Meet Glemnalure Farm-Grass fed beef, lamb and naturally raised pork

photo layout Union Green

When Glenmalure Farm's owner Pat Kelly reflects on his life -long connection to agriculture he sums up his passion with a quote from the famous movie, Gone With The Wind..."It's all about the land" he says,"once you're in touch with the land, it's hard to leave it." But as is sometimes the case, life can lead in different directions before bringing you home to where your heart has always been.

In 1969 Pat came to the US from his native Ireland, and after serving two years in the military began a career in the wholesale food, dairy and organic industry serving the New York market. After a long career in the food industry, Pat retired from the NY market together with his wife Peggy, moved to Sussex Co and to Glenmalure Farm. A successful ag operation depends on many things- selecting management style and product to fill a market niche are factors to consider.
Adaptability is another factor key to agricultural viability. Successful development of new product offerings, constructing a management system that efficiently addresses the many cycles of livestock production-minimizing the work load and maximize productivity are as well.

Pat's background was a great benefit in these areas and developing an early understanding that working with the forces of nature will always require flexibility on the part of the farmer. While Pat and Peggy appreciate flexibility, there is one thing that is inflexible in the Glenmalure Farm operation...producing the highest quality grass and pasture raised livestock meats from livestock "naturally raised as nature intended".

Pat's experience with farming began overseas on the family farm in Wicklow/Carlow -a rural community on the east coast of Ireland.Pat and his twelve brothers and sisters were raised on the 100 acre farmstead which was an intimate part of his childhood and a strong influence on the management system practices used at Glenmalure Farm today. The farm family produced and sold milk and dairy products in addition to farming several hundred additional acres which were put into crop production. The practice of leasing land for farming is often referred to as con-acred farming.

The Kelly family raised "strictly grass fed" dairy and meat animals and implemented, traditional farming practices for their livestock production. That heritage is kept alive today at Glemalure Farm, Sussex County where Pat insists on of "grass- fed- only", beef and lamb, and strives to create a natural setting for the animals to range, graze and well-"do what they were designed by nature to do". Hogs raised on the farm are are managed in a style that supplies sufficient nutrition for good health and growth through a natural diet and grain supplement.

While these management standards often require more labor, planning and effort, Glenmalure Farm strongly believes that investing this time, energy and care to the meat product they produce pays off in the long run, returning improved animal vigor and flavorful,quality meat products for their customers.

Glenmalure Farm puts the same value of tradition on the manner and method by which their meats are processed. After much research, the family chose to work exclusively with a processing facility that practices traditional smoking and meat processing. Though curing, smoking and preparing the beef and pork in this way may take a bit longer, for the folks at Glenmalure, the wait is well worth it. Their individually wrapped and frozen meat cuts are sold directly to the consumer from the farm's on site shop. The shop is currently open on Friday and Saturdays from 10 - 2pm or by appointment-customers can call 862 268 4389 to make arrangements.

Glenmalure Farm is also a regular vendor at the Sussex County Farmer's Market from March through October. There, customers can select their favorite cuts of beef and pork and stock up on duck and pasture raised poultry products. Pat or Peggy are always on hand to share more information about the farm and their Grass Fed management system.

Natural and pasture raised management of livestock requires patience and planning. Pat and Peggy apply that same measure of patience to the growth and expansion of their farm business- carefully planing and putting into place all the elements necessary to create a successful, protected, natural environment for livestock. Plans to expand 2011 product offerings from Glenmalure Farm include expansion of their poultry and duck production, eggs and possibly rabbit. The farm also offers local honey and spring lamb.

Sussex Naturally congratulates Glenmalure Farm on developing their successful naturally raised, grass fed operation in Frankford, NJ  and looks forward to hearing more about their upcoming ventures in 2011.