In my continuing quest to find local farms "doing it right," a group of us set out on a partly sunny Sunday in February, to West Ridge Farms - Premium Beef to meet with farmer Adam Frick, and have a tour of the farm. After our exit from the interstate, and a few long and winding country roads, we pulled into the farm to an area with a few old out buildings, a large barn and pastures as far as we could see.
![]() |
old farmstead outbuildings |
![]() |
Jinny trying to tempt them closer |
![]() |
One of many ponds supplying water to the cows |
![]() |
Adam Frick with his cows |
![]() |
Ear tags are used for identification |
![]() |
round bale silage |
silage, which I found fascinating. I guess it shouldn't surprise you this young farmer is also a chemist. Imagine that! "During the winter months, we feed a combination of dry grass hay and round bale silage (commonly called haylage). Since the baling process is rather violent, the leaves on dried grass (where the sugars are made via photosynthesis) tend to shatter. By baling the grass while it is still wet or wilted, the leaves are more flexible and tend not to
![]() |
the steers |
Wandering around the farm, it is evident in Adam's expressions and enthusiasm, just how much he cares about his herd, and how well they are cared for. For many of us, this is extremely important as we are looking for a great product, raised humanely on pasture with no added hormones or antibiotics. It speaks volumes when the entire herd
![]() |
Eating some hay |
![]() |
Well, hello there! |
![]() |
Cute calf |
After 2 hours of wandering around the farm, and an education in the proper care and feeding of a herd of cattle, it was time for us to get going, but not before we all purchased some awesome beef products. There were all-beef hot dogs I've been told by another foodie friend taste like a German Nuremberger Wurst (can't wait to eat one), tenderloin fillets, soup bones, sirloin tip roasts, chuck roasts and
![]() |
Boneless sirloin tip roast |
![]() |
All-beef hot dogs |
![]() |
Tenderloin Fillet |
Our next stop which was lunch at Vella's Restaurant and Tavern in Chapin, S.C. The lunch was awesome and they had the absolutely best fresh asparagus I've ever tasted, dusted with aged Parmesan cheese!
After lunch we continued our trek home, talking about the farm tour and all the delicious beef we had purchased. Once again I am thankful we have an abundance of local farms doing it "right" for you and me right here in South Carolina. It's tireless hard work, but without our support, they wouldn't be able to continue to do what is their passion, producing a great product for you and me. Does it cost more? Maybe. Is it worth it. Yes! The way to really save money on grass-fed beef is to buy it in larger amounts, such as a side or 1/4 side of beef. While that does mean more initial outlay, the total cost is around $3.90 per lb., which includes all cuts of beef from tenderloins to ground beef and everything in-between. Don't have the freezer space yourself for that much beef? Consider what we are doing and going in on it together with other friends or family members, dividing it up between all participants. The BEST thing you can do for yourself and your family is just EAT REAL FOOD! Buy it from your local farm, get to know your farmer, and support your local Farmer's market. I think you'll be happy you did!
Enjoy,
Mary
After lunch we continued our trek home, talking about the farm tour and all the delicious beef we had purchased. Once again I am thankful we have an abundance of local farms doing it "right" for you and me right here in South Carolina. It's tireless hard work, but without our support, they wouldn't be able to continue to do what is their passion, producing a great product for you and me. Does it cost more? Maybe. Is it worth it. Yes! The way to really save money on grass-fed beef is to buy it in larger amounts, such as a side or 1/4 side of beef. While that does mean more initial outlay, the total cost is around $3.90 per lb., which includes all cuts of beef from tenderloins to ground beef and everything in-between. Don't have the freezer space yourself for that much beef? Consider what we are doing and going in on it together with other friends or family members, dividing it up between all participants. The BEST thing you can do for yourself and your family is just EAT REAL FOOD! Buy it from your local farm, get to know your farmer, and support your local Farmer's market. I think you'll be happy you did!
Enjoy,
Mary
No comments:
Post a Comment