Reviews for: Rainbow Ranch Farms

Thank you, for your very thoughtful and informative Site on Local H arvest.org

After conversing with Farmer "X" and taking notes, my husband & I joined the RRF/CSA program - in April of 2013.

CSA members are like a family of friends. A family which care about one another and A family that look out for one another.

One feels Empowered as you learn about the whole healthy/organic/holistic way of eating.

My husband and I feel very SAFE and can RELAX, when making our meat purchases - as CSA members, because of their heritage breed livestock, which are grown & slaughtered Ethically.

The people at RRF are LIFE oriented. In other words, our local CSA farmers care more about what goes into Our bodies, and in their animal's mouths, than does our US gov't who back Monsanto food-poisoning of our Most-used, crop-staples, like Sugar, Wheat, Cotton, Corn etc.

We are blest to have found out about RRF and grateful to God, for a healthier life. No one should Perish because they did not have the Knowledge they needed, to be well...so we as CSA members remain - Informed! : )

Talked with Xenia for over an hour on the phone today. Beyond her impressive knowledge, was her passion to help people learn and do the same. I wish every farm and rancher would learn to manage as Rainbow Ranch does. I cannot wait to join and enjoy her truly heritage, free-ranged, grain free birds!

I am new to RRF. I wanted to try their products before signed up for a CSA membershop, so I bought a chicken through Lindy and Grundy, a pastured/grass-fed butcher in Los Angeles.

I hardly did anything to this chicken before roasting it -- just seasoned it lightly by putting fresh herbs under the skin. This was the tastiest chicken I've ever eaten--and I've bought plenty of pastured chickens since going "beyond organic" a few years ago. This chicken was better than the rest (and that is saying a lot as those "other" chickens were already much better than most organic chickens) and it was incredibly moist. It tasted like I had brined this bird even though I hadn't done so.

To follow up, I wanted to learn about a CSA membership and so I called RRF. I spoke with Xenia--she was absolutely terrific. She spent a ton of time with me on the phone educating me about her farming practices, feed, how the CSA works and the various options.

I am just in the process of becoming a CSA member so I cannot offer any further insights but so far I am impressed.

Cooked 2 turkeys for Thanksgiving. 1. Organic, free-range, heritage (bronze) turkey from Whole Foods. Grown in 16 weeks, on corn and soy.

2. Organic, free-range, heritage (Midget White) turkey from R.R.F. Grown in 28 weeks, without grains, and without corn or soy.

Both turkeys were between 14-15lbs each.

Rinsed, salted and placed in covered broiler pans, in the pre-heated oven.

Both cooked in about 6 hours, at 325 degrees.

Both turkeys were uncovered and browned on 500 degrees, for 20 minutes.

A family taste test began.

The W.F. turkey breast was a little too dry, there was little flavor, and the underlayer of the skin was very fatty and not really edible.

The R.R.F. turkey breast was moist, had a natural flavor of it's own, the skin was crispy and tasty. This turkey needed no seasoning at all.

This was the first time I ever spent over $200.00 on a Thanksgiving turkey, from a local farm. I helped pluck the feathers, and clean my turkey, with the patience, and expertise of the farmers.

My family was shocked by the great, natural flavor, and the tender texture of the R.R.F. turkey. Now my entire family is going to pitch-in every year to make sure I get a fresh turkey from R.R.F.

This whole hands on experience, and agricultural education was WORTH IT. We are going to start a R.R.F. farm membership in January.

Many thanks, from the Farnsworth family.

We looked for years to find organic grain-free, and free-range meat and eggs.

We called and spoke with Xenia for about an hour. She invited us out to the farm, and gave us the full tour, and while there, she enlisted us to work. We all drove to the pasture to help load 2 cows that were destined for beef. We had the most eventful, and exciting day. It was a blast!!!

Dennis and Xenia are very knowledgeable about livestock, the ethical treatment of animals, and they even grow and develop, grain-free food for the animals.

We love our new friends/farmers, enjoy the farm events, and Bar-B-Que lunches, and we are very pleased with our farm membership, and all our delicious food.

Our Spanish Black turkey was the best tasting turkey we had ever had, and now our dinner table, will be the new official "Thanksgiving dinner tradition". Cheers to new traditions, and to the best farmers in the world!

THANK YOU! Dennis, Xenia, and all the volunteers at Rainbow Ranch Farms. See you at next C.S.A. pick-up.

We are grateful to know our farmers, and know our food. Rainbow Ranch Farms grows only the best quality meat and eggs.

We have been farm members for 5 years, and we have nothing but praise.

Our Thanksgiving, heritage turkey was the hit of the year, at our family dinner, and we are lucky to have found Rainbow Ranch Farms, and thankful that they allow us to help around the farms and ranches.

God Bless You!

I have purchased a turkey from Rainbow Acres Farm for three years now. The turkey meat is absolutely delicious. It's the best turkey we've ever had. The family at Rainbow Acres Farm is not only extremely helpful but also very knowledgeable. Sally is great. She does everything she can to help you. These turkeys cost more than the grocery store turkey, but you really can't compare. It's worth every penny, to have good for you food, not chemicals and hormones.

