Autumn is one of the most rewarding times of year on the farm. The days might be shorter and cooler, but the fields are still full of life and everything feels like it’s coming together. After months of hard work through spring and summer, this is when the farm reaches a natural peak.
It’s also the traditional time of year for harvest festivals, when farms across the country take stock of what the year has produced. Here at Farm2Fork, it’s our version of harvest time too – a chance to pause, reflect, and appreciate what the land and animals have given us before winter sets in.
A Busy Time Across the Farm
Right now, all parts of the farm are in full swing. The cattle and sheep are enjoying the last of the autumn grass before the weather turns, the final batch of pasture-raised chickens has just finished for the year, and the geese and turkeys are almost ready for Christmas.
It’s a satisfying time, because it shows the whole cycle working as it should – animals thriving on good grass, healthy soils underfoot, and the landscape in balance. Everything we’ve worked towards through the year is visible at once.
The End of the Chicken Season
By early October, our last flock of pasture-raised chickens has been processed, marking the end of the chicken season here at the farm. We only raise chickens through the warmer months when conditions are best for them to live naturally outdoors, foraging fresh pasture every day.
Once processed, each bird is frozen straight away to preserve flavour and freshness, so you can still enjoy the taste of our summer-raised chickens right through the colder months.
Cattle and Sheep on Autumn Pasture
The cattle and sheep graze outdoors all year round, making the most of the last growth of grass before it slows for winter. This is one of the most peaceful times to see them, settled, healthy, and in great condition after a long summer on pasture. Their grazing helps manage the fields and keep the sward diverse, which is important for soil health and wildlife too.
As the grass growth eases, we start including bales of hay as part of their grazing rotation, known as bale grazing. This keeps the animals on pasture through winter while returning nutrients directly to the soil and supporting the natural cycle of the land.
Geese and Turkeys Nearly Ready
Our geese and turkeys have been with us since May, and they’re now reaching full maturity after more than six months outdoors. They spend their days foraging and grazing naturally on the pasture, building strong, healthy birds with great flavour.
As the weather cools, they start to put on the final condition that makes them so special for Christmas. It’s a clear sign that the festive season isn’t far away.
Looking Ahead
Autumn is a time to take stock of the year and get ready for what’s next. The fields will soon quieten, the animals will settle into winter routines, and our focus will shift towards the busy run-up to Christmas.
For us, autumn abundance is about more than food – it’s about seeing the results of a year spent working with the land, and knowing that everything has had the chance to grow naturally in its own time.
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