I recently had a chance to have a chat with Henry Esh, who is the farmer behind Gobbler’s Ridge Farm. We’ve been working with Henry since early 2024 and the relationship has blossomed. We originally started working together to offer pastured lamb on the PFW market and it’s expanded from there to include chicken, duck, and turkey. I asked Henry a few questions about how he started and what struggles he’s facing, so let’s hear from him!

A: Who are you and what do you do?

H: Gobbler’s Ridge Farm is a farm nestled in Lancaster County where the wild turkeys gobble in the morning and the deer graze in the night. It is also a place where myself and my wife live, work and play with our seven children.

Gobbler’s Ridge is all about raising nutritious, healthy food, while improving soil, environment and community. We do this by raising animals on grass, with no antibiotics, chemicals, GMOs, or hormones. We also encourage pollinators, wildlife and birds by planting trees, native plants, and preserving the wild bird habitat.

Amanda again - I want to point out that there are added benefits to the way Henry raises his animals. No antibiotics, hormones, or GMOs, pastured meat offers health benefits like reduced risk of antibiotic resistance and exposure to synthetic additives, leading to a cleaner product. It also provides superior nutrition, including healthier fat profiles and more antioxidants, with a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Environmentally, this approach supports biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable farming practices, while consumer choice fosters local economies.