I don't usually write reviews! Working in the multi-billion dollar organizations for 14+ years, I have learned not to easily "trust" the world. For the past months I have been searching for "true" food. Food that is back to the basic! I called, emailed, and talked with over a dozen farmers, but NO ONE was friendly, sweet, and informative as Xenia. I ended up spending a lot of money purchasing food that I thought was best until I spoke with Xenia. What she told me makes perfect sense. If only I spoke with her sooner!

Xenia impressed me! She spent almost like an hour on the phone with me, explaining and teaching me farming and food source. It was incredible! She hardly knew me, but was willingly spending time talking with me. She opened her heart to me. She shared with me stories about helping people and how she had helped people. Her farming principles and philosophy are admirable! By the end of the call, I did not just know her products and farming methods, but I knew her.

I ended the call with a changed attitude! I could not believe that people like her (selfless, caring, and community oriented) are still around today.

You could tell when someone is really passionate in what they do. Xenia is definitely passionate about farming, helping people, and doing the right thing.

You inspire me!!!

I have been a RRF member for almost a year. I am just as pleased as punch! I have never had anything but pleasant experiences. They give us a sense of community that is missing most places these days. We look forward to our monthly farm pick up. DELICIOUS healthy meats, great people, always a good time!

Hard working dedicated and clean! What more can I say, oh ya healthy and delicious!

I cannot say enough about this wonderful farm and it's owners. Co-op days are such a blast, people from all walks, families. I've met so many wonderful interesting people.

And they are all coming to this place because they want the best possible foods for themselves and their families. They keep coming back because they know R.R.F. has the highest standards when it comes to maintaining the health and integrity of the meats. And R.R.F. associates themselves with other like minded people who strive to come back to eating the way we should be eating. Fresh wholesome foods, free of all the garbage.

And they keep coming back because Xenia and Dennis have cultivated a wonderful peaceful place. They bend over backwards to lend a hand, educate, making sure members are aware of events and that members are happy with the product and services offered.

I am proud to know these people! Can't wait until I can get back there !!

Beyond the tasty meat that my family enjoys. Their willingness to allow volunteer help to learn about sustainable living hands on is amazing! I have been able to add to my knowledge and in turn teach others! I will be a lifetime member and encourage all my friends to be aware of the food they eat and the foot print they leave behind! Thank you rainbow ranch farms for all you do in our community!

indeed, they do.

rainbow ranch farms, beyond the excellent quality of the meat, is MOST concerned with customer satisfaction.

i ordered two thanksgiving turkeys that arrived, as promised, in time for thanksgiving, one year. the birds were beautiful and delicious and were in the range of weight i was promised, however, i called and complained because they were on the smaller side of the scale, that year. it was a very difficult year, i remember the weather going nuts.

Xenia was wonderful. she very peaceably and sweetly explained that i DID receive what i paid for. however, to KEEP me a happy customer, she sent me a protein basket, the following spring. The protein basket was so good, i signed up for a share of protein baskets.

Rainbow Ranch Farms practices excellent business etiquette. i HIGHLY recommend joining and getting no nonsense food from the COOLEST farmers i know.

Thanks to Local Harvest and Rainbow Ranch Farms we are farm-direct for all our foods.

We have learned a lot about farming, and ranching, from R.R.F. I have personally volunteered to load and transport lambs, cattle and hogs, for processing (from Paso Robles to Los Angeles, and it has been a great experience knowing where my family-meals come from. I am a proud R.R.F. member and volunteer.

I agree with Mary, that the farm needs more volunteers, and I also feel the same way as the Bell family, when it comes to the farm members, artisan market co-op vendors, R.R.F. and K.B. As individuals and as a group, they are, a kind, caring, giving, hard working and helpful people.

We, as a family are dedicated and supportive members of Rainbow Ranch Farms.

P.S. To Mary: We would like to come volunteer on your farm, please let me know when we can come and visit you.

RRF has the best fresh meats on this planet! As a weekly volunteer I see and participate in the relentless detail and attention given to these animals and the processes to get them to the members. This is anything but a care free undertaking and takes a huge pioneering spirit. Xenia is unmatched in her tiring abilities to farm and weather the intense realities of this business. I've been on this farm for five years now and have nothing but praise...and scars and bruises....lol She has been blessed with an incredibly strong member base who are equally serious because they know what they want. They are doctors, lawyers, fitness trainers, connoisseurs, experts in their fields who appreciate what it takes to deliver. There are no vacations and we need more volunteers!

Thanks to Rainbow Ranch Farms, we eat as healthy as possible. We pick-up our fresh meats, at the farm, and the whole family loves the experience.

Farm to Fork, is the best way, and we love knowing our farmers. During last pick-up, we even enjoyed some delicious cooked meats, that were prepared in the luau pit.

Dennis helped us pick a few zucchinni, right out of the Rainbow Ranch garden, and those were served with dinner, the same evening (sliced, and roasted over an open fire, smothered in butter, yum).

It is not just pick-up, it is an event, for our whole family! Thank you, to our farmers, who work every day, including holidays!

Darlene and Dave

I've been looking into a few different farms in our area and inquiring about becoming a member. RRF looked very promising so I called to get a little information. This is a new experience for us and I wasn't sure what to expect and was naturally a little intimidated. The first few minutes of the conversation were very awkward and when unfriendly. We were having a hard time communicating and I felt like she expected me to already know the things I asked her about. I said, "I'm interested in becoming a member and your website is a little vague so I called." I don't think I've ever offended anyone more. I mean it was as if I had insulted a member of her family. Maybe it's just me but I think I'd want to know if a part of my business could use improvement. Obviously I saw it and still had questions... What kinds of services do you provide? Are you accepting new members? What types of foods are available right now? The only way I can get any information is paying $100??? If these are on the website and I completely missed them (totally possible) I understand but she was just mean and disappointing and overly sensitive.

