October on the Farm: Fall, Family & the Work That Keeps Us Growing
There’s just something about October on the farm.
The mornings are a little cooler, the evenings come a little earlier, and there’s a feeling in the air that tells us a new season is here. After the heat and long days of summer, we welcome those crisp fall mornings and the opportunity to slow down just a little—although, truthfully, there’s never really a slow season on the farm!
October is a month of transition here at Ellis Farms. The growing season is winding down, the leaves are beginning to change, and our thoughts turn toward the months ahead. The work we do on the farm is always connected to the seasons, and fall reminds us once again how much patience, hard work, and planning go into producing the food that eventually makes its way to your table.
From Our Pasture to Your Table
One of the things we’re most proud of at Ellis Farms is raising our pigs on pasture and taking the time to produce pork we’re proud to put our name on.
We believe there is something meaningful about knowing where your food comes from and knowing the people who raised it. We’re a small family farm, and every part of what we do is personal.
We grow our own corn to make our own feed for our pigs, supplementing it as needed. In October, Rick is busy in the field picking the corn and putting it up in storage for the next year. From growing the corn, raising the animals, to preparing our products for our customers, there are a lot of steps involved—and most of them involve a lot of work!
But we wouldn’t have it any other way.
As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about some of those hearty meals that make fall and winter special. A slow-cooked Boston butt, a pan of Italian sausage and peppers, breakfast sausage with a big Saturday morning breakfast, or a pork roast simmering in the oven can turn an ordinary day into something that feels like home.
Fall Also Means Family
For us, farming has never been just about the animals or the crops. It’s about family and tradition.
Our farm began in 2012, but our connection to agriculture goes back much further. Our family has been making sorghum syrup for generations, with a tradition that reaches back nearly 90 years.
This year, Mother Nature had other plans for our sorghum crop, and unfortunately, there won't be any Ellis Farms sorghum molasses this season. That was a disappointment, especially because we know many of you look forward to it each year. But traditions have a way of finding their way forward.
We’re already looking ahead and hoping that next year's crop gives us the opportunity to continue this special family tradition.
Thank You for Supporting Our Little Farm
When you purchase from Ellis Farms, you aren't just buying a package of pork.
You’re supporting a family.
You’re supporting a small farm.
You’re helping us continue traditions that have been part of our family for generations.
And perhaps most importantly, you’re helping us continue doing something we love.
We are incredibly grateful for every customer who stops by our booth at the Gastonia Farmers Market or the Belmont Farmers Market, sends us a message, shares one of our posts, recommends us to a friend, or simply tells someone about Ellis Farms.
Every purchase and every kind word means more than you probably realize.
As we head into October, we’re looking forward to cooler mornings, changing leaves, busy market days, and plenty of good food around the table.
From our family and farm to yours, thank you for continuing to follow along with us.
Happy October from Ellis Farms!
Raised with care. Produced with pride. Shared with our community.
— The Ellis Family
Comments