August…
…the last month to cram in those summer activities you haven’t gotten to yet; a picnic lunch at the J.A. Skinner State Park Summit House, husking corn for the heifers at Barstow’s before dinner, ice cream on the porch, farm fresh burgers and steaks on the grill….
Barstow’s beef is raised here on our family farm in rural Hockanum Village. We feed our cattle from the land we farm. Our dairy and beef animals receive a varied diet that includes grass, clover, alfalfa, corn, and some grain. Thanks to no-till planting and other soil care practices, top of the line equipment, and bunker silo technology, we feed our cattle year round with our crops grown in Hadley, South Hadley, and Granby. Our herd eats local!
Our 600 dairy and beef head are keeping 450 acres of Massachusetts farmland open for wildlife habitat, ground water, clean air, climate resilience, and food security here in the Pioneer Valley. Growing our own crops (rather than purchasing them from the Midwest) is a priority for us. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a commitment to our rural landscape and a method to ensure crop quality. And you know what they say: good stuff in, good stuff out. 🥩
Here at Barstow’s Longview Farm we are producing high quality milk in addition to top quality meat. Due to the varied diet of our herd, our beef has a slightly higher fat percentage than strictly grass fed beef. This makes Barstow’s Beef ideal for grilling. Much of the fat grills right off and you are left with a delicious, tender, steak or burger.
Our meat is prepared at a local USDA inspected facility in Massachusetts and is exclusively available at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery. Our beef is frozen after butcher and packaging so that it remains fresh (here are some thawing tips). We send 1-2 steers each month for processing so there’s always something new rotating through our freezer section.
Grill Savvy
Nothing beats Hadley corn on the cob and steaks on the Bar-B. Great steaks on the grill are rib-eye, tenderloin, strip steaks, and NY sirloin. These premium cuts require no-marinating; they are juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious as they are, grilled or pan-seared. We also have kabob meat!
Barstow’s burgers (and ground beef packs) are all-stars of their own. Three, 6oz patties to a ~1lb package, family grill night has never tasted better.
Think Big
Looking to fill your freezer with local beef at a great price? Consider ordering in bulk! You can find our bulk order menu on our website here. We recognize that this process is unique and perhaps intimidating – be not afraid, Denise is happy to help with questions and the ordering process. You can reach her at info@barstowslongviewfarm.com.
Slow Cookin’
If slow cooking is more your speed, consider Barstow’s roasts, short ribs, brisket, stew beef, or ox tail for a delicious home cooked meal. As fall and the holidays approach, get excited about these flavorful cuts!
Organ..’ah eat that?
Barstows frequently has beef liver in stock. Looking for heart, ox tail, or tongue, let us know! As dairy farmers, we don’t want anything to go to waste so we often have these less popular cuts in the back freezer or available for order.
Bon(e) Appétit!
Beef marrow bones make nutrient rich bone broth on your stove top. They’re also a favorite of man’s best friend! Marrow bones come 2-4 in a bag of ~2.25lb.
Beef Bundles
Beginning next week (when we get in our next meat order), we’ll be able to fill most beef bundle orders again. We ask for, at minimum, 48 hours notice to pull together these bundles. View bundles and pricing here.
Eat Local Beef
Local beef, like the amazing cuts you’ll find at Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery, generates fewer food miles, maintains open space in your community, keeps dollars local, and just tastes better! Stop by Barstow’s to celebrate Massachusetts Eat Local Month – we are open daily until 5pm. As always, if you have questions about our products, would like to place an order, or just want to say hello, please contact us via email at info@barstowslongviewfarm.com or give us a call during open hours at 413-586-2142. See you soon!