and we like to try to support local farmers and eat local foods. It is so easy and convenient to get frozen food, preparared, or buy cheapers food. But, we try to put money where our mouth is and make the effort to eat in a healthy manner and support local farmers!

We are thankful for the Otis farm and as the cold winter sets in we will enjoy the different cuts we asked for including steak, ground beef, roasts, brats, polish sausage, pork sausage, bacon, ribs, ham, soup bones, and the list goes on!