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Welcome to Paloma Family Farms, nestled in the heart of Valley Springs, California. Our farm is located at 5049 Paloma Road, a place where the rich history of the land meets the dedication of our family’s legacy. Why "Paloma"? The name "Paloma" is inspired by the Spanish word for "dove," a symbol of peace, harmony, and a deep connection to nature. It reflects our farm’s commitment to nurturing the land and animals with care and respect. Just as the dove represents tranquility and the natural beauty of the world, we strive to embody these ideals in every aspect of our farming practices. A Legacy of Dedication Paloma Family Farms is more than just a name; it’s a testament to our family’s enduring passion for agriculture. As 6th generation cattle ranchers, our roots run deep in Calaveras County. Our family has been cultivating this land since the late 1800s, and we chose the name "Paloma" to honor our heritage and our commitment to preserving the land for future generations. Why Choose Paloma Family Farms? Generational Expertise: With over a century of farming experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep respect for tradition to everything we do. Commitment to Quality: From our 100% organic poultry feed to our pasture-raised, corn-finished beef, our products are crafted with the highest standards in mind. Ethical Farming Practices: We prioritize the well-being of our animals and the health of our land, ensuring that every product we offer is produced with integrity and care. Local Roots: By supporting Paloma Family Farms, you are supporting local agriculture and contributing to a sustainable future. We invite you to explore our farm and experience the harmony between tradition and quality. At Paloma Family Farms, we’re proud to carry forward a legacy of excellence, guided by the values that our name represents.

Welcome to Paloma Family Farms, where tradition meets quality in every bite. As 6th generation cattle ranchers with deep roots in Calaveras County dating back to the late 1800s, our family has built a legacy of dedication, care, and excellence in farming. Here’s why you should choose us for your next farm-fresh purchase: 1. Our Promise to you: At Paloma Family Farms, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality products, and we stand by a commitment to excellence and transparency. Our promise to you is simple: we do not outsource any of the products we sell. Every item you purchase from us is guaranteed to be produced right here on our farm. From our farm-fresh eggs and poultry to our premium beef, you can trust that what you’re receiving is a direct result of our care, dedication, and ethical farming practices. Experience the true essence of farm-to-table with confidence, knowing that every product we offer is crafted with the utmost pride and integrity. 2. Generations of Expertise: Our family’s journey in cattle ranching spans over six generations. Growing up on a small cattle operation, we learned the values of hard work, dedication, and respect for the land and livestock from our parents. This rich heritage is at the core of everything we do, ensuring that each product we offer is crafted with the utmost care and expertise. 3. A Commitment to Quality: Our commitment to top-quality products is unwavering. We pride ourselves on offering poultry that is fed 100% organic feed—free from corn, soy, and GMOs—ensuring that our chickens are healthy and that the meat is pure and flavorful. Our beef is pasture-raised, allowing our cattle to graze freely on lush grasses, and finished on a 60-day corn-fed diet to achieve optimal marbling and a rich, savory taste. 4. Ethical Farming Practices: Respect for animal life is fundamental to our farming philosophy. We believe that ethical treatment of our livestock not only contributes to their well-being but also enhances the quality of our products. By prioritizing the health and happiness of our animals, we ensure that you receive meat that is not only delicious but also produced with integrity. 5. Involvement in the Community: Our commitment to agriculture goes beyond our farm. We actively participate in 4-H, Grange, and FFA programs, fostering the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Our goal is to pass on the values and skills we've acquired to our children and future generations, ensuring that the spirit of ranching endures. 6. Local and Sustainable: By choosing our farm, you support local agriculture and sustainability. Our practices are designed to preserve the land and contribute to the health of our community. Every product you purchase helps us maintain the traditions of our forebearers and supports a farm that values environmental stewardship. At Paloma Family Farms, we don’t just sell food; we offer a taste of our heritage, a commitment to quality, and a promise of ethical farming. Thank you for considering us for your farm-fresh needs. We look forward to sharing the fruits of our labor with you and your family.

Harvest: This refers to the process of humanely slaughtering the animal. It’s done with care and adherence to strict safety and ethical standards to ensure the meat is of the highest quality. Cut: After the animal is harvested, the meat is then cut into various cuts according to customer preferences or standard practices. This can include steaks, roasts, and ground meat, depending on what the customer wants. Wrap: The final step is wrapping the meat for storage and transport. Proper wrapping ensures that the meat stays fresh, retains its quality, and is protected from contamination. It’s typically done using vacuum-sealed packaging or other methods to preserve the meat’s freshness.

