Raising Chickens, Lambs, and Pigs on the Slopes of the Rutan Hill Volcano
Nestled in Sussex County, New Jersey, the slopes of Rutan Hill—also known as the Beemerville volcano—offer a unique and fertile landscape for raising a variety of livestock. This long-extinct volcano provides a foundation of rich, mineral-laden soil, creating an ideal environment for sustainable and healthy farming at Wormuth Farm. The unique "terroir" of this region imparts a distinctive flavor to our pasture-raised chicken and lamb, making our products truly special.
The Unique Environment of Rutan Hill
The volcanic soil of Rutan Hill is renowned for its fertility, promoting lush pastures that are perfect for grazing animals. This soil is rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, and is well-drained yet retains moisture effectively, ensuring that our livestock has access to nutrient-dense forage throughout the year. This contributes significantly to the health of our animals and the quality of the meat we produce.
Pasture Raised Chicken
Our chickens thrive on pasture, where they forage freely. This natural diet, combined with the benefits of the volcanic soil, enhances their growth and health, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Pasture-raised chickens from Rutan Hill experience fewer respiratory issues and enjoy a more natural lifestyle. The diverse and nutrient-rich forage available on our volcanic soil contributes to the unique flavor profile of our chicken.
Grass Fed and Finished Lambs
Our Suffolk sheep graze on the varied terrain of Rutan Hill, building strong muscles and producing lean, flavorful meat. The mineral-rich volcanic soil contributes to their robust health, ensuring they receive all necessary nutrients from the lush pastures. This unique terroir influences the flavor of our lamb, giving it a rich and complex taste that is highly prized by our customers.
Pastured Pork
Our pigs are raised in forested areas adjacent to the pastures, allowing them to root and forage naturally. This diverse diet, supported by the fertile volcanic soil, ensures they grow strong and healthy. The result is rich, succulent pork that our customers love. The natural environment and varied diet contribute to the distinctive flavor of our pork.
The Influence of Terroir
Similar to the concept of terroir in wine, where the unique characteristics of the soil, climate, and geography influence the flavor of the grapes, the same principle applies to livestock. The mineral-rich volcanic soil of Rutan Hill imparts a distinctive and enhanced flavor to our pasture-raised meat. Studies have shown that the soil and environment where animals are raised can impact the taste of their meat. Our animals' diet, influenced by the nutrient-rich forage available on volcanic soil, leads to meat with improved flavor, tenderness, and nutritional value.Sustainable Farming Practices
At Wormuth Farm, we prioritize sustainability. The natural resources provided by the Rutan Hill environment allow us to employ farming practices that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to our animals. Rotational grazing, natural manure fertilizers, and no chemical use help maintain the integrity of the soil and ensure the long-term health of our pastures.
Community and Education
We believe in educating our community about the benefits of pasture-raised livestock and sustainable farming. Through farm tours and educational content, we aim to spread awareness about the advantages of our farming methods, supported by the unique environment of Rutan Hill. Our customers can taste the difference and feel good about supporting a farming method that is better for the animals, the environment, and their health.
Raising livestock is more than just farming—it's about creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits everyone involved. At Wormuth Farm, we are proud to harness the unique environment of Beemerville to produce high-quality, pasture-raised meat for our community. Explore the distinctive flavors of our pasture-raised chicken, lamb, and pork, and experience the unique terroir of Rutan Hill.
