Farm Life Show (Ep. 08) - Daily Life of the Seven Sons

written by

Blaine Hitzfield

posted on

August 19, 2022

As you might expect, we field a handful of questions about the story of our family. For example...

Are there really Seven Sons? Yep.

Are there any daughters? No daughters, but 6 wonderful daughters-in-law (and 14 grandkids!)

Does everyone get along working together? Yes, we absolutely do. We've all been through a lot together and we're thankful to see the harvest that has grown through much sacrifice and adversity.

But one of the most common questions we get, usually from fellow farmers, is "What Does Each of the Seven Sons Do on the Farm?"

Blake and I recently sat down for the newest edition of our Farm Life Show Podcast and YouTube show to answer that question. We spent nearly 20 minutes on the topic as you can watch above, going into pretty specific detail about our roles.

As an alternative, I have the CliffsNotes version for you here.

Blake, the 1st son

Blake is heavily involved with and leads the production side of our farm. He loves being outside, working with and caring for the animals, and overseeing the health of our pastures.

He also manages the relationships with our producer farm network, taking visits, pasture walks and hosting grazing schools. You'll always find Blake at the heart of any infrastructure or clean-up project we start on the farm, big or small.

If you follow us on Instagram, you've seen him in action.

Also, I can speak for the rest of my brothers to confirm how much Blake's leadership as the oldest brother is valued in all things we do here at the farm.

Blaine, the 2nd son

My main role and area of interest are in marketing. In high school, you could find me building and designing websites.

While Blake's responsibility is to raise animals, my role is then to find good homes for our products. :)

I, along with all of my brothers, wholly believe in what we do, and so, I view it as my responsibility to share what we're doing by communicating transparently, clearly and consistently with our customers.

It matters to me that I do my part to earn our customer's trust with every interaction.

Brice, the 3rd son

Brice is heavily involved in our laying hen operation where he brings his creativity to designing, engineering and continually refining the mobile structures our hens reside in, rollout nesting boxes that help us produce clean eggs and more.

Brice also works with hundreds of other small-scale pasture-based farms (and backyard chicken farmers!) to coach them and connect them with the equipment he designed. You can see all that Brice is up to at HenGear.com

Brock, the 4th son

Brock is pretty much a creative genius. :) He helps in the marketing and branding side of the business where he oversees the creation of our new print order guide insert, any pamphlets, logos, box design and much more.

He even is the one who produces, edits and publishes our Farm Life Show videos and podcasts. Without a doubt, he is a man of many creative talents that we keep busy!

Brooks, the 5th son

Brooks has worn a lot of hats on the farm over the years, from packing orders, to providing excellent customer service and more. But we soon learned that Brooks is an EXPERT technical problem solver.

Ultimately, he played a key role in helping us develop our own eCommerce platform, GrazeCart.com, that the Seven Sons website and now 450+ other farm's websites run on.

Brooks now runs that business, but we make sure to pull him in for his expertise often.

Bruce, the 6th son

Bruce has taken the baton from Brice to now fully oversee our laying hen operation. That means that he and his team monitor the health of the hens, collect eggs and ultimately help them live an awesome life so they produce a lot of healthy eggs.

Bruce's hard work and attention to detail helps our farm to have a "lay rate" that consistently exceeds the industry norm for Mobile Pastured Hens. He's accomplished this while doubling the size of our hen flock to 14,000 birds since the time he took over.

In addition to providing eggs to many online and local Seven Sons customers, Bruce was paramount in helping us get our eggs in over 100 Whole Foods stores regionally.

Brandt, the 7th son

Brandt started down in the warehouse packing orders and making sure orders got sent out on time. Nowadays, Brandt plays an integral role as our supply chain manager.

He builds some of the most comprehensive spreadsheets you'll find to help him monitor which products are selling so that we keep our frozen product inventory in balance with our animal inventory.

That means he also regularly connects with Blake and our processing partner to make sure we have a steady supply of products available for purchase. It is a BIG, BIG job and Brandt is executing on it like a champ.

As you can see, we each bring our unique talents to the team and as Aristotle once said, "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts."

Thanks for taking the time to learn about us.

Farm Life Show

French Chefs Visit the Farm

Earlier this month, Spencer and I had the privilege of hosting some incredible chefs from France for a farm tour. They are here in Indiana competing in the World Food Championships which are being hosted in Indianapolis. Last year, their team actually won the World Burger Championship! 🍔 While prepping for their event down in Indianapolis (about 90 minutes South of us), they looked online for a local farm to partner with to grab the meats they'd use for their competition.

