Animal Care at Ayers Valley Farm
In Regards to Animal Nutrition:
Our ruminants: (Cattle)
We're proud to share that our cattle are grass-fed for their entire lives. During the winter months in Southern Ohio, we supplement our stockpiled forage with dry hay bales that are unrolled in our pastures.
Our pasture management utilizes a regenerative approach in order to ensure we are improving the land as well as both water and air quality. Our grazing program is designed to support humane, happy, and healthy treatment of our animals for the entirety of their lives. We are a cow-calf farm, where babies are born on the farm and live with their mothers along with finishing animals, that go into our meat program.
Our other animals: (Poultry & Hogs)
Our poultry and hogs (non-ruminants that cannot sustain a healthy diet on grasses alone) are fed grains along with their natural diet in the pastures. We source our feed from a small, family owned and operated local feed store. Our grain mixes contain all GMO free grains including: barley, wheat, peas, plus natural vitamins and minerals. We do NOT use any corn or soybeans in our feed mixes.
In Regards to Animal Care & Processing:
Do you give your animals antibiotics or vaccines?
Our careful production practices eliminate the need for preventative doses of antibiotic medications that are used in other production methods like factory farming. However, we believe that animals deserve responsible care and in cases to prevent animals from death or sufferings we do allow use of therapeutic (spot treatment) medications. These animals are tagged and recorded in our farm records to NOT enter our meat program. We do not administer any vaccines including the mRNA vaccine.
Do you give your animals hormones or steroids?
We do not administer hormones or steroids to any of our animals. The FDA does not allow the use of any hormones when raising any pigs or poultry.
Do you process your own animals?
In accordance with USDA processing standards, we do not process any animals on the farm. To adhere with the standards that are required for us to sell our meat across state lines and to official wholesale customers, we utilize the best USDA inspected processing facilities within the states around us. All our meat is federally inspected from the moment it reaches the processing plant, through every step, and all the way through to final packaging.
In Regards to Ayers Valley Farm Products:
Are Ayers Valley Farm Meats certified organic?
While our farm is not technically "certified" organic by the USDA, we do adhere to organic farming principles and practices. The USDA stamp is costly due to inspections and government regulators, we hope you will put your trust in your farmers and our open-door policy rather than a stamp. Some of our practices go beyond "organic" standards, like requiring that most of our ruminant animal products are 100% grass-fed and produced without grains.
Do you offer Raw Milk?
Yes, seasonally only in the on-farm Farm Store. In the state of Ohio it is illegal to sell Raw Milk unless it is sold as Pet Food or if you are a member of a Herd Share. We sell our 100% grass-fed Jersey Raw Milk as pet food. It is stored in half gallon glass jars with reusable plastic lids to keep the milk fresh for 7-10 days (refrigerated).
Ordering From Ayers Valley Farm
Why does pricing vary based on location?
Our growth and success have allowed us to expand our distribution channels, including shipping, pickup locations, and our on-farm Farm Store. The cost of getting our products to different states varies, with further states incurring higher transportation and packaging expenses. To ensure transparency and fairness, our pricing reflects these associated costs on each item. Creating an account is a crucial step in providing you with the most accurate pricing for your specific location.
Are all locations eligible for Subscribe & Save? Are there minimums and fees?
In-depth details covering all of these questions can be found on our Subscribe & Save page here.
How much freezer space will I need?
As a general rule of thumb, one cubic foot of freezer space will hold up to 25 pounds of meat.
What about in-person shopping?
To see details for our Farm Store please go here. For all pickup locations you can see details here.
Can I return my packaging?
We are currently unable to accept packaging returns, however we use the most eco-friendly packaging that can be recycled or used in your compost.
Can I change my “location” for pickup or delivery?
You sure can! The caveat is that you need to change your location at the top of the screen before you start to fill your cart. Once you select a location and add items to the cart, it locks in your cart close, delivery, and pricing details. If you need a location change after items are already in your cart, please email us at taylor@ayersvalleyfarm.com for assistance.
Do you accept EBT payments?
Currently, we don't have a system established to accept EBT. We make announcements regarding such changes and updates via our e-newsletter, so if you haven't already, I encourage you to take a moment to sign up.
How do I safely handle/dispose of dry ice?
Dry-ice is added to every box of meat to ensure that your product arrives at safe temperatures. It is not unusual for the dry-ice to be completely dissipated by the time the order arrives. Dry Ice is extremely cold at -109.3°F or -78.5°C and should always be handled with protective gloves to protect your skin, (an oven mitt or towel will also work). If touched briefly it is harmless, but prolonged contact with the skin can freeze cells and cause injury similar to a burn.
More safe handling tips:
• Dispose of dry ice by letting the unused portion dissipate in a well-ventilated area. Be sure that this is not left in a public area or where it can be accessed by children or pets.
• You should never dispose of dry ice in a sink, toilet or other similar places. This can destroy the structure because of temperature differences.
• Do not place dry ice on a tiled or solid surface countertop as again the extreme cold may cause damage.
• Do not dispose of in trash or garbage.
