Hey Reader,

Last Thursday, Benj and I had to make the tough decision to put down a beef cow unexpectedly due to delivery complications — and after a long battle, we lost the calf too. Ugh. Things like this hit a little farm hard, emotionally and financially.

Sometimes you just have to make a decision and move forward best you can. As the sun went down, we got to work. Strong fans hummed to keep the mosquitos off us in the thick summer air as we quartered and packed meat to chill late into the night. On Independence Day, instead of relaxing, our whole family spent the day grinding beef and wrapping cuts.

It wasn’t how I pictured the holiday. But even in the middle of the solemn work, I felt calm with gratitude.

Grateful we had the skills. Grateful we could still salvage good meat. Grateful for the kind of freedom that comes with knowing how to feed our family — and also grateful to live in a world where butchers usually carry that load.

I've come to learn that in farming, loss is inevitable. But if you're prepared — if you've built the skills, the connections, and the mindset — you can turn that loss into nourishment when you're fortunate (like this time), and into resilience and hard-won wisdom when you're not.

So while this wasn’t our plan, our freezers are now full, and I’m able to offer our family’s personal 1/2 share of grass-fed beef, available at Schmidt’s Meat Locker (Nicollet, MN), with a butcher slot on August 27.

This is the last open 100% grass-fed/finished bulk beef slot until 2026, so if your family is looking to stock the freezer, please reach out soon. If more than one family is interested I could do quarter's as well.

Just reply to this email, or give me a call or text at 507-232-9902, and I’ll send you the details.

With gratitude,
Leah Matzke
& the Great Heritage Farm Family

“Though the fig tree should not blossom... yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” — Habakkuk 3:17–18

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Farm Fresh Sheet

Here's what's available on the farm this week:

Retail Pastured Pork Cuts – Limited bacon, pork chops, roasts, hams, ground pork and lard IN STOCK!

A2 Cream on Top Raw Milk – $10/gallon or $5/half
​Farm pick-up only. Bring your own container.
​New customers: We have a good supply! Contact me to schedule a farm tour, meet the cows, and arrange your first pick‑up.

Eggs – Chicken $5/dozen. Limit 2 dozen per family.

Pick-Up Options this week:

• On-Farm Pickup: Monday, Thursday & Friday – by appointment
• ​View summer drop dates here. ​

Special Farm Events This Week:

• Bronze Age Sword-casting Class - Wednesday, July 9 - sign up here​
• Sowing Seeds: Sowing Seeds: Celebrating Local Foods & Lost Skills - Sunday, July 13 - sign up here​

To order:​
Reply to this email or text Leah at 507-232-9902​
You can pay in person (cash/check), Paypal or order online.​

Thank you for being part of our farm family!