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Winter has truly settled in here at Ortman Farms, and the cold is making itself known. February in Upstate New York doesn't pull any punches—snowbanks linger, mornings bite, and staying warm becomes a full-time job.
Like many families in our region, we still heat our home with firewood. There's something deeply satisfying about warming the house with wood you've cut and stacked yourself, but it's also a reminder that winter work on a farm doesn't stop just because the fields are quiet.
Every day, Farmer Loren heads out to the wood lot with his little blue tractor, bundled up against the cold. He searches for felled, dead trees that are ready to be put to good use. Once found, out comes the chainsaw, and the real work begins; cutting each log down to size so it fits just right in our box wood stove.
The ideal pieces measure about 12 to 14 inches, perfect for steady, efficient heat on those long, freezing nights.
You might be wondering why we're still cutting wood in the heart of winter. And honestly, you'd be right to question it, winter isn't the best time to be in the woods with a chainsaw. But sometimes farm life doesn't wait for ideal conditions. When the woodpile runs low and the thermometer drops below zero, there's only one choice: layer up, fire up the saw, and get the job done.
That's winter at Ortman Farms; cold hands, warm fires, and the steady rhythm of doing what needs to be done, no matter the season. We're grateful for the heat, the hard work behind it, and the simple comfort of coming in from the cold to a warm stove and a warm home.
A Growing Farm Family
The end of January brought joyful news to Ortman Farms as Farmer Michael and his wife, Marissa, welcomed their third child! Mom, baby, and big siblings are all doing well, and the farm family is feeling extra grateful as the new year begins with such a special addition.
Ortman Farms Monthly Membership
If you haven't joined yet, our Ortman Farms Membership Program is a great way to stay connected and enjoy local, farm-fresh products year-round. For just $20 a month, members receive two free products each month, plus exclusive deals and discounts available only to our farm family members.
Support Local, Eat Well
Memberships are a wonderful way to support local agriculture while enjoying the best of what our farm produces. We're proud to partner with over 16 local school districts, where our nutritious, locally raised beef and pork are helping provide wholesome meals for the growing children of our community. Now you and your family can eat just as well by joining our membership program at ortmanfarms.com.
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