We have been farm members almost 2 years now. We have purchased beef, eggs, and chicken. We have tried other farms and have just found found the quality, the portions and service that we have gotten with Xenia and Dennis. Our need for Organic starts with our daughter. She has multiple chemical disorder. If our daughter comes into contact with corn, soy or any chemicals in her foods, such as the eggs or beef or chicken she has seizures from it. It is very serious. I had several conversations with Xenia before becoming a farm member and she was straight up with me and honest and has a lot of integrity! I am so thankful to know Xenia! I am so thankful that we found our farm @ Rainbow Ranch. When I say that our daughters life depends on it, I truly mean it depends on it. Thanks to Xenia and Dennis for all the hard work and going the extra mile to produce such good food and be such good parents to all the "spoiled" animals! Our daughters have helped to feed the animals and take part in their growing even though it has only been a couple of times they know where their food comes from. What a great education for our children as well. You just can't go wrong with Rainbow Ranch!

We have been members for three years and are always thrilled with the quality and service. These are dedicated people who know how to treat animals,( both the four legged and the two legged kind) and they know how to run a business! If something isn't quite right they fix it immediately! But things are almost always right from the start. I've got a chicken roasting at the moment!

I look forward to coop days on Rainbow Ranch Farms. It is wonderful to see all the animals roam in the sun, eating real food as nature intended. Zenia produces grass fed meats that are delicious and her eggs are wonderful and nutritious! Thank you!!

In case you can't tell from all the other postive reviews, Rainbow Ranch Farm is the BEST! I have a child with type 1 diabetes and meat is one of the few foods she can eat without needing insulin. The last thing I want to do however, is feed her meat with chemicals, hormones and other nasty things provided by animals who suffered in incomprehensible conditions. I can't tell you what peace-of-mind it gives me knowing I can provide her with nutrition that comes from some of the cleanest and purest farms around. I am so impressed by their standards/practices for animal welfare (and for providing some of the best quality and best tasting meat around) that this vegetarian of 28 years has converted! I can honestly say, that if I couldn't get my family's meat from Rainbow Ranch, I would probably return to vegetarianism. A billion thanks would not be enough. Everytime I have spoken or emailed Xenia, I have gotten a swift, friendly and honest response. You can't go wrong with Rainbow Ranch.

I love the farm. I adore Xenia and Dennis. But I thought, a turkey is a turkey. I ordered our turkey to support the farm, and simply because I wanted one. (Our holiday meal was at the in-laws.)

I cooked our 15.5 lb. Royal Palm the day after Thanksgiving. It looked like I'd suspected it would from previous experience with RRF chickens and roosters. (YES, I said roosters. They're fantastic. I prefer them to the chickens.) That is, the turkey was a healthy-looking color. It was also beautifully plucked, unlike other, more commercial "organic turkeys" people I know have purchased. I cooked it very simply, just like my mother did. No special preparation: just washed, stuffed, seasoned, buttered, and into the oven.

IT WAS LIKE NO TURKEY I HAVE EVER TASTED.

I'm not kidding. I had thought, "how different can it really be?" but that never mattered. Any meat that comes into this house comes from Rainbow Ranch Farms for ideological/political/ethical reasons, mainly because the animals are treated so well. I won't buy it anywhere else. But it blindsided me just how SUPERB the turkey was. Words fail me in trying to describe it. The best I can do, beyond what I've already said, is to urge you to try one yourself as soon as you have the opportunity.

Xenia's Turkeys. Taste the terroir. There is literally nothing like it.

We've been buying our Thanksgiving turkey from Rainbow Ranch farm for several years. Every year the turkey is wonderful - arriving on time, packed to stay cool, and cooking up into an amazing holiday centerpiece. Thanks to Xenia and everyone else who is involved in this wonderful farm!

I love Rainbow Ranch farm, especially the owners. I was looking for a local source of quality, humanely raised meat for my family and wandered across RRF. I joined last spring, and haven't looked back. It's been wonderful getting to know my farmers, and it's the best meat I've eaten. I have repeatedly received amazing praise from friends when I've cooked RRF meat for them. Especially the chicken, people love the chicken.

I really appreciate the direct interaction I have with Xenia, whether it be via e-mail, FaceBook, or the phone. I've probably spoken with her more about non-farm, non-food stuff then anything!

I love visiting the farm and picking up my food too. I could have it shipped, for about what it costs me to drive there, but honestly, I look forward to those trips and just can't bring myself to have it shipped.

Keep it up!

Top notch products and exceptional customer service.

Once you try it, you'll be hooked too. I first ordered from Local Harvest then became a Farm member and now participate in Food4Life and couldn't be happier!! I love visiting Rainbow Ranch Farms for our monthly pick up and look forward to it each time.

Do you know where your meat comes from???? I do!!!!

Know your farm, know your farmer, know your farm animals!!!

Thank you Xenia, Dennis & Mary and to all that make this happen.

I love rainbow ranch farms. Xenia and Dennis are the best farmers. Real stewards of the land and animals. Always aim to make the customers happy.

