From Mary Pratt at Elihu Farm:
Bob and I raised an even larger gaggle of heritage breed geese this year, because we sold the 90-some last year in short order.
We tried a new hatchery which specializes in waterfowl for the day-old goslings, and have been pleased with their hardiness and growth. They’re Toulouse (the big gray ones with white underneath) and American Buff (a little smaller, but with similar plumage except tan and beige where the Toulouse has gray).
The American Buff is one of those in Slow Food’s Arc of Taste . Honestly, I don’t think that means they’re tastier than are any other breeds. Their list promotes especially rare breeds, as defined by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
But back to our geese. Geese are natural grazers, so we keep them on pasture once they no longer need shelter, or until at least November, unles there’s snow on the ground. These days, they can go into the barn, but do go outside to graze. They also eat whole shelled corn, and some premixed grower feed.
We can supply frozen goose for the January and February deliveries. Ted will bring them with his veggies and our eggs. For more information, please see the attached order form below.
You don’t have to be a winter veggie share subscriber, but you must be a current member of the CSA. We appreciate your order by the Wednesday before delivery week. Although it’s too late now to order for December delivery, you can order in December for a later delivery date.
Thanks very much, Mary and Bob @ Elihu Farm
Download the Order Form Here: Elihu Goose CSA Flier 2011