Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy. - Fred De Witt Van Amburgh | Staying Indoors Ouch! It's cold out! Not a problem. All the livestock have cozy pens and lots of feed. The farmers have warm clothes and good equipment for looking after them. We're all thankful. Well, there may be one person not as thankful as the rest of us. He has TAXES to do now and no excuses. Taxes = grumpiness. "Ya, he's cranky," admits Jeannie. "I tried to cheer him up. It's not working. My mom is making him a pie." It may have helped some. Martin was more talkative, but that may have been just an excuse to escape the dark cave of numbers in his mind. What's that old saying? "Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes." And Victor adds, "Taxes may be the death of us." | It's good to revisit important topics. This is one of them. It's from a few years ago, but the information is even more relevant today with the diluting of organic standards. This article, Food imported from China and labelled "organic" is anything but, sparked an interesting exchange on Facebook, some of which I'll share. It lets you know why all organics are not equal. Someone commented on the article, "Is anything organic anymore?" I replied, "That's why we grow as much of our own food as possible and research the companies and producers of those products we can't grow, but sell in our store, Harvest Haven. Know your farmer." SC: Are you organic? Me: Yes, we are, and our standards are stricter than certified organic. SC: How are they stricter? Me: It would be good if you could come out to the farm and talk to the manager. But a few things for those who can't make it out: ? We've gone through all the products we carry in our on-farm store to be sure there are no GMO ingredients, even those found in personal care products.
? If possible, we do not carry organic products from companies such as Earthbound, Santa Cruz, or others owned by big business that has no interest in organics.
? We mix all our own chicken feed using organic grains, with no synthetic ingredients, which are allowed in certified organic chicken feed.
? When the weather is warmer, our poultry is raised on pasture in the fresh air and sunshine. Some organic operations have big barns with just a little door for access to a small run outside. Few if any chickens will use that.
? Because we have a tight rotational grazing program, our sheep and cattle have a great variety of grasses and legumes for optimal nutrition and health.
? We use only the manure produced by our livestock in our large compost piles, which are carefully maintained so nutrients aren't lost to the elements. This compost is generously spread on the vegetable and fruit gardens, as well as the fields.
? A vital part of our production is Grander Living Water, which treats ALL the water on the farm. Everything gets energized with Granderized water.
| ? | We've gone through all the products we carry in our on-farm store to be sure there are no GMO ingredients, even those found in personal care products. | | ? | If possible, we do not carry organic products from companies such as Earthbound, Santa Cruz, or others owned by big business that has no interest in organics. | | ? | We mix all our own chicken feed using organic grains, with no synthetic ingredients, which are allowed in certified organic chicken feed. | | ? | When the weather is warmer, our poultry is raised on pasture in the fresh air and sunshine. Some organic operations have big barns with just a little door for access to a small run outside. Few if any chickens will use that. | | ? | Because we have a tight rotational grazing program, our sheep and cattle have a great variety of grasses and legumes for optimal nutrition and health. | | ? | We use only the manure produced by our livestock in our large compost piles, which are carefully maintained so nutrients aren't lost to the elements. This compost is generously spread on the vegetable and fruit gardens, as well as the fields. | | ? | A vital part of our production is Grander Living Water, which treats ALL the water on the farm. Everything gets energized with Granderized water. | SC: I am skeptical of people who slam organic. Certainly big operations (especially in California where water contamination is more likely) are not the best examples but to say they have no interest is certainly another thing. There are other certifications now for humane treatment of animals..........much of what you say is a part of organic certification like not allowing GE crops, synthetic fertilizers/pesticides, growth hormones or antibiotics. Brix is only a reading for sugar content and is also used by conventional farmers. Although there is likely something to this there is no science behind Brix........Your link on Grander Water doesn't say anything at all about the process for this water only how wonderful it is. There are a number of things in cosmetics which are harmful besides GE products.........this is not an industry that is regulated at all. I am thinking you may have a very good and legitimate business but you may be surprised at how well educated others are on this issue and you may alienate them by your comments. So how are you "stricter"? Me: SC, let me address your first statement: "I am skeptical of people who slam organic. Certainly, big operations (especially in California where water contamination is more likely) are not the best examples but to say they have no interest is certainly another thing." I make no apology for slamming organic. Whatever you mean by that, I know what I mean. I am an organic farmer and support organics wherever I can. But, not all organics are equal. However, I will NOT support those brands owned by big companies whose only interest is their bottom line and who've jumped into organics because they see it growing exponentially after the blood, sweat, and tears shed by the early organic pioneers/farmers. Are you not familiar with this information from Organic Consumers Association, August 23, 2012? "In recent weeks, several public interest groups, including the Organic Consumers Association, Cornucopia Institute, Mercola.com, and Natural News, have pointed out the gross hypocrisy and greed of large food and beverage corporations which profit from the sale of billions of dollars of their proprietary organic and 'natural' food brands while at the same time funneling large sums of money to the Monsanto-led campaign to defeat the November 6th GMO labeling ballot initiative (Proposition 37) in California. These organic and 'natural' traitor companies and brands include: Kellogg's (Kashi, Bear Naked, Morningstar Farms); General Mills (Muir Glen, Cascadian Farm, Larabar); Dean Foods (Horizon, Silk, White Wave,[Earthbound]); Smucker's (R.W. Knudsen, Santa Cruz Organic); Coca-Cola (Honest Tea, Odwalla); Safeway ("O" Organics); Kraft (Boca Burgers and Back to Nature); Con-Agra (Orville Redenbacher's Organic, Hunt's Organic, Lightlife); and PepsiCo (Naked Juice, Tostito's Organic, Tropicana Organic)."