I ordered a turkey for thanksgiving and it came in small and i called and xenia was sweet and giving and sent me a box of delicious chicken and eggs and more.

We always get more than we pay for. I consider my farmers, family.

I was so happy to find this farm on local harvest. Real chickens from real people. I love them.

Thank you Rainbow Ranch,

Stephan

Last CSA Poultry delivery was warm, and I planned on giving Xenia a heads up before the next shipment. However, she asked if anyone's shipment was warm, so I let her know, and said she didn't need to do anything. She said not to take a chance, and immediately shipped out a replacement.

Excellent! We have nothing but praise for Xenia and Rainbow Ranch!

Warm regards,

Riley

My family has been a Rainbow Ranch farm member for about a year now and we truly enjoy the personal interaction we receive with a small farm. I love driving up to the farm every month to pick up our food and letting the kids explore and see what a real working farm looks like. I appreciate the knowledge of Xenia and Dennis and feel reassured that our food is humanely-raise and not fed indescribable/undigestable factory-farming feed. They are a growing farm and every time I go, I see money being reinvested back into the farm (new fencing, irrigation, crops). There is also a small, but growing, Farmer's Market where I can pick up some homemade cinnamon rolls (which are to die for) along with my meat. Thank you, Xenia and Dennis!

10 Stars! I am a farm member and have been hooked since 2006. Former vegetarian, gone WILD. 1.One for excellent member service: everytime I place an order, I get a call to confirn, with detaled info. If I have questions, they are answered immediately.

2.One for excellent farming: Heritage animals, free range, organic feed with No useage of corn, no soya, no wheat, no G.M.O and gluten free with humane and ethical handling. Pasture grazing. grass fed + grass finished.

3. One for superior meats: the flavor of the chicken is out-of this world, small, sweet, tender and delicious with natural flavor, then comes the bone broth. The beef and pork is AmAzInG, I am always impressed and happy to get my selection of true, sustainably grown meats.

4. One for the clean and loved farm animals: The cows try to get into the back seat of my car. The piglets are social, freindly and push my legs, especially when I have eggs in hand. The birds range and greet the farm members. The sheep and lambs do thier own thing. The baby chicks are so cute.

5. One for the fact they OPEN the farm to us: I was pleased to know that as a member I was welcome to know my farmer, know my food and even participate as a volunteer to help my food grow and my husband (he suffers from environmental allergies)has made an effort to help with harvesting our food, and he is all the happier for the great experiences.

6. One for not having employees: everything is handled by my farmers, they are up at 3 or 4am, never take vacations or days -off. Work hard to help improve the environment and protect heritage breeds of livestock, all so we can have a better life.

7. One for NO medications: I know by the methods used on this farm, no medications or vaccines are ever needed to be used. I have learned a lot about small family farming, heirloom crops and cooking range meat.

8. One for the farm members: What can I say? I think I have met some of the most wonderful people on the planet at Rainbow Ranch Farms. Chefs, restaurant owners, cheese makers, other urban farmers, farmers market coordinators and managers, health food store operators, engineers, families, bakers, lawyers, pilots, doctors, butchers, and so many more, and all of us sharing common ground and great conversation all while we enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

9. One for the reality: I once asked "do you sell at farmers markets?" The response was incredible. I learned that Rainbow Ranch Farms is owned and operated (via the agreement)by the farm members, the custom meats are only for the farm members and can not be sold to public. The work hours required to make this all happen, does not allow for free time to leave at 4am and be gone from the farm all day to sell at farmers markets. I also learned that this farm does not make a profit from the farm members or the products offered and shared among members.

10. One for traceability, responsibility, honesty, kindness and good strong ethics.

Xenia, got your shipment on Friday. always fresh, fast, and rich in flavor. The beef was amazing, and thanks for the rush delivery to get it in time for the Avon party.

Last Thanksgiving, we found out that the turkey that we ordered from Rainbow Ranch Farms wasn't the exact turkey that we needed. After discussing options with Xenia, Xenia and Dennis personally drove to LA from the farm to hand deliver the new turkey, Ray Ray, to me at my work the day before the holiday. The traffic was horrendous but that was not a problem for Rainbow Ranch Farms.

Thank you for the great customer service. Ray Ray is still a legend in our home and,of course, she was one of the best birds that we've eaten.

Now when I'm invited to a pot luck, people ask if I would bring one of my roasted 'little chickens'. People love the flavor, the texture and the total experience. When I explain that these chickens are pastured raised and fed organic feed, people are even more impressed.

I can't wait to get my next order (which reminds me that I need to place it soon before the shares sell out) so that I can continue to offer everyone's favorite roasted chicken. Also, the eggs are amazing and you definitely need to order early for those.

If you're looking for a wonderful alternative to the usual chicken and one that helps the planet, get in line for Rainbow Ranch Farms. But please, get in line behind me :-).

I have to respond to the reviewer who was dissatisfied with the customer service at RR Farms.

I visited the farm after winning 5 lbs of pastured pork (can you say score!) and this place is AmaZing. I was so impressed with Xenia and Dennis, and the farm that I went home and immediately became a member. I am more than happy to accept my "farm choice" meat since the quality is so good and the farm member prices are great. My only "beef" is that I only ordered 1/2 poultry CSA instead of a whole CSA =D Those chickens are yuMMy.