5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. This incredibly versatile protein source is easy to cook and naturally packed with flavor. Today, we’re sharing five simple ground beef recipes – needing only a few ingredients – that will bring a little flair to your dinner table. From Mexican to Italian to Asian, these recipes will help you whip up quick dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. The secret to these delicious recipes? We use grass-fed, grass-finished beef – you’ll taste the difference! Grass-fed beef is also better for you and the planet. No antibiotics or GMOs means better nutritional quality. Plus, we raise our cattle on regenerative pastures where they’re free to roam. They enjoy happy, healthy lives and nurture the natural ecosystem. It’s a farming method that’s a win-win—for your plate, your body, and the environment. So, let’s get cooking! 1. Ground Beef Tacos This speedy, tasty taco dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal–or a weekend taco party! Here are the ingredients you’ll need: 1 Lb grass-fed ground beef 8 Taco shells or tortillas 1 Cup shredded lettuce 1 Cup shredded cheese Salsa and guacamole to serve And, of course, our healthy seasoning (no added sugars or preservatives, and MSG-free): 1 TBSP Chili powder 1 TBSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Cumin 2 TSP Salt And here’s what to do to make this 5 ingredient ground beef recipe: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle the dry seasonings over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water (around 2/3 cup) and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. When cooked, grab your taco shells or tortillas and start filling them with ground beef. Add the garnishings of your choice. You can add shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheese to each taco. If you’re using salsa and guacamole, add a dollop of each at this point. Serve and enjoy while they're warm! 2. Beef and Rice Skillet Cooking with one pot is great on those busy nights when you just don’t want to do the dishes. With maximum flavor and minimal washing up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You’ll need the following: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Cup Long-grain white rice 2 Cups Beef broth 1 Cup Frozen peas and carrots Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked – about 6-8 minutes. Add vegetables, broth, and rice. Stir in the rice, beef broth, peas, and diced carrots. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Bring to a boil. After the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove the lid, stir, and taste. To ensure everything is just right, taste your creation after a quick mix. If needed, season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy. Separate the meal between 4-6 plates and dig in! 3. Beef and Tomato Pasta This hearty, comforting pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also highly customizable. You can add peas, carrots, peppers–whatever needs to be used in the fridge! To start, assemble these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Large onion, diced 1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 8 Oz pasta (any shape) 1 TSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 Cup Shredded cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make this: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened – about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir. Serve and Enjoy! 4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry This paleo-friendly stir fry recipe is rich in meaty, umami flavors. It’s a great choice if you’re craving takeout but want a healthy (and quick) alternative! You’ll need these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Small head of cabbage, shredded 1/2 Cup shredded carrot 2 TBSP Bragg’s Aminos or Soy sauce (low sodium) 1 TBSP Honey 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch Ginger, grated Salt and pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil Red chili flakes (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve How to make it. Mix ingredients. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked–roughly 6-8 minutes. Add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt. Pour the soy sauce and honey mixture over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of your chosen rice. 5. Ground Beef and Black Bean Chili We simply couldn’t share a list of ground beef recipes without including a good ‘ol fashioned chili. This cozy, protein-packed dish is the definition of comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and hearty. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/2 Cup Water Salt and pepper, to taste Shredded cheese (optional) Sour cream (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve And our healthy chili seasoning mix: 2 TBSP Chili powder 2 TSP Ground cumin 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Onion powder 1 TSP Salt ¼ TSP Cayenne pepper Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Add in everything else. Toss in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ingredients, and water to the pot. Give it a good stir. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season. Add salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls, serving with your favorite rice. For an extra touch, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of creamy sour cream! Grab a spoon and dive in! Is Ground Beef Healthy? Ground beef has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all ground beef is the same. Meat from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has been shown to be lower in nutritional quality. If you’re concerned about your health, look for grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This type of beef has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and is higher in antioxidants and minerals. Which Ground Beef Is Best? 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef is the best home cooking option. It’s incredibly flavorful, nutritionally rich, and better for the environment. Of course, there are different types of grass-fed ground beef–and that’s where your personal health and wellness goals come in: If you’re watching your fat intake, our ground sirloin is the leaner option at 90/10. Ground beef is great for everyday meals, and comes in at 85/15. Choose gourmet ground beef for show-stopping meals and entertaining, which is about 80/20. How Long Will Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after cooking, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ready to taste the difference? Are you ready to taste the difference that high-quality, grass-fed beef can make in your meals? Order Seven Sons’ ground beef today and elevate your meals.

