Hello Friends and welcome to September!
We have been so busy that August blew right by without an update. We want to catch you up, so here's what's been happening on the farm:
We have hatched 16 chicks from our own flock. It's been an amazing learning process about incubating and hatching eggs, and growing up our very own pullets and cockerels (farmer speak for young hens and roosters) to get them ready to go up to the big coop in the farmyard. We also added 18 chicks from a hatchery to ensure that we will have three breeding clans going forward. This means that we will be a closed flock for the next 20 years without having to worry about in-breeding. A closed flock is desirable for maintaining biosecurity and preventing outside birds from introducing parasites or disease.
We have even decided to add an additional coop to support the program and increase our egg production (stay tuned for next Spring). I have to thank our amazing team for all of their support doing additional farmyard chores on the weekends to make all of this happen. I'm deeply grateful to have the best farm team around. Here are a few photos of our chicks. They are a cross between our best rooster Bricktop, and a few of our older hens. The goal for our breeding program is disease resistance, longevity and temperament (especially the roosters)
Farmer Martha is always thinking of ways we can offer more value to you, our valued customers, so we started a Cookbook swap in our farm store. If you are looking for some new recipes, please feel free to bring an old cookbook to the store to swap it for a new one. You are also welcome to borrow a book as well. If you try a great recipe, please let us know so that we can share it on the recipes page of our website!
We have several great events coming up, so here are links in case you would like to see the farm up close, participate in forest bathing and a sound bath, or our rescheduled mushroom inoculation workshop:
First up, we are proud to be part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program on Saturday, September 20th. If you were ever interested in touring the farm, here's your chance!
Here's the link to the Garden Conservancy's page to purchase tickets that support their Open Days program-
https://www.gardenconservancy.org/garden-directory/open-days/maranatha-farm
Forest Farm Walk and Sound Bath Event
$55.00
This item is for ONE PERSON TO ATTEND OUR TWO HOUR FOREST FARM WALK AND SOUND BATH EVENT.
Come for a relaxing and rejuvenating Forest Farm Walk and Tibetan
Singing Bowl and Sound Bath in honor of the Autumnal Equinox
WHEN:
Friday, September 19, 4-6:00 pm
75 Willow Ave, Peapack NJ
Light refreshments will be served. Please bring your own Yoga mat. Please wear hiking shoes for uneven terrain. Our farm is located on a ridge, so there is up-hill walking involved.
(Rain Date: October 3, 2025 4-6 PM)
Shiitake Mushroom Growing Workshop
$55.00
This item is for ONE THREE HOUR MUSHROOM GROWING WORKSHOP.
Join us for a journey into the world of shiitake mushroom growing! Our hands-on workshop is designed to guide you through the essentials of growing these delectable fungi. You will learn how to select the perfect hardwood logs for inoculation and master the art of nurturing them to fruition.
Throughout the workshop, you will gain valuable insights into sustainable farming practices while enjoying the serene ambiance of our farm. This unique opportunity is perfect for everyone, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener.
Enjoy refreshments and a brief tour of the farm before getting started. You'll also take home your own inoculated log, allowing you to continue your cultivation journey at home. Please remember to bring your eye/ear protection and work gloves, and wear clothes and footwear that you don’t mind getting dirty. Long hair should be tied back, and we recommend avoiding dangling clothes and jewelry for safety.
This workshop lasts approximately 3 hours and is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unlock the secrets of successful mushroom growing!
WHEN: 9AM - 12:00 Saturday, October 25, 2025
Lastly, we wanted to leave you with a few lamb photos. It's been a long two month weaning process for the lambs and the ewes, but thankfully all went well under Farmer Mark's guidance, and we can't believe how huge the lambs are even though they are only five months old. Our biggest lamb is Felix by a wide margin. He was the only single born, and has to be at least 80 pounds by now. As you can see from the photo below he is on the right side, and much bigger than the two sets of twins. The flock has been reunited, and has even made their first trek over to the riverside silvopasture following Farmer Mark, and Fern, their fearless leader.
We hope that you enjoy these cooler days. It will be the holidays before we know it! As always, thank you so much for your interest and support of our work.
May God bless you and your families, today and always.
Sincerely,
Michele & The Maranatha Farm Team