The five stars in this review are for both the high-quality products and the customer service Rainbow Ranch Farms has to offer. I cannot recommend either the product, the farm itself (in terms of how the animals are treated), or my experience dealing with Xenia highly enough. I simply haven't the words to praise them highly enough.

The following is in response to the negative review posted on July 30.

The grocery store experience is created by factory farming. They can provide people with whatever cuts they want, whenever they want, because of the scale of their business model. That model involves huge slaughterhouses, and animals that are forced to live unthinkably horrible lives I would expect that anyone reading this would be all too aware of that.

Small family farms don't work like that, and heritage breeds dont work like that. They operate on small scales, and not every animal has the exact same number of type of cut that the poor factory-farmed animals do. By supporting small family farms we help our society move away from a food production model that is simply WRONG. But to do so, we need to start thinking about our own consumption differently. We need to be more flexible in our meal planning than if we were shopping at the supermarket. Yes, in general you're not going to know exactly what cuts you're going to get when you order beef or pork. I for one will gladly give that up in order to know that the cow or pig was well-taken care of and had a good life while it walked upon the earth.

Know your farm, know your farmer, know your farm animals. Supporting this farm is a direct way to aid the cause of humane farming. Our entire society needs to re-think how we think about food production, and this starts with each of us making a small mental shift. We can't expect the farmers to do 100% of the work; changing the world means changing ourselves first.

Thank you, Xenia and Dennis, for loving your animals so much and for taking such good care of them. I am honored to be your customer.

I have been buying chickens and turkeys from Rainbow Ranch Farms for years. The quality is always superior to any other alternatives and her birds have been the stars of many dinners and have always made me look good. I have always found their shipping and customer service to be top notch. Now I am enjoying their meat and find that too, of superior quality. Their farm is clean and efficient. They open their doors to the public and, if you want, they will talk to you about their husbandry practices with great joy and pride. Xenia and Dennis are hard working, good, and fun people offering a fantastic, healthful, and sustainable alternative to conventional meat. Know your food, know your farmer.

This was my first time cooking with heritage chickens. Completely different from commercial chicken. I absolutely love the texture and rich flavor. I'm HOOKED. Also the customer service was excellent.

I was vegetarian for 24 years. In November of last year our 7 year old daughter was diagnosed with Juvenille Diabetes. Our family was devastated. My daughter can only have a handful of items that she gets "free" (without a painful shot). Meat is one of them. So started my quest to provide her with the best possible meat AND feel secure that I was supporting farmers who treat their animals humanely and naturally. After EXTENSIVE research I found Rainbow Ranch Farms. Not only is their meat delicious, but it is local and raised with the care that I would give if I raised these animals myself. That was VERY important to me if I was even going to consider eating meat . I did not take this decision lightly, but I am so grateful that I am now able to enjoy meals with my whole family and model the importance of providing healthy meals with locally grown foods. Thank you Rainbow Ranch Farms!!!!!

Have been purchasing the meat and eggs from this farm for almost 1 yr now. My mother and mother in law are from Europe and both of them have eaten the chicken from Rainbow Ranch farms. They both rave over how this chicken is like the chicken they ate in Europe. So flavorful and unattainable for them in this country until now. They now visit just to eat the chicken- which is great by me- I get to eat it too. My kids love eating chicken as well and there is no longer any "Oh mom not chicken again!" from them. Even my husband doesn't mind chicken now. My mom has been wondering when she could get a decent chicken in this country to make soup with as every other chicken was tasteless and mealy. Not anymore. The beef and pork products are great too.The eggs taste rich and I love the deep golden yolks. It gives me great satisfaction to feed my family good food and know where it comes from. I am so happy to have found these good people and this wonderful farm.

I'm so excited to be able to say that I know my farmer!

I guess I sort of knew the people who raised the last cow share I ordered before becoming a Rainbow Ranch member - if looking over a website can be considered getting to know them.

That was better than buying the cellophane-wrapped feedlot meats from the grocery store - and I was glad to purchase direct from a farm and satisfied with the meat and the whole transaction.

But I really wanted to *know* my farmer and the farm - to visit the farm, see the animals, meet those involved in person, and bring my children there.

I want my kids to understand and appreciate where our meat comes from.

I want meat from humanely treated, free range, grain-free, grass-fed, animals.

I want meat from a farm as close to me as possible.

I thought I was asking too much and had almost given up when I remembered my neighbor had told me about Rainbow Ranch Farms chicken CSA a while back. I revisited the website, called Xenia, talked to my neighbor, and invested in the 2010 Food4Life program without hesitation & great excitement for the year to come!

I have not been disappointed - Xenia is wonderful, the meats are amazing, and my family couldn't be happier!

If they could only make a commercial not only using "happy cows", but happy chickens, pigs, and whatever other animal roams on Rainbow Ranch Farms! The most delicious and tender meat we've tasted in years :-) Thanking our Lord for our Bible Fellowship group in S. CA (zinyi.com) to introduce us to Rainbow Ranch Farms and the importance of eating healthy :-) Thank you Xenia for everything and may God bless you and your farm always!

Most delicious range poultry ever. Tender and flavorful and grown on pasture in open air.

I have been receiving Rainbow Ranch Farms Heritage poultry for 3 years now and can only boast about how wonderful these birds are. Absolutely the best!!!!

And then came the protein baskets...Wow, full of grass fed beef, pork, chicken and eggs. Who could ask for anything more??

