On Saturday April 25th my husband and I toured the TLC Ranch in Aromas. There were probably about 30 adults and quite a few of children in attendance as well. We all gathered about 10 am. While waiting for the tour to start we chatted about how fortunate we are to live in such an abundant area!
Jim Dunlop and Rebecca Thistlethwaite, their daughter Fiona (who is a firecracker- she is so energetic and friendly) and livestock guard dog Angel, own and operate TLC Ranch. Since 2004, they have raised pigs and laying hens on about 20 acres of organic pasture. In addition to the plentiful organic grasses, the pigs are fed a diet of organic feed as well as spent grains from Uncommon Brewers and waste veggies from Happy Boy Farms. The resulting meat is well marbled and very, very, tasty. The laying hens share the pasture with a system of movable fencing and mobile chicken coops made from recycled cotton trailers. They are allowed to freely graze on the grasses and bugs then are moved to “greener pastures”. This process occurs about 200 times a year. The eggs were certified organic at the beginning of this year and their flavor is rich and sublime.
We purchased some baby-back ribs and pork shoulder and smoked them the next day. I can only say- that you have to try it!! The flavor of the meat is incredibly delicious! I hope the photos do it justice. The flavor was unrivaled and took to the apple wood smoke perfectly. Even after hours in the smoker the meat was succulent and very tender. This is “The Good Stuff”.
Support your local food shed and purchase these products as well as locally grown produce and artisan food products. It is good for your health, your taste buds, the environment and the local economy.
TLC Ranch sells their Eggs and Meat at Farmer’s Markets:
TLC Ranch Eggs are available at:
New Leaf Markets (Santa Cruz County)
Just to name a few…
enjoy!
