Free Union Grass Farm

Free Union, Virginia (Pekin)

“Free Union Grass Farm is a holistic, diversified livestock operation. By raising animals in the environment most suited to their needs and inclinations, we fight growth of invasive species, stimulate native forages, regenerate abused pastures, and build healthier soils. We fence livestock out of waterways to protect riparian areas and allow aquatic species to thrive. The end result of our work is nourishing food, and a lifestyle that sustains our physical, emotional, and financial needs.

“We raise the white Pekin duck, a busty meat breed we like for its consistent growth, reasonable but not overwhelming fat content, and even meat-to-bone ratio no matter the dressed weight. They are relatively mild in flavor - rich and earthy, but not gamey. The Pekins are excellent foragers with high resilience in the field. Like the broiler chicks, they arrive to us at the post office, then spend only two to three weeks in the brooder before graduating to the pasture. The ducks are also enclosed within several feathernets, but instead of Nomads, they have access to a moveable structure on skids, which we call the Duck Barn, or "The Darn." During the days, they mostly prefer to spread themselves out all over the paddock to preen and enjoy their personal space, though they occasionally visit The Darn to eat and drink, or for shade on especially hot days. At dusk, one person can herd them fairly easily into The Darn, where we keep them extra-safe from predators until morning. The Darn then gets pulled forward one space every morning, which ensures that the pasture receives equal impact and fertilization and gives the ducks access to clean, dry shelter.”

-Free Union Grass Farm