I have actually visited the Farm and am happy to see where my food is coming from, like my Grandma used to do.

Thank you Xenia, Dennis and everyone who contributes to the harvest of wonderful products offered to members of Rainbow Ranch Farms...I am truly grateful for everything you do.

It starts innocently enough. You think "okay, I can try this" and you join the chicken club and get fresh chickens delivered to your door. You get the box, consider the feet and toss them in the stockpot while the rest of the chickens get lightly salted and put in the fridge for a few days to rest. Then you roast one and discover that it's as good, no better!, than those famous chickens you had in France. So you start roasting more chickens and impressing your friends. Make them say things like "that's so good I want to cry." And you start figuring ways to include more chicken in your life. You double your order and start hiding them so others won't know how many chickens you're eating. You come home in the middle of the day just to roast one and eat it alone with your hands, laughing maniacally and disregarding the burning juices running down your chin. And you claim you don't know why there are chickens stashed in the back of the closet or behind the books in the library and you ignore the whispered "intervention" conversations you interrupt. - No, better not buy these chickens. You can't handle them.

In the internet age you can still feel like you genuinely know the farmer from where you are getting the food to feed your family. I trust Rainbow Ranch to supply our family with healthy, wholesome food. Xenia is positively wonderful to deal with and we have never had any problems, only complete satisfaction with all of the farm products we have received from Rainbow Ranch over the last six months or so that we have been farm members.

Last summer we began receiving the Rainbow Ranch Chickens... They have a flavor like nothing else I have ever eaten! They are tender, juicy and bounding with flavor. I was worried they wouldn't be enough meat as the chickens are a smaller size, not bred for mass production. But on the contrary, the richness of the meat actually fills you up faster and is obviously healthier. We tried all the other chickens on the market like Mary's organic (from Whole Foods) and while better than others, it does not come close to the chickens at Rainbow Ranch... Xenia has been gracious and friendly with any inquiries we have made, and we will continue to be a farm member as once you've gone Rainbow Ranch, you can never go back.

I just received my first protein basket and love it. The customer service is excellent. I received personal phone call updates and to make sure I knew what I was getting. Very friendly and helpful and the products are excellent. I am so happy to have access to Rainbow Ranch Farms.

After coming to the conclusion that we were not eating animals that were treated right, I looked around and found RRFarms, joined, and started buying 1/2 poultry shares. Wonderful little birds. Started eating (some) of the skin again, since there's much less fat. I would guess, too, as in the case of pastured beef, the fat profile is healthier.

Somehow I forgot to renew the last quarter--holidays and such, and had a RR turkey on order, so wasn't too concerned. We get some produce via Abundant Harvest Organics, and I thought I try their "add-on" chickens. Turned out to be Mary's--think Whole Foods carries them. These chickens are good, raised humanely (as far as I know), but they just don't have the flavor of Rainbow Ranch. Really, RR chickens stand out. As do the eggs, for that matter.

I am really happy with the products I am getting from Rainbow Ranch Farms. I am starting my second share with the chickens and my seconds share of beef. The chicken is so tasty and the meat is of great quality. I receive 6 chickens a month with the full share. The chikens are small the way they are supposed to be. One chicken can easily feed 3 people with some left overs. With the beef share you receive 77 # of different cuts of meat. The customer service is outstanding. Thank you Xenia and family for such great products. Vyvian Gorbea

I just purchased and received my first Beef Share from Rainbow Ranch Farms. The experience from start to finish was wonderful. After I took delivery of the meat, I couldn't wait to try it out. I made burritos with a package of the ground beef ... absolutely the best at-home burrito I have ever had ... the meat is very flavorful and it's great to know that nothing "bad" (hormones, antibiotics, etc.) went into raising the steer. We tried a chuck steak a couple of days later, and again, very tasty. I am looking forward to making more purchases with Rainbow Ranch Farms. Thank you Xenia.

Micki Brown

Our family runs an organic local produce coop in the high desert and we are proud to carry only the best locally grown poultry on the planet...Rainbow Ranch Farms Heritage Poultry. I wont carry another and choose to support a farm who practices are above and beyond organic!

My family has tasted other chickens on the market and none compares to Xenia poultry! Since she has a NO CORN diet among her "ladies" our tummies can tolerate the chicken -other kinds of poultry dont agree with us.

Thank you Xenia and Dennis for all your hard work-it does pay off. And for even putting my sweet hubby to work....boy he looks good when he comes home!!!

BTW..those chicken feet-can you imagine a polished nail color?

Love you much Bell Family

After some deliberation, I have just renewed my 1/2 share of poultry CSA for 2010. Here's my story.

It all started when October came and I had only one Rainbow Ranch Farm chicken left in my freezer, but needed 2 to learn how to cook enchiladas from a friend of mine. I bought two Trader Joe's Natural chickens and was BLOWN AWAY at the visual difference: size, color and fat content especially. The stock we made from those chickens had to be strained for fat several times, unlike our new normal of fat-free stock from the Rainbow Ranch Farms chickens. This stark contrast set me up for the "chicken-off."

