Wow, what an awesome turnout for DeyDey's second annual Ranch Open House.
Enjoy some of the great photos taken at the Ranch Open House held on Saturday May 7th.
We were blessed with great weather. It was a perfect day in the country. The sun was out - no rain in sight. It was not too hot, nor too cold. Friends and customers came from as far away as Orange County, Los Angeles, and even Utah! What fun!
The day started out with busy last minute preparations for the arrival of our guests. Everyone pitched in. Lee was searching for a missing tire for the hay ride trailer. How did we lose a whole tire? Logan and Fred were moving animals to the petting zoo area. The inflatable bouncer was set up for the kids. The Elks were firing up the BBQ. Volunteers came to help.
John (aka DeyDey) and Nadine greeted guests as they first arrived. Barry directed them to the parking area. Fred drove the parking shuttle. The atmosphere was one of excitement, joy, and anticipation. John introduced the staff and thanked everyone for coming and participating in creating healthy sustainable food.
Lee regaled the participants of the Hay Ride with tidbits of farm life. Along the route, he pointed out the chicken shelters in our pasture that we move every day to provide our chickens with grass, sunshine, and bugs as well as protection from predators. Riders also got a chance to see our chicken tractor that houses our egg laying hens. Click here for photos.
We had several question and answer sessions with staff discussing ranch operations:
Crystal discussed how she manages heard health and answered questions at the petting zoo. This year the petting zoo included some very friendly goats, "Second Chance" the bull Crystal nursed back to health, alpacas, calves, and baby chicks. The kids loved the chicks best.
Logan discussed sustainability on our ranch and did a demonstration of Management Intensive Grazing. Moving cows from pasture to pasture is actually a very peaceful process. Cows are eager to move to a fresh new salad bar.
DeyDey's Best Beef Ever Burgers were a big hit. The Elks used oak wood from our ranch to fire up the BBQ. The Elks always do such a wonderful job - we love having them here!
Jean and Sean were available to answer questions about the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund. Thank you for your support of this worthwhile organization. We were able to send a check in the amount of $1,017.50 to them.
Whether you were able to come or not, John and I thank you for your support of small farmers like us. We encourage each of us to continue to ask questions, educating ourselves about "real" nutrient dense food, and believing that our food dollar vote does matter.
Your comments and suggestions are really important to us. Please email us at bestbeefever@gmail.com.
John & Nadine send their best to all.
P.S. We are thrilled to say that last week our hens produced their first 6 eggs. We are looking forward to sharing them with you as soon as production gets in full swing.
