You won't believe the extent we go to to assure that your meat comes from animals that were treated humanely.
It's more complex than you can imagine.
Think about the animals that the meat you eat comes from. Are you at all concerned about how they have been treated? Have they lived well? Have they been fed on safe, appropriate foods? Have they been cared for by someone who respects them and enjoys contact with them? Would you like to be sure of that? Perhaps it’s time to find out a bit more about where the meat you eat comes from. Or, to buy from a source that reassures you about these points.
If you're the kind of person who takes comfort in the thought that the meat you eat once belonged to an animal that led a free and happy life, you should feel quite smug about eating meats produced on our farm. While roaming over some of the most beautiful land in the country, our privileged animals get lots of cleansing sunshine, lush green grass, and fresh country air. It is the quintessential free range, just like you would imagine it in your dreams. Our farm is made up of beautiful grassland and forest where we produce meats that put the natural system to work. We are offering what more and more of you are dreaming of these days; high-quality, delicious tasting meats free of growth-promoting hormones and antibiotics, produced in a way that is humane and friendly to both earth and animals.
What do we mean by “produced in a way that is humane”?
First, we believe that animals under our care should have the following “minimum” care:
- Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
- Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind.
- Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment, which avoid mental and physical suffering.
Next, we work with all our animals in a gentle, loving manner that incorporates their natural instincts. We never scream, whoop, holler or poke. For example, on most other farms, one of the most commonly used devices to work livestock is an electric cattle prod (think taser). These prods are capable of producing over 9000 volts and are very painful for the animal. We absolutely forbid these inhumane devices on this farm.
Finally, at the processor…oh my goodness, what a horrible experience. Twenty years ago, when we first started doing this, we were shocked at the horrible treatment animals received at most of the processing facilities. The first time we took some of our animals to be processed, out came 2 or 3 workers and they all had those tasers in hand. We pitched a fit. We demanded those things be put away and those workers go back inside. We would unload our animals ourselves. Our animals know us and this helps reduce the stress associated with this new environment.
After that horrible experience, we have demanded that we unload the animals ourselves and do all the movement in the processing facility. This does not set well with many processors and many have refused to do our processing because of this requirement. This creates a huge problem. First, there are not that many processors to begin with and second, there are even fewer good processors.
Here are our criteria for using a processor:
- Must allow us to unload and move the animals ourselves.
- Must have good working facilities.
- Must do an outstanding and detailed job of cutting the meat.
Why all this care? Interestingly enough, animals that are mistreated have higher levels of stress hormones. This makes their meat tough and lowers concentrations of B-complex vitamins, zinc, copper, chromium and vitamins A, E and C. Stress removes glycogen from muscles preventing lactic acid buildup that makes for more tender meat. Meats without this lactic acid buildup spoil more quickly and contains lower levels of antioxidants like glutathione, vitamin E and other nutrition that are absolutely crucial for your well-being and happiness.
So, treating animals humanely is more than just giving them a cute name. It is a complicated process that involves many, many facets. Much more complicated than your imagine - right. In fact, unless you’re into all of this there is no way you would know this.
There is a ton of difference between farms and farmers. That is why we keep harping on the importance of taking the time to get to know us and all we do for you.
As you can see, we’re into the details. We do not let any aspect go unattended. Your health and happiness depends on it.
We know what it takes to do it right and we do it. No short cuts here.
All of this care is very time consuming. However, we are going to do it right. That is our assurance to you that you are getting the best.
You’re worth it - why settle for less?
Goose Pond Farm is a family owned farm providing knowledgeable, local consumers with the best pasture-raised, drug and chemicals free meats for over 20 years.
We are located at 298 Goose Pond Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640
If you have any question, please call 256-751-0987.