We have a few friends who enjoy our breed of food intensity: going local, organic and whole for everything possible. We invited over two like-minded friends, and one friend with only a passing interest in food. We broiled yams and steamed chard from our vegetable CSA, and baked three contestant chickens: 3.5# Rainbow Ranch Farms "100% Buddhist style", 4.5# Mary's air-chilled from Whole Foods, and 6.5# Trader Joe's Natural. Once again, the visual contrast was stark. They were definitely small, medium and large, and you could see the yellow fat in the Trader Joe's chicken. We carved them onto three platters and served everyone "blind", without knowledge of which chicken was which. After some wine, a lot of discussion, and seconds and thirds, the decision was unanimous: the Rainbow Ranch Farms chicken was by far the best. The Trader Joe's Natural chicken was flavorless, although tender and juicy. And the Mary's chicken was a good middle ground.

All this is as you know and expect it to be I'm sure, but what a great affirmation of our belief that local, organic, whole, natural foods are best for health and flavor. Thank you for the part you play in that.

We just got our first shipment of Rainbow Ranch chicken, and we are in love! I recently got into the Real Foods movement after reading Nina Planck's book "Real Foods" and then "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon. They both talk about the many health benefits (not to mention taste benefits) or grassfed, pastured, bug-eating, heritage chicken. We felt fortunate to find Rainbow Ranch not all that far from us (we like to also eat local whenever possible).

We started out roasting our first bird and it was so tasty I have had a hard time trying another recipe! But I did make stock twice and from the chicken meat made chicken salad and also a chicken/mushroom/leek casserole.

The taste of these birds is wonderful -- much richer and a little darker than store-bought, juicy and full of flavor. We are definitely converts to pastured heritage chicken.

To roast, I've been using the recipe from Nourishing Traditions. I put the chicken in a roasting pan with slices of onion and an entire halved garlic head, cut-side down. The chicken is brushed with melted butter (raw butter, in our case) and sea salt and pepper. I put some fresh herbs (usually rosemary) inside the bird. Bake bottom-side up at 375 for 1 hour, then turn over. Brush the top side with butter and sprinkle sea salt & pepper. Usually the bottom side only takes another half hour or so. The butter makes the skin very yummy.

After setting the bird and garlic aside, put the roasting pan on the stove and put in 1/2 c dry white wine. Stir around to loosen the onion. After it boils, add in 2 cups of chicken stock and boil/sitr until it reduces by half. Pour sauce through strainer and serve. This simple sauce is really delicious on the roast chicken.

Wonderful chicken and turkey! Great customer service!

(I usually don't write reviews.) I grew up in Europe and my family had a little farm (also with happy chickens running around). When I moved to CA, I was astounded by the Huge supermarket Chickens who tasted like Nothing.

Finally, I found a great source. Yes, the chickens are smaller BECAUSE they did not have a hormone cocktail for breakfast.

I truly enjoy every bite of my chickens. Everybody who has never tried a grass fed chicken: I encourage you to try it. Once you got the taste of a real chicken, you will no longer enjoy the watered down supermarket chickens.

Thank you for being a great provider!

These are wonderfully fresh chickens weighing about 21/2 to 3 lbs. If you order more than you can immediately use the best way to preserve for later cooking is to rinse each well, inside and out in cold water, pat dry and season with salt - about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon for each bird, inside the cavity as well as out. You can also rub with slices of lemon before salting if you like. Then freeze them separately in home freezer, not in a deep free. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking. Don't rinse again and additional salt is usually not needed for cooking.

To roast: Rub bird with olive oil and season with pepper and crushed garlic to taste. Fill cavity of bird with fresh herbs if available, I use a generous handful of rosemary stalks that I pull out and discard after cooking. Lightly oil roasting pan and scatter sliced potatoes, carrots, turnips, or any root vegetable along with several unpeeled garlic cloves. Place chicken on rack and set rack in place over vegetables. Lightly cover with paper or foil and allow to rest on counter for on hour before cooking (this brings bird to room temperature for more even cooking). Roast uncovered in preheated oven (350 degrees or 300 if convection roasting) for approximately 1 hour twenty minutes, until leg joint moves freely and juices run clear if skin of thigh is pierced with a fork.

We served your Turkey to over fifteen people for Thanksgiving, and throughout the dinner everyone commented on how it was the most delicious turkey they ever had. Thanks for making our holiday so special! Tara

I have ordered my heritage turkey for Thanksgiving from the family at Rainbow Ranch for the past two years. In most other respects, I don't eat much meat, but since this farm's poultry meets my standards for meats I will eat, I splurge on our heritage turkey - and it is worth every penny and more!

The turkey is most delicious and every single interaction I've had with Xenia and family has been friendly, upbeat, and warm. I have recommended them to everyone I know that looks to feed their families with healthy, sustainable poultry.

Much love and peace to you this year!

Thank you for your wonderful poultry and customer service. My family and I really enjoying the CSA and co-op poultry. We can't wait to adopt our thanksgiving turkey.

I wanted to share a recipe with you all. Place a rainbow farm whole frozen chicken into a counter top convection oven, add 2 cups water + 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, place bird breasts down + turn it on to 250 c for 1 hour. Then flip the bird over on breasts, cooked it again on 250 c for 1 hour. When done turn temp. on 250 c flip the bird over again so it is breast up, drain the soup from glass oven + brown the chicken for 15 minutes while I made the gravy from the soup. Hint: the dog loves the chicken feet! MMMNNN excellent. My convection oven only goes to 250 c. Thnxx

Not only was this the best turkey I have EVER tasted, but the service was superb. I have eaten at world class restaurants from London to LA, managed restaurants, and been lucky to have known some great chef's who have had me to dinner so when I say this was the best bird ever I believe I can speak with authority. Thank you Rainbow Ranch Farms for making this a memorable Thanksgiving!