https://www.organicconsumers.org/essays/friends-and-enemies-your-right-know
I encourage those who want to support the organic industry to do their homework and be knowledgeable about just who they're supporting. We've done ours and are willing to share. SC, this is Martin Vanpopta. I manage Harvest Haven for Marilyn. I know that I've discoursed with you in the past and the results were less than pleasant. However, I would like to answer your question for everybody else's sake. To be clear, we meet all organic standards as put forth by the USDA at Harvest Haven but don't believe that the certification requirements demand enough from producers. Here is a short list of "regulations" we observe at Harvest Haven that are over and above the minimum organic standards: ? Our laying hens spend the whole growing season out on pasture in the fresh air and sunshine. They lay their eggs in a portable henhouse that follows the cows through the pasture all summer long. Nothing makes a hen happier than hunting for bugs in the grass.
| ? | Our laying hens spend the whole growing season out on pasture in the fresh air and sunshine. They lay their eggs in a portable henhouse that follows the cows through the pasture all summer long. Nothing makes a hen happier than hunting for bugs in the grass. | We used to bring fresh greens to the hens twice daily during the green seasons and rich hay in the off seasons. Now we bring the birds to the grass. The vitamin supplements medicated into the water in certified organic flocks are no replacement for harvested greens. We provide ample roosting space and clean fresh air. We even provide ashes for dust bathing which is a wonderful way to keep hens parasite-free and laying into their old age. ? Our broilers and turkeys also move through the pastures all summer long. We move the broilers to fresh grass every single morning and turkeys every other day. Remember: the meat will always taste a little bit like the air the animals breathe.
| ? | Our broilers and turkeys also move through the pastures all summer long. We move the broilers to fresh grass every single morning and turkeys every other day. Remember: the meat will always taste a little bit like the air the animals breathe. | Organic standards don't cull birds if they are "too dirty" when they reach slaughter weight or if they taste like barnyard. You would be shocked to see how filthy some certified organic birds are before they are processed and cryovaced in shiny packaging with a nice farmstead logo. Our portable infrastructure gives our meat birds full access to fresh greens all season long, without compromising their safety from predators. It's beautiful and very quiet. Go ahead and visit an industrial barn. They sound like being in a wind tunnel for testing airplanes. It's an obvious choice. ? Our beef and lamb are rotated to fresh pasture daily during the growing season and kept in clean corrals in the winter. It's a sight so perfect it makes your heart sing.
| ? | Our beef and lamb are rotated to fresh pasture daily during the growing season and kept in clean corrals in the winter. It's a sight so perfect it makes your heart sing. | We are very conscious of our animals' living conditions. Southern Albertan winters do not forgive you for neglecting corral hygiene. Most antibiotic use in calves is a direct result of dirty corrals with filthy standing water, high animal density and poorly executed transport or weaning. Going organic means being diligent and thoughtful. There's no chemical safety net. Further to your comment about cosmetics. Yes, we're aware that cosmetics are not regulated, which is why we have taken it upon ourselves to do the regulating. This is done by careful research and contacting the companies and asking hard questions and demanding transparency. We don't just carry a product because it has a good price point, and it seems marketable. We want to do the right thing before God and man. Note: We did not receive a response from SC. | Martin started raising laying hens last winter because the stock we bought from the hatchery the spring before was weak and a large number died prematurely. Wanting to be sure we had hardy birds, our intrepid farmer gathered eggs from our own healthy hens and hatched them. There were chicks of all sizes and colors in various barns all over the farm for the last year. After a few months, we were able to sort the pullets from the roosters. The pullets you keep; the roosters you eat. Now, we have pasture-raised REAL soup chickens that are meaty with oodles of flavor. | Harvest Haven Soup Chickens – Old-fashioned chicken soup, the ultimate comfort food, made with pasture-raised real soup chickens. These birds are meaty and full of flavor. Perfect for a hearty soup! Anita's Organic All-Purpose Unbleached Flour – When we started baking bread, we tried various brands and found Anita's to be the best. It's smooth, versatile, with a light texture and high gluten strength – yes, GLUTEN. It can be used for all types of baking including cookies, muffins, cakes, and of course, our Harvest Haven Hearth bread. Harvest Haven Beets – Sweet and tender, low in calories, and high in nutrients and fiber, this earthy root vegetable is great as a side dish, in a salad or soup. Roasting fresh beets brings out their sweet flavor. Organic Gala Apples – These apples have risen to the top of the popularity chart for apples. They have a mildly sweet flavour with hints of vanilla and a floral aroma. Firm crisp flesh makes them great for snacking, salads, juicing, and baking. Organic Frozen BC Blueberries – Low in calories, high in antioxidants, you know you should eat more of them. But they taste so good, who needs an excuse to sprinkle them on just about everything you eat? Baker's House Organic Baking Powder, 210 g – This aluminum-free baking powder is also GMO free and wheat free. It's great for all quick breads, waffles, pancakes, cakes, and all your non-yeast baking without a bitter aftertaste! | Please note, all ingredients in our recipes are organic. | Chicken and Dumplings 1 Harvest Haven Soup Chicken
