The Rural Voice, 2003-09, Page 39"However, our experience is that
once they reach a certain age they
have enough meat on them to last
about three-quarters of a year for a
small family."
The trait which makes Jerseys the
breed of choice for cream producers
is also the reason the meat is not as
suitable when the animal is
conventionally grain fed, as it tends
to be heavily marbled. Haak has
found that by limiting the grain
intake and focusing more on a good
quality hay diet the meat is more
tender.
"Ruminant animals are designed to
eat forages — they are salad bar beef.
If you start feeding them grain it is
hard on the digestive system."
Also, incorporating his new interest
in organics, Haak's Jersey beef are
medication and hormone free. They
are raised on pastures on which
neither synthetic fertilizers nor
pesticides have been used.
Though not certified organic,
primarily because the process
requires money and is
accompanied by restrictions, Haak
says he is basically trying to do
things as organically as possible.
As a Jersey farmer there has also
been a benefit on a more personal
level. "The pigs were not a family -
friendly type of farming, says the
father of five. "Now it's a whole lot
easier for everyone to be involved.
While he still does have some
sheep and pigs, Haak is intent on
building his pastured Jersey beef
business. He markets primarily
through brochures and word of
mouth.
He is also, as president of the
Huron County Christian Farmers, he
hopes, developing a vision for
agriculture, "trying to be a bit of a
trailblazer, I guess."
A trailblazer perhaps, but one who
feels that while new ideas are good,
some of the old ones are worth a
second look. Once caught with all his
eggs in one basket, Haak says there's
something to be said for having a
little bit of everything. "There are
benefits to me of having pigs as the
liquid manure goes on the hay
ground in the fall. The sheep and cow
manure can be used on corn land."
• "I'm bucking the specialization
trend."0
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SEPTEMBER 2003 35