Zatkovich Pastures

Zatkovich Pastures, inspired by Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms, is a grass-based farm in Stockbridge, Michigan that raises organically-fed pastured poultry, eggs from free-range hens, and 100% grass-fed beef. 100% Grass-fed Premium Dexter Beef - Our Dexter steers, a heritage breed originating in Ireland in the 1800s, are calved here in Michigan and fed nothing but grass for their entire life - no grain, no sweet feed, nothing that isn't green and leafy. We use an intensive rotational grazing strategy, which makes the best ecological use of the land we have. The cattle are supplemented with a loose mix of organic kelp meal and sea salt, which gives them needed vitamins and minerals. No antibiotics, no hormones, no medications, no insecticides. We obtain them as grass-fed calves from a Michigan breeder and raise them for two years here in Stockbridge. All beef is processed at Graham's Organics, flash-frozen and vacuum-packed in cryogenic wrap. Beef available now - cuts still in stock: Ground beef, short ribs. Pastured Poultry - We raise our dinner chickens in floorless "chicken tractors", which are moved daily to a fresh slice of pasture, where they eat the grass, pick the clover, scratch for bugs, and chase insects. Their feed is 100% organic and non-GMO grains and organic supplements (kelp meal, probiotic mix). Gizzards, and feet still available from 2015 season at 50% off. We sell our poultry off the farm and at Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, MI. Eggs from Free-Range Hens - Our free-range flocks (Barred Rocks, Wyandottes, Aracaunas, and Rhode Island Reds, all heritage breeds) are fed, in addition to what they forage in the pastures, trees, woods, etc, the same feed as our pastured chickens - 100% organic and non-GMO. The eggs are available year-round at our farm, at Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, or Foods for Living in East Lansing. ... Our Three Principles ... 1. Animal welfare is paramount at Zatkovich Pastures. We do everything we can to ensure our animals are physically healthy and comfortable; free from stress, hunger and crowded conditions; eat a natural diet free from GMO products, animal by-products or any other adulterations; and, most importantly, live well. 2. We are a grass-based farm and, accordingly, everything revolves around grass. We use symbiotic strategies wherever possible to maximize the biodiversity, and fertility of the pastures. We are stewards of the land we are using, and as such, we add to it, not take away. Instead of manure being a pollutant, as is the case on a feedlot, every bit goes back into our soil, one way or another. We use rotational grazing strategies to avoid over-grazing any areas. Ranging chickens, following the cattle, add their own manure and help control biting flies. We compost everything possible and add it directly to the pastures. It's a big, synergistic dance that results in happy animals, fertile soil, and rich grass. 3. Neither of the first two principles matter without transparency and honesty. We invite questions, interrogations, skepticism. Come visit us. Take pictures, peer into the dark corners, see for yourself how we operate and how the animals live. Take a bit of chicken feed into your own hand and assess its integrity. Pet a steer. Ask questions. Be skeptical. Ask more questions. That's how food decisions should be made.