Great turkey, delivered on time, and good customer service. Very happy with them.

These turkeys blow away any turkey my family have ever cooked and I have been cooking turkeys since I was 16 years old and I am now 66 years old.

My husband and I grew up on heritage, free range, natural turkeys, chickens and game birds, and I am letting you all know, here they are, old fashioned, naturally grown, delicious gourmet poultry.

I have owned a restaurant, I enjoy cooking, I have been cooking for large families since I was a teenager and this delightful poultry truley brings back Americas true food.

Luv-You-Guys! From June

This is my second turkey I''ve gotten from Rainbow Ranch and it was just as awesome as the first so I guess it's no fluke. You grow some great birds there!!!

Our coop in Apple Valley every year gets the best free range eggs on the planet!! No compromise they are truly "free range" To make a point I will only eat Xenia's eggs raw in a smoothie or ole fashion Rocky Balboa way!!! I know she tends to her birds with the utmost care and her feed is beyond the best!

Our coop also carries her poultry as needed and enjoys the variety she gives our group! So glad she is back in the swing of things after a long set-back...but the good Lord has recharged her batteries and she is back in farming where she needs to be.

We love you Xenia and you too Dennis-looking forward to spring and those fabulous eggs.

Love always, The Bell Family Bountiful Harvest Co-Op founders

I have been a Rainbow Ranch CSA member for a little over a year and really enjoy cooking these birds. When I get a young bird, I roast it on a spit in my BBQ and the skin is crispy goodness. I cook the stew hens on the stove all day and then make great stock for soups, and use the chicken for the world's best chicken salad sandwiches. I add a little bit of mayo, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and celery. I'm salivating just thinking about it. I store the stock in small re-usable containers in the freezer, so whenever I need a pint of stock I can just defrost one. The stock is so good sometimes I just drink a cup of it plain out of a coffee mug. I also order a turkey every year. Last year my turkey was 29 lbs! Wow! But it was so good that my husband and I ate the whole thing without having to freeze any of it! Happy birds make for delicious meals. Thank you so much!

We were looking for (real) free-range chicken from a sustainable, humane local source and wow, did we find it! The communication of when we could expect our order to be harvested, shipped and arrive (which it did right on time, practically to the minute) was much appreciated, since we ordered during very hot weather and perishable deliveries require a trip home during lunch hour to get everything inside and into the freezer. The birds were well packed in vacuum bags and beautifully processed. I made coq au vin and it was incredible---tender, moist and actually tasted like chicken, not the mushy, tasteless meat that passes for poultry in the grocery store. I will definitely be ordering more chicken from Xenia in the near future, as well as our Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys. A great find and well worth the fair price.

I just started a CSA with Rainbow Ranch Farms and Xenia has been very helpful and wonderful. The prices seemed high at first, but considering that her poultry is truly pastured (no grains) and free range, humanely and sustainably raised, tastes great, and Xenia is available to talk to, the prices become much more reasonable. I am happy to pay for her poultry instead of the poultry with mysterious histories at the store. She talked with me about the proper way to cook pastured chicken, which also helped me to look for the right kind of recipes on my own. Whole or half chickens braised in a saute pan for 40 minutes turned out perfect (moist, just-right firm texture, and yummy)! The chickens are small by store standards, but the right size for me and my family--and easier to cook in my pans. The chickens arrive very cold, vacuum-packed, and ready to cook, freeze whole, or for me to cut in pieces. I have a small freezer in which to store the chickens for later use in the year.

I highly recommend the delicious birds from Rainbow Ranch.

My family was searching for a healthful way to eat meat that would be supportive of our health and avoid harming the environment. We wanted to avoid added manmade chemicals, added hormones, and soy products at all points in the food chain. Not only that, but we wanted the food to taste GOOD. Xenia at Rainbow Ranch is a lovely person and caring rancher who with great thoughtfulness and hard work produces this terrific product. I think her style of food is productive and healthful for both people and the environment; I am impressed that she thinks proactively about all inputs to her farm system; I admire the sincere and enormous amount of work that goes into all this. I happily eat the chickens.

with TLC! what a clean and humane operation! I witnessed first hand the wonderful care and feeding of these rare and endangered birds. They get lottsa room to roam, shade, water and freshly grown greens. What a life. The eggs are delicious too. I had the pleasure of enjoying the freshness of a rich raw turkey egg and a double yoked Blue Araucana! For all you rawists it was a delight. The yokes are amazing.

Gobble gobble

yum yum and yum! tahnk you for the good eats... expect o be hearing from again me real soon, Rainbow Ranchers!

I am a long time csa member of rainbow farms, they really know how to grow an old fashioned chicken. I have actually done comparison tests, and you know, there is a strong and very distinctive difference between a cornish cross, commercial chicken and a Rainbow heritage chicken. The flavor is deep and rich, the texture of their chickens are much more firm. I have allergies to corn fed, soy fed chickens, and since I have been cooking up Rainbows grass fed chickens for my family, I have noticed a remarkable improvement to my poultry tolerance. Thank you Rainbow Farm for providing such a wonderful product! Jilly