4 Harvest Haven carrots, 1 whole, 3 chopped into 1/2-inch rounds
4 celery stalks, 1 whole, 3 chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium Harvest Haven onion, chopped, divided
3 Harvest Haven garlic cloves, smashed
4 sprigs thyme
Parsley stems from 1/2 bunch
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
Salt
1/2 cup butter, melted, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups Anita's all-purpose flour, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
1/2 cup heavy cream
Chopped chives (for serving) Bring chicken, whole carrot, whole celery stalk, half of onion, garlic, thyme, parsley stems, bay leaf, peppercorns, and 3 quarts water to a simmer in a large wide pot. Cook, uncovered, until chicken is cooked through, 1-2 hours. Transfer chicken to a plate and let sit until cool enough to handle. Shred meat from bones, discarding skin, and excess fat. Cover meat with foil to keep warm; set aside. Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Wipe out pot, pour stock back in, and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. salt. Heat 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium. Cook chopped carrot, chopped celery, and remaining onion, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened but not completely tender, 8–10 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 cup flour and cook, stirring, until vegetables are coated, about 1 minute. Scrape vegetable mixture into simmering stock and whisk until liquid is thickened and no lumps remain, then continue to cook until vegetables are tender, 10–15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk baking powder, baking soda, 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, and remaining 1 cup flour in a medium bowl. Whisk buttermilk and remaining 3 Tbsp. butter in a small bowl. Fold buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients just until dough comes together (be careful not to over mix or dumplings will be tough). Add cream and reserved chicken to stew and return to a simmer. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough into stew (don't worry if they aren't perfect, they will puff up as they cook). Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10 minutes. Uncover and check dumplings for doneness: They should be about 5 times larger and should cover entire surface of stew. To be extra sure, you can remove a dumpling and cut it in half to see if it's cooked through; the interior should look like a soft dinner roll. If they're not fully cooked, cover and cook 2 minutes more. Divide chicken soup and dumplings among bowls, then top with chives. | Roasted Beet and Apple Salad 3 Harvest Haven beets, peeled & quartered
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
1 apple, cored & sliced
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp salt Preheat oven to 400° F. Lightly oil a piece of foil large enough to loosely wrap quartered beets. Place beets on the oiled side of the foil, and loosely wrap to make a sealed package. Put foil-wrapped beets on a baking sheet in the centre of the oven and roast 30-45 minutes until tender. In the last 5 minutes of roasting time, spread walnuts on the baking sheet alongside the roasting beets to toast. Remove beets and walnuts from the oven, remove beets from foil, and allow to cool. When beets are cool, slice the quarters into thinner wedges. Make the dressing by whisking lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, parsley, and salt together in a bowl. Add apple slices, beet slices, and walnuts to the bowl and toss with the dressing. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled | Blueberry Muffins 1 1/2 cups Anita's all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon for muffin tops
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/3 cups sunflower oil
1 large Harvest Haven egg
1/3 – 1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup frozen organic B.C. blueberries Preheat oven to 400º F. In a large bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Use a measuring cup that holds at least 1 cup, add oil, egg and then fill the cup to the 1-cup line with milk (about 1/3 to a 1/2 cup of milk). Add vanilla and whisk until combined. Add milk mixture to the bowl with flour and sugar then use a fork to combine. Do not over mix. (The muffin batter will be pretty thick). Add blueberries and use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the blueberries into the muffin batter. Divide the batter between the muffin cups filling about 1/2 full. Sprinkle a little sugar on top of each muffin. Bake for 15-20 minutes. | Crossroads Official Video Victor recently released another music video. He wrote this song while we lived at Revivim, HaNegev, Israel in 1979. A young man we met there had a life-changing decision to make and this song represents that struggle. It's universally applicable as we all have crossroads throughout life with decisions about what we should do. Victor recorded this song at Hummingbird Studios in Calgary. Our son, Jonathan and his team at Symbol Syndication produced the video. | |
