From Our Farm To Your Family
At Rabbit Ridge Farms we like to do things differently. Like the old days. That's why we raise cattle and hogs the way your Grandpa used to before the rise of mass production and unnecessary hormonal treatments. We keep things simple and natural...the way God intended. Here, our animals are able to graze peacefully and the pigs root at their leisure.
On our sustainable farm, we ensure our animals have a free range life and are nourished with a healthy variety of feed, grass, berries, nuts and more. That's why you could say we're "better than organic" because unlike what the labels imply, many "organic" meats vary little from the commercialized meat factories.
With Rabbit Ridge Farms, you know where your meat originates. And trust us when we say, you'll notice a remarkable difference in taste; the tenderness and protein-rich flavor are unprecedented from anything you've ever tried from the grocery store. And it's healthier for you. Since our animals graze freely, they acquire a plethora of micro-nutrients so they offer more "good" fats and omega-3s and antioxidants including vitamins E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. We never use hormones or antibiotics.
All of our cattle are premium Black Angus because we only deal with the best. We raise several varieties of pigs including Duroc, Hampshire and Yorkshire that are crossed with a Berkshire.
We treat our animals ethically and humanely. It is actually quite simple. The animals are raised in their intended, natural habitat with some additional comforts like shelter and fresh, clean water.
Pastured meat looks different than meat purchased from the grocery store. Our pork has marbling and is pinker in color. Since the animals at Rabbit Ridge Farms are allowed to eat freely from nature and roam freely, the meat has more "good" fat which means more flavor. Be careful to not overcook the meat cuts like chops, steaks, and loins. We recommend slow cooking roasts at a lower temperature until tender.
About our family
Rabbit Ridge Farms has a beautiful history that tells the story of three generations of Mahans starting in the 1800s. Alan fondly remembers his younger days growing up on Rabbit Ridge Farms where he learned the cattle trade. Through the years he developed a taste for the quiet way of life. However, he recognized that there were opportunities to do things better...better for the land, better for the animals, better for the future. He also recognized there were many folks who appreciated the quality meat you can acquire from sustainable farming practices.
And so the evolution of the Rabbit Ridge Farms took motion.
Back in the flat-lands of Northeast Arkansas, Angela grew up on a row crop farm raising cotton, rice, and soybeans. In 2013, she and Alan were married; their varying farm-backgrounds gave them a unique view in their approach to farm life. And it continues to help them evolve their practices at Rabbit Ridge.
Several years ago, we vowed to feed their family only meat produced on the farm. We already raised cows so it made sense to add pigs next, then came chickens. Our goal is to be as sustainable as possible and regenerate the soil rather than take away from it.
Life on Rabbit Ridge is not a job; it's a way of life. Zack, the oldest of Alan and Angela's four children, grew up helping on the farm. Now a college graduate and out working on his own, he still enjoys helping with creating and testing new products. Maggie is well known for her athletic talents which came in handy for carrying heavy feed buckets or helping move animals to fresh pasture. Jacob has mechanical talents and has been driving a tractor since he was 8. Crafton, the youngest, has numerous daily chores like watering the pigs and feeding the dogs.
We are excited about these growing opportunities and look forward to sharing their journey with you!
Our Family
Jacob (19), Maggie (21), Angela, Alan, Zack (25), and Crafton (15)
Part of the charm of Rabbit Ridge Farms is the friendly team who helps out! When you arrive you can always expect to be greeted by one of the three helpmates, Duke, Call or the ring-leader, Charlie. They can be found roaming the farm or napping in the dog condo custom-built by Alan!
Take a moment to learn more about the Mahan's crew below.
Alan
Rabbit Ridge has always been Alan's home. He grew up on his father's dairy farm and swore he would never have cows. Evidently, farming runs through his veins because he ended up acquiring his own herd of cows in his 20s. Alan has been a General Contractor for 25+ years, but his heart has always been drawn to the farm. He even purchased his Grandfather's homeplace in 2000 and resides there with his family.
Angela
As a former flatlander, Angela has adjusted well to life in the hills. Her background included working and teaching at a postsecondary institution so she enjoys writing and researching. She also enjoys checking on the animals with Alan and finds watching them to be therapeutic.