Gina Walker is a first-generation farmer from Seattle who moved to Damon in 2007 and married her husband, Clifford, two years later.At Gina's Acres, there are more than 30 cows who have been grazing the pasture for about five to six years. As long as the cows produce good and healthy calves, they stay at the farm. There is one cow who has been on the farm for 15 years.Gina's cattle is 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished except for the hay they are fed once a day in the winter. After seven to 10 days they, are moved to a new pasture for rotational grazing, which improves pasture health.Along with the chickens, the cows at Gina's Acres have access to free choice minerals depending on what they need. In an effort to not waste minerals, Gina and Clifford made this compartment to help them better understand what the cows need in their soil.Gina Walker discusses the process of her chickens rotating every three to five days to a new pasture for fresh grass and bugs, which is how they get a majority of their nutrition.There are 200 to 220 Hy-Line Production red pasture-raised chickens at Gina's Acres in Damon. For the chickens, natural foraging is supplemented with a corn-free, soy-free and non-GMO feed as well as free choice minerals they take if needed.A Hy-line Production red chicken lays eggs in the nesting box May 9 at Gina's Acres in Damon. About 170 eggs are laid each day and 80 to 100 dozen eggs are sold at the market.Gina washes dirt off an egg which also removes the natural coating called the bloom. Once the bloom is removed, the egg must be refrigerated to remain fresh.Gina Walker shows the bloom, a natural coating that prevents bacteria from getting inside the shell. With the bloom in tact, the egg will stay fresh longer and does not have to be refrigerated.Every morning and evening, Gina feeds the Red Wattle pigs and makes sure they have enough water. Pigs don't sweat so they will roll around in the water that overflows to cool off.Red Wattle pigs at Gina's Acres drink water after the container is filled May 9 in Damon.The farm has eight pigs and they will be kept for about six to eight months before being sent off for processing. At six months, they will be big enough to make good bacon and pork chops.Red Wattle pigs eat their morning grain at Gina's Acres on May 9 in Damon.A kitten plays on old egg cartons at Gina's Acres in Damon. The kitten, along with another, is being raised as a barn cat that eventually will work to save feed from mice and keep snakes away.It takes about 21 to 28 days for Gina to receive the packaged beef products from processing. After they've been received, they sell the products online or at local farmer's markets.At Gina's Acres, they sell a variety of steaks, pork roasts, and other beef products such as liver, heart, kidney, and bones for broth.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience.
