"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." -Alphonse Karr

Summer is such a short season in this country that we're not complaining about the heat. It's giving a much-needed boost to the gardens that have been weeded.

The strawberries that don't like it too hot are finished for this year and the raspberries, which are coming now, don't care. The only ones who care are the kids who must pick the raspberries, but these busy little people head out early in the day when it's still cool.

The guys have been cleaning up more of the landscape while it's refreshing in the mornings and building shelves in the cool root cellars in the afternoons.

There's always a way to keep working.

Conventional

Feedlot beef is a crime. I would say that it should be illegal, but I'm not interested in more government regulations. It should be universally boycotted instead. It is perhaps the most backwards of all agricultural practices. Let me explain.

Industrial poultry houses feed chemical GMO grain to crowded birds; industrial hog operations feed the same. But you see, these animals are omnivores like us. They have digestive tracts designed specifically for digesting large proportions of high energy and varied feedstuffs. Don't get me wrong, omnivores need low energy salads too, but they can't thrive on them, because they don't contain enough protein diversity to balance proper growth. We raise our birds on pasture because fresh greens are fantastic for birds, but the foundation of their diet is organic wheat and peas.

Now, here's the crime. Cattle don't need grain to thrive. They have special bacteria in their stomach that can break down the protein in any green thing and rebuild whatever proteins they need for proper growth.

Why on earth are we denuding our topsoil with tillage to grow GMO corn so we can feed it to animals that would be much healthier and happier grazing a hillside without the stink of irresponsibly handled manure and diesel fuel fouling up the country air? Why not let them self-harvest and self-fertilize a crop that never needs cultivation or replanting?

Why does everyone stand idly by, complaining about the foul odour that blows in from these factory farms, while continuing to finance these environmental disasters with their grocery dollars? Especially when there is such a beautiful alternative.

If there were ever an area for shifting financial priorities, few decisions would have as large an impact on your health, your community, and your environment as switching out your feedlot beef for grass-fed beef. And let's not blame the farmers. There are many feedlot operators who would ditch the diesel and machinery bills for walking the pasture again if folks were willing to let their wallets speak on behalf of their noses.

Visit a farm and use your senses. If it's ugly or it smells unbearable, it's bad farming. And bad farming is bad for everybody.

I think we all know where conventional beef comes from. Need I say more?

Certified Organic

And don't think that because you're buying organic ground beef at Costco that you're getting feedlot-free beef. Don't think that because it says organic, that the animals aren't being fed gross amounts of grain. Or that the farm isn't polluting local watersheds. Or that the neighbors don't plug their noses when the wind blows their way.

Harvest Haven Certified

Here's the Harvest Haven Certified guarantee. Whether our cows are on pasture for the growing season or in corrals during the winter, visiting our animals is a pleasure.

We are chemical-free and stink-free. We farm responsibly and beautifully.
Our grass feeds the cows, and the cows feed the grass. It's very simple here.

The organic BC fruit has been excellent.

We have cherries, apricots, and blueberries in the store. Peaches and plums coming soon.

Let us know if you want to order larger quantities of any BC fruit.

For the first time in the history of our operation, we have empty shelves in the beef freezer. Thankfully, not for long.

Fresh Harvest Haven grass-fed beef will be in the store Friday, August 7th.

If there are certain cuts you've been waiting for, let us know and we can set them aside for you: 403-329-9157 or solutions@harvesthaven.com.

Harvest Haven Pastured Boneless Chicken Breasts - These are our "go to" meal helpers when we want something quick and tasty for a family dinner or serving guests. Moist, flavorful, and filling…they never disappoint.

Harvest Haven New Potatoes – Our new potatoes are in the store in all their fresh earthy goodness. Tender and delicious, just waiting for cream and dill or roasting with olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs.

Harvest Haven Fresh Dill – Feathery and fresh! Sprinkle on new potatoes and cream, add to cold beet soups, mix with sour cream or cream cheese for a dip, or stir into tzatziki, the traditional Greek cucumber yogurt salad. How about "dill" pickles? Yum!

Avalon Organic Heavy Whipping Cream, 250 mL – There is really no substitute for real whipping cream. So good simmered on fresh-from-the-garden veggies, poured on raspberries, blueberries, or other fresh fruit, or added to your cereal for a rich flavor.

GoodDrink Organic Spritzers, 355 mL (Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry, Blackberry, Grapefruit, and Lemon) - What is a Spritzer? It's a crazy delicious, super refreshing, awesomely organic sparkling fruit drink!

Harvest Haven Raspberries – Another summer hit with a short fresh season. Sweet with a hint of tartness, refreshing and delectable. Your imagination is the only limitation to how to enjoy them. But a delightful dish with cream and sugar or with vanilla ice cream will make your day!

Please note, all ingredients in our recipes are organic.

Giving Thanks

Reflecting on a congenial conversation we had around the dinner table at the farm, I thought it would be encouraging to share something positive and uplifting in these tumultuous days.

Martin was telling us how well baling went this year. After giving up on dodging showers in June, he decided to wait until July for dry weather. It was a wise decision.

"Two years ago, we got around 450 small square bales off the hay field. Last year, it yielded over 900 on the same amount of land. This year," Martin exclaimed excitedly, "we brought in close to 2000 bales!"

Martin's remediation procedures are working and we're thankful for the results.

"What other things are you all thankful for?" I asked.

Here are some of the responses we shared.

Martin and Jeannie's children are quick to answer.

Konstantijn: "I am thankful for all the people on the farm, the animals, and the good food and water. I'm thankful for all the experiences on the farm that have taught me about the life of animals."

Marseilles: "I am thankful for getting to eat organic food, having a lot of beautiful wildlife, and to be educated about farm life at such a young age!"

Mathijs: "I'm thankful for the animals and all the space to play in, and how nice the farm looks."

These children do have a wonderful place for exciting adventures, learning situations, encounters with many different people, and a variety of life experiences. I'm grateful that they appreciate what they have been given.

Jeannie is more involved with the store but finds time to be a wife and mother, as well. "I'm thankful for the wholesome culture that exists at Harvest Haven. The farm life, the work, the challenges, the friends, and the customers."

So, when you come shopping, know that you are appreciated as a friend and that we are thankful for you.

The men expressed appreciation for their work environment and the valuable changes that have been made on the farm and in their lives.

"I'm thankful for the improvements that have been happening over the last few years. One that stands out to me is the pastures getting lusher every year with the rotational grazing. I really enjoy the early mornings going out to feed all the creatures."

"I've been thankful for what I have been learning on the job, running machinery, the flow of the farm, animals, crops, projects, grocery store. It's good. I'm looking forward to learning more and doing more."

"I'm thankful for all the willing help. It's nice to see a lot of things I haven't had time to address, being dealt with. It's a huge relief for me."

"I spent most of my working career up until this point behind a desk on a computer, so the shift to being outside is a welcomed change. I'm thankful for the broad variety of tasks and challenges that exist here, from the simple, repetitive things like yard work to give your mind some rest, to new projects that afford the opportunity to learn some carpentry and other real world skills.

"There's the heavy equipment to work play with, animals everywhere you turn, oven fires to start, bread making, an on-site gym, and even some time to play and record a little music. The farm is 100% organic. No abusing animals, no harmful chemicals. There's nothing we're doing here that we're ashamed of or have to hide. We don't have to compromise and chase profits. The standard is simply finding out what's the best and right way to do something and then we just do it. And there's the rare benefit of knowing what we're doing is helping others live healthy lives - mentally, physically and spiritually. It's a win-win-win."

To that, we all said, "Amen!"