Good morning, Reader!

I'm always grateful when February arrives. Not because I want to rush winter along, but because it reminds me that planning season is here. I find myself paging through seed catalogs, picturing gardens, and thinking ahead to how we'll care for our family in the months to come.

That same instinct to plan ahead shows up on our farm in other ways too — especially when it comes to food. Winter is when we make thoughtful decisions so families can eat well all year long, without the stress of last-minute grocery runs or wondering what's for dinner.

Before I share the details, I want to tell you something that's genuinely humbled Benj and I.

Our Beef CSA doubled this year.

With strong returning members and new families joining, that means after beef CSA shares are filled, we'll have 8 steers remaining as bulk beef shares. Before we open things up more broadly, I wanted to make sure you had a clear picture of what's coming — and whether this might be right for your family.

Here's what our beef customers tell me makes all the difference:

• Beef that looks and tastes incredible
• Cuts they actually know how to cook
• Confidence their family is eating 100% grass-fed and finished beef grown with transparency (come walk our pastures!)
• Peace of mind their food aligns with their values

Something I’ve learned over the years: when the beef itself is this good, the meals don’t have to be complicated.

Around here, that often looks like letting a pot simmer while work gets done outside, coming in to warm up and trusting the beef to carry the meal. It’s hearty. It’s nourishing. And it’s why our family meals don’t need much fuss when the quality starts out right.

Here’s the picture I see — in our family and in the families who enjoy bulk beef:

• A freezer stocked and ready
• Meals planned ahead
• Fewer grocery store trips
• Less mental load at dinnertime
• More rest, more margin, more peace

A full freezer really is a form of care — for your family, your time, and your energy.

I also want to acknowledge the questions I hear every year: "Will I really use all of this?" "Do I have enough freezer space?" "Is this the right investment?" From experience, families tell us the same thing afterward: they're surprised how naturally it becomes their go-to protein — and wish they'd done it sooner.

One more thing I'm proud to share: this year, our farm has continued to grow in our regenerative beef work right here in Minnesota. We've expanded acreage and are planning out more diverse pastures to build nutrient-rich soil. That care, from the ground up, shows up directly in the nutrient-density of the beef you bring home.

Here's what to expect next week:

• Bulk Beef Orders Open: Monday, February 9 at 10:00 a.m.
• Closes: Saturday, February 14 at 10:00 p.m.
• Available: ¼, ½, and whole beef shares (October 2026 butcher dates)
• Only 8 beef steers remain. Once they’re gone, they’re gone until 2027.

If this is something you've been waiting for, next week is the time.

I'm grateful you're here, and I can't wait to share this beef with the families it's meant for.

With joy and gratitude, Leah