We’re Different.
Sustainable agriculture is about learning to work with the natural energy flow, not against it. Not only does it help improve the quality of the food produced, sustainable farming also helps combat climate change by giving back to the earth more than it consumes. At Ayrshire Farm, we carry these principles through our entire network, taking pride in everything we do.
Our Farm.
Ayrshire’s mission today is to bring livestock and crop production to both self-sufficiency and profitability. Additionally, there is a commitment to achieving these goals using Certified Humane® and Organic sustainable farming methods, and preserving genetically viable herds of various rare breeds. The soil is constantly amended with cover crops and compost from our three-acre compost facility. As a part of their training, the Ayrshire Shires help in the constant task of soil improvement, keeping the skills of horse-powered farming alive. All of these practices, along with a commitment to sustainable and ethical methods, ensure the production of food that consumers can trust.
Our animals.
Among the rare breeds raised at Ayrshire Farm are Shire horses, Scottish Highland cattle, Ancient White Park cattle, English Longhorn cattle, Gloucestershire Old Spot hogs, and several varieties of heritage -breed chickens and turkeys. These breeds have amazing benefits, but most importantly, they survive in a pasture environment and don’t require the high-input feeds of hybridized commercial livestock. Heritage breeds take about twice as long as hybridized animals to mature. That means each animal we raise is a significant investment, and they are treated as such: Kindly, respectfully and mindfully. These thrifty “landrace” breeds have been lost to modern consumers during the decades of factory farming, and by creating a market for these animals, it ensures their continued survival.
Cattle
Scottish Highland cattle, a versatile breed, are known for their hardiness, having evolved and survived in the Scottish Highlands. While the trademark horns and shaggy coats give them a wild look, they are actually quite docile. Highlands enjoy great longevity, with some herds averaging 12 calves from each cow. Another breed found on Ayrshire Farm is the ancient bloodline of White Park cattle. Our herd is purely descended from the herd sequestered at Chillingham, Northumberland, England in the 13th century. The “Wild White Cattle” are usually pure-white with black noses, ears, horns, and feet, with an occasional recessive black animal. In 2022, Ayrshire Farm became one of just two farms in the entire U.S. to raise the endangered English Longhorn cattle.
Pigs
Ayrshire Farm specializes in Gloucestershire Old Spot hogs. Also known as the Orchard Pig, Old Spots are a classic old-English slouch-eared hog, known to thrive on whey and windfalls. Considered a good farmer’s pig, it produces heavy hams and good bacon. It is a rare breed, thoroughly hardy, and a good grazing pig. The sows are noted for being docile and long-lived mothers. Our hogs take an average of nine months to mature, and they are all raised on pasture, near tree lines for shade and protection.
Interested in purchasing a livestock share? Contact Mike Estienne:
mestienne@ayrshirefarm.com
Poultry
Our free-range Certified Humane® and Organic chickens and turkeys are raised in a natural environment that promotes their innate behaviors, with unlimited access to a wholesome vegetarian diet, shelter, and water, and daytime access to organic pasture. The poultry are raised from day-old chicks and poults. Some of the varieties on our farm include Dominques, Red Caps, Buttercups, Silver Gray Dorkings, American Bronze, and Royal Palms. Ayrshire Farm also raises Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. Each turkey is raised in an outdoor, pastured system and fed a natural diet, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that is unmatched in taste.
Shire Horses
The largest and strongest of the heavy horse breeds is the Shire.
Weighing approximately one ton, they are capable of pulling enormous loads and have a willing disposition. These spectacular and elegant animals are the tallest of all horse breeds. Despite their large size, they are extremely gentle and docile, and have excellent temperaments. Currently, Ayrshire Farm manages 17 Shires, participating in draft horse shows and carriage driving shows. Follow all their action on social media using the hashtag #GotShires.
Sustainable Meat Boxes
Reserve a 15- or 30-pound share of Ayrshire Farm meat available each month.