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Spring is finally stretching its legs here on the farm, bringing with it that familiar mix of mud, sunshine, and fresh possibility. April is one of our favorite times of year. It begins a season where the pastures begin to green up, the animals enjoy longer days outdoors, and we prepare for the busy months ahead.
According to the latest Farmer's Almanac outlook, spring 2026 in upstate New York is expected to trend a bit warmer and drier as the season progresses. Even so, early April can still surprise us with cool mornings and the occasional lingering frost, so we're keeping a close eye on conditions before moving ahead with more sensitive planting.
The gradual warmth is already helping our pastures come back to life, and with careful management, we're looking forward to strong forage growth for the herd. A slightly drier spring also means less mud to manage, though we remain mindful of soil moisture as the season unfolds.
Life on the farm is picking up quickly. Our cattle and pigs are spending more time out on fresh pasture, enjoying the sunshine and new growth. There's nothing quite like seeing the fields come alive again after winter. As always, we're rotating our animals thoughtfully to support both their health and the long-term vitality of our land. Spring also brings new life and renewed energy across the farm, which is something we look forward to every year.
Buy Local / Support Local
Our online farm store is stocked and ready for the season, making it easy to bring the best of the farm straight to your table. We offer pasture-raised beef and pork, along with a variety of products from local partners, including honey, pure maple syrup, goat milk body and home goods, locally roasted coffee, fresh eggs, jerky, beef snack sticks, and more. We're always adding seasonal items, so we encourage you to check back often for updates. If you're looking for something specific or want to stock up, we're happy to customize orders to fit your needs — whether you're filling your freezer or planning for a special gathering.
As we move forward, we also want to share that you may notice some changes to our monthly newsletter format. We're working on new ways to keep you better connected with everything happening here at Ortman Farms, from seasonal updates to behind-the-scenes glimpses of daily life. Staying connected with us is a great way to follow along with the farm throughout the year and to see firsthand how supporting local agriculture makes a meaningful difference. Choosing local products supports not only our family farm, but also strengthens the quality of food on your table and helps sustain our broader community.
Wishing You a Wonderful Start to Spring
Looking ahead, we're excited for all that spring will bring — from planting and pasture growth to the many busy, rewarding days that define this season. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, encouragement, and trust in what we do. It truly means everything to our family.