About Us
Meet the Family
We are a first-generation farming family that is dedicated to reinvigorating a local livestock farm in western Pennsylvania. Our family is made up of Pat, Susie, and our four kids, along with our trusty Border Collie named Zoey.
Pat served as an Active Duty Army Officer for five years before leaving the Army to fly KC-135s with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, which he continues to do today. Susie has always loved animals and has "raised five animals" in the past, which has prepared her well for the responsibilities of caring for our livestock and poultry.
Together, we are passionate about sustainable agriculture and are committed to providing our animals with the best possible care. We believe that by using natural and ethical methods, we can produce high-quality meat products while also preserving the land and resources that sustain us.
Our family is an integral part of the Farm, and we are proud to share our love for farming and sustainable living with others. We invite you to come and visit us to see firsthand what makes our farm so special.
Poultry and Eggs
We are proud to raise heritage breed chickens that are known for their superior taste and high-quality meat and eggs. We consistently grow our flocks of poultry, and our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible products while also promoting sustainable farming practices.
One of the breeds of chickens we raise is the Plymouth Barred Rock. This dual-purpose heritage breed is well-known for both meat and egg production. Our Plymouth Barred Rocks are raised in a free-range environment and enjoy plenty of access to fresh pasture and natural forage. We believe that happy chickens make for better-tasting meat and eggs, and our customers agree.
We also seasonally raise turkeys and a Cornish Cross meat chicken for our customers. Like all of our animals, our turkeys and Cornish Cross chickens are raised using sustainable farming practices. We rotate them regularly to fresh pasture, which not only helps to maintain their health but also ensures that they have access to the best possible nutrition.
At December Farms, we are committed to raising healthy, happy animals using sustainable methods. We believe that by taking care of our land and our animals, we can provide our customers with the best possible products while also preserving the environment for future generations.
Rouen Ducks
We also raise Rouen Ducks, which are a heritage breed known for their excellent taste and size. These beautiful ducks are a domesticated version of the wild Mallard duck and have a long history of being raised for meat. Rouen Ducks are larger than other duck breeds and are known for their succulent and flavorful meat.
We raise our Rouen Ducks with the same care and attention as our other livestock. They are raised on pasture and rotated to fresh grazing areas regularly to ensure that they have access to fresh forage and plenty of space to move around. Our ducks are also fed a natural diet that includes grains, grasses, and insects, which helps to produce meat that is free of antibiotics, hormones, and other additives.
We believe that by raising our Rouen Ducks in a sustainable and humane way, we are able to provide our customers with a delicious and healthy alternative to conventionally raised meat. We are proud to offer this heritage breed as part of our diverse selection of farm-fresh products, and we hope that you will enjoy them as much as we do.
Katahdin Sheep
We are proud to raise Katahdin sheep, a breed that is well-suited for our sustainable farming practices. There are many advantages to raising Katahdin sheep, including their hardiness, adaptability, and high-quality meat.
Katahdin sheep are a hair sheep breed, which means they do not produce wool. This can be an advantage for farmers who do not want to deal with the expense and labor of shearing. It also means that Katahdin sheep are less susceptible to parasites and diseases that affect wool-producing sheep breeds.
Katahdin sheep are known for their hardiness and adaptability to a wide range of climates and environments. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and are resistant to many common sheep diseases. This makes them an excellent choice for farmers who are looking for a low-maintenance breed.
Another advantage of raising Katahdin sheep is the high-quality meat they produce. Katahdin meat is lean and flavorful, and it has become increasingly popular with consumers who are looking for a healthier and more sustainable alternative to factory-farmed meats. We raise our Katahdin sheep using sustainable farming practices, which means that they have access to plenty of fresh pasture and natural forage. This not only ensures that our sheep are healthy and happy, but it also results in meat that is of the highest possible quality.
At December Farms, we believe that raising Katahdin sheep is a win-win for both the farmer and the consumer. These hardy and adaptable sheep produce high-quality meat while also requiring less maintenance and care than other breeds. We are proud to be a part of the Katahdin sheep farming community and to share the benefits of this breed with our customers.
Karackachan Livestock Guardian Dogs (Ruckus & Sebastian)
We take the safety and well-being of our livestock seriously. That's why we have two Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dogs, or LGDs, on duty to protect our sheep from predators. These dogs are an essential part of our farming operation, and we believe they are the best choice for keeping our flock safe.
Karakachan LGDs are a breed of dog that originated in Bulgaria, where they have been used for centuries to protect livestock from wolves, bears, and other predators. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and fearlessness, and they are one of the best LGD breeds for working in rugged terrain and harsh climates.
Our two Karakachan LGDs, Ruckus and Seb, are both trained to protect our sheep. They patrol the pastures and keep a watchful eye on the flock, alerting us to any potential threats. They are gentle with the sheep but will not hesitate to confront a predator if necessary. We believe that our LGDs are an essential part of our farming operation and have helped to keep our flock safe from harm.
In addition to their protective instincts, Karakachan LGDs are also known for their low-maintenance requirements. They are able to thrive on a diet of natural forage and require little in the way of grooming or veterinary care. This makes them an excellent choice for farmers who are looking for a low-maintenance LGD breed.