2024 Harvest Schedule and Meat Market Locations

In 2024, we are planning harvest dates every other month, and we intend to alternate between our partner meat markets in Exeter, CA and Bakersfield, CA. Please see our Order Page for more details on the ordering process.

The schedule below is subject to change, but this is our intended schedule for meat pick up:

February harvest: Bakersfield, CA (Bakersfield Meats) SOLD OUT

April harvest: Exeter, CA (Exeter Meat Market)

June harvest: Bakersfield, CA (Bakersfield Meats)

August harvest: Exeter, CA (Exeter Meat Market)

October harvest: Bakersfield, CA (Bakersfield Meats)

December harvest: Exeter, CA (Exeter Meat Market)

2023 Harvest Schedule and Meat Market Locations

In 2023, we are planning harvest dates every other month, and we intend to alternate between our partner meat markets in Exeter, CA and Bakersfield, CA. Please see our Order Page for more details on the ordering process.

The schedule below is subject to change, but this is our intended schedule for meat pick up:

February harvest: Bakersfield, CA

April harvest: Exeter, CA

June harvest: Bakersfield, CA

August harvest: Exeter, CA

October harvest: Bakersfield, CA

December harvest: Exeter, CA

Fresh snow means water for our herd

Last month, the mountains surrounding our ranch got a fresh blanket of snow. I was out in the pasture checking on the cows. They were perfectly lined up, grazing near the pond. The cows themselves were nearly camouflaged, but their reflections stand against the a perfect blue sky.

We truly are grateful to share the beautiful Hot Springs valley with you.

What cuts of meat will I get?

Update (August 2022): We no longer sell quarters (only whole and half orders). However, we’re leaving this blog post up to give you an idea of the kinds of cuts you may want in your custom whole/half order.

This post describes the standard “variety package” of cuts you can expect to get when you order a quarter beef. (If you order a half or a whole, you can customize the cuts.)

Every animal is unique, and the total number of pounds you take home will depend on the size of the animal. For simplicity, let’s assume that a quarter beef will yield about 100 lbs. Of those 100 lbs, you would get:

7-8 lbs: Round steak

5 lbs: Sirloin

8 lbs: T-Bones

6-7 lbs: Rib Steak (bone in)

23 lbs: Ground beef/hamburger

17 lbs: Chuck Roast

6 lbs: Arm Roast

2-3 lbs: Rump Roast

3 lbs: Sirloin Tip Roast

5 lbs: Stew Meat

8 lbs: Soup Bones

3-4 lbs: Liver

3 lbs: Brisket

0.5 lbs: Flank Steak

1 lbs: Heart

Please note: all cows are different. This is just an example of one quarter. Yours will be different, but hopefully this blog can give you an idea of what to expect.

Our smallest ranch hand meets the donkeys

Our smallest ranch hand enjoyed visiting with our two donkeys.

Our donkeys are extremely protective of all the new calves. Their feisty kicks keep the coyotes, and the occasional mountain lion, away from vulnerable newborn calves.

Clementine (the white one on the right) has been with us for many years. Eeyore (the brown one on the left) is a more recent addition. She joined us with her best friend (Chile the llama) to help Clementine keep up with the official task of Guard Donkey. We’ll introduce you to Chile soon!

Snowy Thanksgiving

We had quite the snow on Thanksgiving morning!

The pastures at the higher elevations of our ranch had enough snow to completely cover the grass. We brought the cows some extra snacks of alfalfa hay until the snow melted again.

Our ranch is typically just below the snow line, so this snow storm was very unusual for Mountain Home Ranch. We are very grateful for the water that will now slowly soak into our pastures as the snow melts.

Meet our new ranch dog

Meet our new ranch dog Dixie!

Dixie is 5 months old, and is anxiously awaiting her 6 month birthday when she can start training to help with the cattle. Currently, she spends her time going for walks in the pasture, riding in the back of the pickup truck, and getting to ride on the back of the four-wheeler on a special wooden platform that was built just for her. Her favorite activities include getting lots of tummy rubs and hugs!

Waiting for wildflowers

Right now, it’s the middle of winter and most of the trees and plants in the Hot Springs Valley are in their dormant season. But before long, we hope that wildflowers will again be bursting through the old grass from last year. So far, our area has gotten well below average rainfall, so we are hoping that we will get a few long soaking rains soon.

My favorite wild flowers are the California poppies. They come in many fire-colored shades. But most of the ones on our ranch are a bright orange-yellow. It’s a special treat for our cows, too. They love munching on the tender plants.

What’s your favorite wildflower?