3 Super Easy, Super Tasty Chicken Liver Recipes

Our commitment to ethically sourced meat includes using every part of our pastured chickens – including chicken liver! It's a delicious way to add nutrition and sustainability to your plate. If you’re unsure how to cook chicken liver, we’ve got you covered! In this post, you’ll find three methods for preparing chicken liver. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, the whole family, or hosting friends, these quick and delicious recipes will surely impress! Is Chicken Liver Good for You? Chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why: Rich in nutrients: Chicken liver is nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, choline, selenium, and copper. These vital nutrients support immune function, help wounds heal faster, aid in developing strong bones, and assist with hormone regulation. All of which keep your body functioning optimally. High in protein: With 23 grams of protein per serving, chicken liver is a protein-packed choice that supports muscle tone, brain health, and blood sugar stability. Combat anemia risks: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia, which means having too few red blood cells. Fortunately, chicken liver is an excellent source of iron and vitamins C and B, which work together to keep your blood cells healthy and lower the risk of anemia. The Best Way to Cook Chicken Livers Offal like chicken and beef liver are best cooked quickly. This is because of their naturally high water content. They'll become dry and tough if you cook them for too long. However, chicken liver turns out deliciously creamy, mild, and tender when cooked right. Here are some of the best ways to cook it: Sauté: Cook chicken livers in a pan with a small amount of grassfed butter or extra virgin olive oil for 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the liver’s exterior while keeping the inner meat tender and juicy. Fry: Coat the chicken livers in a little flower, then fry them in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through. Again, this will take 5-7 minutes. Grill: Thread chicken livers onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Stir-fry: Cook chicken livers in a wok or pan with your chosen vegetables and sauce. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes. 3 Quick and Easy Chicken Liver Recipes Ready to unleash the wonders of chicken livers in your kitchen? Here are some recipes to try out. The best part? They all take less than half an hour to make! 1. Chicken Liver and Onions Liver and onions are a classic flavor combination for good reason. The deep, rich flavor of the liver balances the sweet, caramelized onions. This recipe is so delicious and satisfying, it will turn even the biggest liver skeptics into fans. To make it, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 2 Large onions, thinly sliced 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 2 TBSP Butter 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 TSP salt 1/2 TSP Black pepper 1 TSP Paprika 1/4 Cup flour (optional for coating) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Here are the steps to follow: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. If you like a bit of extra crunch, coat them lightly in flour. In a large skillet, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil with a teaspoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Toss in the onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an extra minute until fragrant. Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the chicken livers. Sauté until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Stir everything and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy! 2. Chicken Liver Salad with Spinach and Avocado If you’re in the mood for a light and fresh meal, this chicken liver salad fits the bill. It’s full of heart-healthy fats and iron, and packed with crisp, fresh vegetables. Simple, nourishing, and beautifully balanced. For this recipe, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 TBSP Balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP Dijon mustard 1 TSP Honey Salt and pepper to taste 6 Cups fresh spinach leaves 1 Ripe avocado, sliced 1 Small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 Cup chopped walnuts (optional) Here’s how to make it: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken livers and cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make a zesty dressing. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts. Add the warm chicken livers to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Gently toss everything to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy! 3. Chicken Liver Stir-Fry with Vegetables This nutritious dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the excess sodium. It’s quick to prepare and a feast for the eyes—bright, colorful, and packed with nutrients. All you’ll need is the following ingredients: 1 Lb chicken livers 2 TBSP Soy sauce 1 TBSP Oyster sauce 1 TBSP Rice vinegar 1 TBSP Cornstarch 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 Red bell pepper, sliced 1 Yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 Small broccoli head, cut into florets 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch piece of ginger, minced 2 Green onions, chopped 1/4 TSP red pepper flakes (optional) Cooked brown rice, for serving Once you’ve got the ingredients, just follow these steps: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towel, then cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cornstarch to create an Asian-style marinade. Add the chicken livers and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Push the veggies to the side and add the marinated chicken livers to the skillet. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center–about 5-7 minutes. Mix everything, adding green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry for another minute to bring all the flavors together. Serve hot over a bed of cooked brown rice. How Long Should You Cook Chicken Livers? You should cook chicken livers quickly over high heat. Two great ways to cook this organ meat are sauteing and grilling. To saute, cook the chicken livers in a pan with a dash of olive oil for 5-7 minutes. To grill, simply thread the livers onto skewers and grill over medium-high for 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Why Do You Soak Chicken Livers in Milk? Soaking chicken livers in milk can enhance the tenderness of the meat. If you want a melt-in-your-mouth texture, place the chicken livers in a bowl of milk for 45 minutes before cooking. Which Recipe Will You Try? Ready to try one or all three of these chicken liver recipes? Seven Sons’ chicken livers come from ethical, pasture-raised chickens, making them a flavorful and nutritious choice. Give them a try today and taste the difference

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Farm Life Show (Ep. 08) - Daily Life of the Seven Sons

Blake, the 1st son

Blaine, the 2nd son

Brice, the 3rd son

Brock, the 4th son

Brooks, the 5th son

Bruce, the 6th son

Brandt, the 7th son

More from the blog

French Chefs Visit the Farm

5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

3 Super Easy, Super Tasty Chicken Liver Recipes

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