Our Visit to Ray Family Farms

We had a great day today!  We went to visit Ray Family Farms located in Louisburg, North Carolina.  As we've mentioned in previous posts, our builder, Chad Ray, also owns and operates his family farm.  They raise chickens, pigs and cows and also have horses as well as growing produce.  We had been meaning to go out and visit the farm ever since we met Chad and he told us about it.  As you know, we are very much interested in sustainable farming practices that refrain from using hormones, chemicals, and are environmentally responsible.

Today presented a great opportunity to visit the farm.  We had an appointment to meet Ms. Betty, Chad's mother, out at one of their parade homes to discuss the decking materials and she insisted we come by her home afterwards for lunch and then stop by the farm for a visit.  Ms. Betty fixed us a wonderful lunch of chicken salad sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and strawberry shortcake for dessert!  It was fabulous and we appreciate her hospitality!  After lunch it was off to the farm.

One of the first things you notice when you get out of your car is wonderfully colorful chickens roaming freely around the property.  They get fresh eggs daily from their chickens and Chad mentioned this morning, they had over 100 eggs!

Next we got to see all the pigs.  Chad raises a heritage breed of pig that was at one time near extinction.  They are also pasture raised and seemed very happy rolling around in the mud and sleeping in the shade while we were there today.

The first Friday of every month, the farm receives a shipment of 1 day old baby chicks.  We just happened to visit a day after this months shipment.  We got to see the baby chicks and hold them.  I actually held a baby chick for the first time today and so did Sara!  These chickens are the meat producers for the farm and they are raised for a total of 12 weeks before they are processed.  A typical commercially produced chicken you would buy in the grocery store are only raised for 39 days!  

We had a great time at Ray Family Farms today!  We want to thank Chad, Jodi and Ms. Betty for their hospitality.  You are all wonderfully generous and thoughtful people and we couldn't be happier or more thankful that you all came into our lives.  We are truly blessed to know you!