How are the animals raised?

• Our animals spend their days outside in fresh air and sunlight all year round, rotating through fresh pastures from May to November and are confined to a smaller yard around the barn only during mud season.

• The calves are generally born during April and early May and remain with their mothers until mid-December, when they are weaned and separated into a paddock adjacent to their mothers so that the cows can store up their energy for the next batch of calves.
  
  

What do Oaklands Farm cattle and sheep eat?

• Oaklands Farm cattle and sheep graze on 100% certified organic grasses in our pastures from mid-May until early November, and during the non-growing season they eat organic hay and sileage produced on our farm. The lambs are also fed organic grain in the nongrowing season.   
  
  

Are the animals given any antibiotics or growth hormones?

• No, we do not use any artificial hormones, supplements, inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides in raising the cattle and sheep or growing their feed.

• We administer anti-biotic treatments to individual animals only as necessary when the animal gets sick, and we keep detailed records on each one.
  
  

How is the meat processed?

• Our meat is processed locally in central Maine at a state-inspected facility. The products are vacuum-packed and flash frozen for easy storage and will stay frozen during shipping.
  
  

How does Oaklands Farm beef and lamb taste?

• The meat produced at Oaklands Farm is generally very lean and has much more flavor than commercially raised beef or lamb.

• Because our beef and lamb are grass-fed, the meat is rich in Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it healthier for you.

• We find that cooking the meat quickly, over high heat, keeps it moist and tender while bringing out its unique flavor. For steaks and stew meat, marinating works really well.
  
  

Why should I buy meat from Oaklands Farm?

• Because buying meat from a local farm operated by people you know and trust is the best way to ensure that you, your family and your guests are eating healthy food produced by healthy, happy animals.

• Our method of farming is an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to produce quality meat. Our critters are all ruminants that are biologically designed to eat grass, not corn. Rotational grazing reduces the use of fossil fuels by letting the animals harvest their feed while naturally fertilizing the fields. We strive for ecological balance, nurturing our land for the future. We believe you can taste the difference in the meat we sell.
  
  

What is Roxanne cheese?

• Roxanne is a hard cheese, with a consistency that is softer than cheddar and somewhat similar to that of a gouda.
• The rind is coated with sumac seed, which adds a slightly citrusy flavor. The cheese itself has a subtle, interesting taste that is unique and difficult to describe!
  
  

Is the cheese pasteurized or made from raw milk?

• The cheese is pasteurized.
  
  

 What kind of milk is used to make the cheese?

• Roxanne cheese is made from certified organic milk produced by Jersey cows.
• These cows naturally produce A2 beta casein milk -- a variety of milk that contains mostly A2 (as opposed to A1) proteins and is easier for humans to digest.
  
  

How long is the cheese aged?

• We age the cheese for a minimum of 60 days before selling it.
  
  

How long is it safe for me to keep the cheese?

• You can store the cheese in its vacuum sealed package for 3 months in your refrigerator, and after you have opened the package, the cheese will keep well if wrapped in wax paper or regular plastic wrap.