While we are not certified organic, we adhere to principles that align closely with organic practices. Our poultry is fed 100% organic feed, which is free from soy, corn, and GMOs, ensuring that our chickens are raised on a diet that supports their health and well-being. For our beef, the cattle are pasture-raised, allowing them to graze on natural grasses. In the final 60 days of finishing, they are fed a corn-based diet to achieve optimal marbling and flavor. This finishing process is designed to enhance the quality of the meat while maintaining a high standard of care throughout their lives. At Paloma Family Farms, we are committed to providing top-quality products by being mindful of what we feed our animals. Our practices reflect a dedication to quality and integrity, even if we are not officially certified organic.

Reserving an Out-of-Stock Item: To reserve an out-of-stock item at Paloma Family Farms, follow these steps: Join the Waitlist: Visit our website and navigate to the product page of the item you wish to reserve. Click on the "Pre-Order" button. Pay the Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot on the waitlist. For whole chickens, it is 25% of the total price, while for whole beef, it is 10% of the total price. Confirmation: Once your deposit is received, we will confirm your reservation and provide you with an estimated delivery date. For current waitlist items, delivery is guaranteed in October 2024 for chickens and January 2025 for beef. Final Payment: The remaining balance will be due upon delivery. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact our customer service team. thepalomafamilyfarms@gmail.com, 209-283-9934, or our 'contact us' page. We're here to help!

"60 day grain finish" refers to a feeding practice used to enhance the quality and flavor of beef. Here's what it involves: Grain Finishing: In the final 60 days before harvest, the livestock are fed a diet rich in grains, such as corn or barley. This is different from their earlier diet, which might primarily consist of forage like grass or hay. Purpose: The grain diet helps the animals gain weight more efficiently and results in a marbled texture in the meat. Marbling is the small flecks of fat within the muscle, which contributes to tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Duration: The "60 day" part specifies the length of time the animals are fed this grain-based diet. This period is carefully managed to balance between enhancing meat quality and maintaining the animals' health and well-being. Overall, a 60 day grain finish is a method used to produce high-quality beef with improved taste and texture, making it a popular choice for premium meat products.

The amount of freezer space required depends on the volume and type of beef cuts you need to store. Here’s a general guideline for the space needed for different quantities of beef: For Approximately 350 lbs of Beef Cuts: You will need roughly 12 to 14 cubic feet of freezer space. This is equivalent to a medium-sized chest freezer, which typically ranges from 7 to 14 cubic feet. This amount of space will comfortably store the meat, allowing for proper organization and airflow. For Approximately 750 lbs of Beef Cuts: You will need about 25 to 30 cubic feet of freezer space. This is equivalent to a large chest freezer or a small commercial freezer. Ensuring ample space will help keep the meat well-preserved and make it easier to access. Additional Tips: Freezer Type: A chest freezer is often preferred for storing large quantities of meat as it provides efficient space utilization and maintains a more consistent temperature compared to upright freezers. Organization: Use bins or racks to keep the meat organized and to maximize freezer space. This should help you plan the right freezer size based on your needs. If you have any specific requirements or constraints, feel free to reach out for personalized advice!

The cost of bringing meat from the farm to your table involves several key stages, each with its own set of expenses. Here’s a general overview of the cost breakdown: Raising: Feed and Nutrition: Costs associated with providing a balanced diet for the livestock, including grains, forages, and supplements. Healthcare: Expenses for veterinary care, vaccinations, and any necessary treatments to maintain the health of the animals. Housing and Maintenance: Costs for facilities, equipment, and labor required to house and care for the animals. Harvesting: Processing Fees: Charges for humanely slaughtering the animals in accordance with health and safety regulations. Transportation: Costs related to transporting the animals to the processing facility. Cutting: Butchering: Fees for cutting the meat into various cuts, such as steaks, roasts, and ground beef. This includes the labor and expertise required for precise butchering. Wrapping: Packaging Materials: Costs for materials used to package the meat, such as vacuum-sealed bags or butcher paper. Labor: Fees for the labor involved in packaging and labeling the meat to ensure it remains fresh and is properly labeled for sale or distribution. Each of these stages contributes to the overall cost of the meat, and they are carefully managed to ensure high quality and compliance with industry standards. For detailed pricing specific to our farm, please contact us directly.

We love sharing the experience of Paloma Family Farms with our community! While we do not have regular public tours, we are happy to accommodate visits by appointment. This allows us to ensure that each visit is personal and informative, giving you a closer look at our farming practices and the care we put into raising our animals. To schedule a visit, please contact us at thepalomafamilyfarms@gmail.com or fill out our contact form on the website. We look forward to welcoming you to our farm and showing you the heart of what we do!