Dragonfly Farms produces all natural, all grass fed Belted Galloway and Angus beef in a healthy, low-stress environment in western Hanover. Our animals are not given any hormones or antibiotics and are handled calmly. The result is a very lean, flavorful beef that you can feel confident has come from a humanely raised animal. Raising grass-fed beef is not only more humane for the animals, but also has many health benefits. Grass-fed beef is higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fats.
In addition to our beef, we raise laying hens that supply us with delicious fresh eggs. Our chickens are allowed to roam around the house or out on pasture during the day, eating grass, weeds and bugs, and are then locked up safely at night. The eggs from birds kept in this type of environment have been found to be higher in Omega-3s and lower in cholesterol. We enjoy selling limited and surplus natural produce out of our gardens.
We are a diversified small farm. We produce our own hay, board lay up and retirement horses and grow perennials and Japanese maples. We have a beautiful property where we aim for health, happiness and sustainability.
As well as Fall Line Farms, you can also find us at the Ashland Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and the Whole Foods Market on Wednesday afternoons during the growing season. If you would like to be on our e-mail list for farm information and announcements please e-mail us at bruce@dragonflyfarmandplants.com. You may also visit our website, www.dragonflyfarmandplants.com, for more pictures of the farm and information about our products. We welcome visitors to our farm and would enjoy the opportunity to show you our animals.
Producer Application Information
Business Name
Dragonfly Farms
Number of years in operation
2
Number of acres presently in farming/growing
54
Describe your farming, processing practices.
Our beef is grass-fed and is raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones. Our cows are carefully handled in a low stress environment. Our beef is available by the whole, half or quarter cow. We also sell by the steak and have some processed beef products such as bratwurst, grassfed beef hot dogs, flavored sausages, summer sausage and beef sticks.
Our chickens are either pastured or free range during the day (two different groups) We have Red Sex Link, Americana, Buttercup, Lackenvelder, White Leghorn and Barred Rock birds. The pastured birds are in a large "chicken tractor" that is moved daily and the free range birds are allowed to roam all day while being put safely away at night.
Do you use genetically modified seeds or plants?
No
What is your pest & disease management system?
For farm wide pest management we use fly predators and manure management. For disease management we vaccinate minimally (rabies and the clostridial diseases every other year for the females and clostridial diseases for the bull calves at weaning) We believe in being as natural as possible while maintaining a healthy herd of low stress cattle.
Herd health and productivity management – Do you use any hormones, antibiotics, and/or steroids?
We do not use any hormones or steroids. We do not use medicated feed. If an animal in our herd gets sick, it will be treated as needed. We do vaccinate minimally. Our health management is maintained through a closed herd, careful selection and quarantine of new animals as well as careful observation allowing for early detection and prevention of problems.
Describe your feeding practices.
Our cows are grass-fed and grass-finished
Our chickens are pastured and some of them are free range. They are fed a naural vegetarian feed.
Are there any animal products in feeds?
No
Describe your soil & nutrient management.
We compost the manure produced on our farm and use it as fertilizer for the garden, pastures and hay fields.
Describe your water usage practices.
We do not allow our cows access to the large farm pond on our property. We do water the green house almost everyday, and we do that by hand to reduce water waste, which is more likely to occur with sprinkler or timer watering systems.
Conservation/land stewardship practices
We are currently growing a natural buffer around our pond and are trying to improve soil quality naturally.
Where is your operation located?
Beaverdam, Virginia
Hanover County Dragonfly Farms delivers to these locations: To learn more about Dragonfly Farms, please visit: http://dragonflyfarmandplants.com
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