By: Amber J Reilly (Mar 4, 2009)
Da-Le ranch is an amazing place! I have had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Leslie on two different occasions, both of which are quite memorable. My first visit included a full tour of the farm, including meeting all their wonderful animals and the vermiculture area. Dave even gave me some eggs from his hens and turkeys, which he actually let me "pick" from the nests myself. On the second visit, I bought a pig, and it was delicious; every bit as good as Dave had promised! I have avoided eating meat and other animal products for quite some time, due to the inhumane treatment of animals in factory farming. I can now say with certainty, that at Da-Le Ranch this is not a concern! Dave and Leslie treat their animals extremely well, even practicing humane harvesting, which I was allowed to observe. Based on my observations, Da-Le Ranch is currently the only place I will purchase meat. Their sustainable farming approach is the quintessential example of "family owned and operated," and they have a remarkable ability to make you feel like part of the family in a single visit. My experience at Da-Le ranch is one I will never forget, and I will be a friend and a customer for a long time. I can't wait for my next visit to my new "family farm!"
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By:
Dave Heafner ( Jul 14, 2009 )

Jane, As most (even former associates) will tell you, I keep copious records and notes of everything. Comes from my years of Marine Corps training to "cover my rear end!" At my Farmer's Markets, I diligently record names of customers (if they don't object), and I'VE RESEARCHED ALL THE BONSALL FARMER'S MARKET LISTS, AND CANNOT FIND YOUR NAME ANYWHERE! Interesting, isnt' it? On another site, your negative reviews state that you tried repeatedly to phone me, with no success. Were that true, I'd have returned the call within a day or two. Although I might miss a call now and then, I'm pretty well known for returning calls promptly. Also, you seem to have been able to locate my LH and Da-Le Ranch sites, and my email address is on the first page, so you could have emailed me with a complaint. Your negative review seems to be a part of a pattern controlled by someone else, and hopefully that will cease. The review sites are for honesty...not fabricated information designed to harm a farmer's business.

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By:
Leslie Pesic ( Jun 27, 2009 )

Still not true. Same thing. No Jane has ever called and complained about our pork being mushy.

Comment
By:
Jane ( May 10, 2009 )

I'm glad that your experience was better than mine. I bought from Dave at the Bonsall Farmers Market and was Very Disappointed. The pork was mushy and the beef had a fishy flavor. I tried to reach Dave repeatedly and got no response. I may be the exception here but after researching I found that the condition of the pork is a direct result of the animal by-products in the dogfood the pigs eat(see menu in progress. He states he feeds salvage and dog food) The flavor in the beef comes from feeds as well. I think what we have here is a worm farmer that needs to stick to worms. I also think we all need to get some education here and learn what to look for and what questions to ask before we buy. And only purchase from farmers that can prove their claims. Jane