Our Animals
At Ferndale Farms we believe that the quality of life of our animals has a great bearing on the quality of meat produced. Our animals graze with the natural biological cycles. Animals are born, grown and fattened with the seasons. Our animals are raised with care and respect. Animal welfare is our top priority! (Please visit the following website: Dr. Temple Grandin). They graze lush green pastures and open grasslands that are species-rich all year long. We produce beautiful, well cared for, healthy animals in a natural and healthy environment. We utilize pasture rotation, controlled grazing, natural fertilization, and water source management - a low energy, environmentally sound approach to raising livestock. It's better for them, better for us and better for you!
Our Angus cattle are early maturing and fatten easily on grass. The Angus breed began in the northern regions of England. The breed is renowned for its fine marbling texture and superlative eating qualities. Cows calve easily and have excellent maternal instincts.
Our Dorset and North County Cheviot sheep are a super hardy breed. They are aggressive, non-selective grazers that can really cover the country and utilize a wide range of forages. Our sheep are excellent mothers, not only in their milking ability, but also their behavioral traits that can significantly reduce labor at lambing time. Their lambs grow very quickly and fatten easily on pasture.
We use livestock guardian dogs to protect our sheep and goat herds. Our dogs are a Turkish breed called Akbash. They are large, strong, very independent, dedicated dogs. They are forward in their protection behaviors confronting predators directly. They are very critical to our farm, without them we would not be able to raise sheep. To learn more about these amazing dogs please click on this link: Akbash Dogs
