Earth Day 365 Day a Year

How Our Cattle and Goats Thrive Through Illinois Winters

Winter in Illinois is no joke. Subzero temperatures, biting winds, snow, and ice are all part of life on the prairie. One of the questions we’re often asked at Grateful Graze is how our animals handle the cold—especially our cattle and goats that remain on the farm throughout the winter months. The short answer? Healthy animals, raised the way nature intended, are remarkably well-equipped to thrive in cold weather. Built for the Cold: Healthy Bodies Matter Our cattle and goats go into winter in excellent condition. Because they are raised on healthy pasture, diverse forage, and nutrient-dense hay grown from living soils, they carry natural insulation in the form of healthy body fat and thick winter coats. As temperatures drop, their bodies respond by: Growing dense winter hair coats that trap heat Increasing metabolism slightly to generate warmth Conserving energy by resting and ruminating Cold weather itself is not stressful for livestock—poor nutrition, wind exposure, and damp conditions are. That’s where thoughtful management comes in. Shelter From the Wind (Not the Cold) At Grateful Graze, our cattle and goats live on land that includes timber, natural windbreaks, and strategically placed shelters. Animals don’t need heated barns; they need: Protection from wind Dry ground to lie down on The ability to move freely Our goats especially appreciate access to dry shelters, while our cattle often choose to bed down in sheltered areas of timber even during snowfall. Allowing animals to choose where they’re most comfortable is a key part of low-stress animal care. The Power of Hay and Healthy Soils Winter is when forage management truly shines. Our animals are fed high-quality hay grown on the same regenerative land they graze during the growing season. This hay: Provides steady energy for warmth Keeps rumens active (rumination generates heat) Reflects the mineral balance of healthy soils You’ll often see cattle eating more hay during cold snaps—that digestion process is nature’s furnace. Water Is Just as Important as Feed Hydration matters year-round. Even in freezing temperatures, our cattle and goats have access to fresh, unfrozen water. Adequate water intake ensures proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health—especially when animals are consuming dry forage. Why You Don’t See Pigs or Chickens in Winter You may notice that our pigs and chickens are not on the farm during the winter months. That’s intentional. At Grateful Graze: All pigs and chickens are processed in the fall We do not overwinter animals that are not naturally cold-hardy This allows us to prioritize animal comfort and humane care Seasonal production is part of respecting the rhythms of nature and maintaining the highest welfare standards. Calm Animals, Clean Food Healthy animals that are calm, well-fed, and protected from stress produce better food—plain and simple. Winter is not something our cattle and goats “survive”; it’s something they are well adapted for when given proper care. When you choose Grateful Graze beef or goat, you’re choosing: Animals raised outdoors year-round Management that respects natural behaviors Food that reflects health from soil to animal to family table Illinois winters are tough—but with healthy land, thoughtful stewardship, and resilient animals, they’re just another season on the farm.

A Fresh Start With Food Sequencing!

Starting Fresh This New Year: Food Sequencing & the Power of Clean, Regenerative Protein A new year always seems to invite a reset. After the indulgences of the holidays—rich meals, late nights, and broken routines—many of us feel the pull to simplify, nourish, and get back to basics. At Grateful Graze, we believe that starting fresh doesn’t mean extreme dieting or restriction. Instead, it’s about how you eat, what you eat, and choosing foods that truly support your health. One approach gaining attention for its simplicity and effectiveness is food sequencing. What Is Food Sequencing? Food sequencing focuses on the order in which you eat foods during a meal to support better digestion, steadier blood sugar, and longer-lasting energy. The general idea is simple: Start with fiber-rich vegetables Follow with protein Add fats Finish with carbohydrates This order helps slow glucose spikes, supports gut health, and can leave you feeling satisfied rather than sluggish. It’s not about counting calories or eliminating food groups—it’s about working with your body instead of against it. Where Savory Breakfasts Fit In Many people adopting food sequencing are encouraged to start their day with a savory, protein-forward breakfast rather than something sweet. This helps stabilize blood sugar early in the day and can reduce cravings later on. A breakfast of eggs, timber-raised bacon, sausage, or leftover roasted vegetables with protein fits beautifully into this approach—especially when those proteins are clean, thoughtfully raised, and nutrient dense. Why Protein Quality Matters Food sequencing works best when the foods themselves are doing real work for your body. That’s where clean, regenerative protein comes in. At Grateful Graze, our beef, pork, chicken, and goat are raised with intention: Grass-fed & finished beef Timber-raised pork Pasture-raised chicken Silvopasture-raised goat These animals are raised on healthy land, eating natural diets, without shortcuts or unnecessary additives. The result is protein that’s richer in nutrients, more satisfying, and easier for your body to use. When you eat high-quality protein after fiber-rich vegetables, you’re giving your body the building blocks it needs—without the inflammatory baggage often found in conventionally raised meats. Food Sequencing Meets Real Life This way of eating doesn’t require perfection. A simple dinner might look like: A small salad or sautéed vegetables first A Grateful Graze steak, pork chop, or chicken thigh next Healthy fats from the meat itself or healthy cooking oils Starches like potatoes, rice, or sourdough enjoyed last And sometimes, life happens. You may eat out of order or skip a step—and that’s okay. The goal is progress, not rigidity. A New Year, A Grounded Reset This new year, we’re focusing less on extremes and more on intention: Choosing food that nourishes Eating in ways that support our bodies Supporting farms that heal the land while feeding families Food sequencing is one more tool to help you feel better, eat mindfully, and reconnect with your meals. And when those meals include clean, regeneratively raised protein—you’re not just caring for your own health, but for the health of the soil, the animals, and your local food system too. Here’s to starting fresh, eating well, and building healthier habits—one thoughtfully sequenced meal at a time! Leave a comment below so we know you have been here. Thank you!

Saying Goodbye to the Egg Business