Cast Iron Cowboy, Chef Kent Rollins
We are a family-owned farm on a historic 1743 homestead in North Stonington, Connecticut – a stone's throw from Mystic, Westerly, Rhode Island and the shoreline.
We don’t believe in compromising flavor or health; we raise with purpose: Texas Longhorns for their gentle nature, heart-healthy and flavorful, tender beef, and they grace our property like nothing else. Plus heritage hens that are equally healthy and delicious and produce decadent meat and eggs rich in flavor and goodness. Good for the land, good for us. Plus a curated pantry of ingredients to make meals into moments to savor.
Come to the Farm Store or come for a stay at Owl’s House, a private 2-bedroom cozy nest overlooking the farm. Because there's something that happens when you're on a genuine working farm; the morning starts earlier, the air smells different, and by the time the sun sets over the pasture, you feel it in a way that's hard to explain and harder to forget. No agenda. No activities. Just the quiet, the pace, a fire, friends, and a sky full of stars.
The Farm Store is open Sundays 10am-2pm, or weekdays by appointment. April-November. We are Closed on Saturday and from December-March.
Braising cuts, pasture-raised chicken and eggs, plus we have a stocked pantry of amazing ingredients. Store open until we sell out. Come and get it while it’s available.
Proud members of the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America, CTGrown and Veteran Connecticut Grown. We are committed to humanely raised, hormone-free, pasture-raised chicken and beef using climate-smart, regenerative, and sustainable farming practices. Thanks to grants from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture we are creating 30 acres of silvopasture.
FAQs
Do you process & butcher animals on property?
For retail cuts, we are required by state and federal law to process beef cattle at a USDA-inspected slaughtering facility and butcher shop. We use Adam’s in Massachusetts, about a two-hour drive from our farm. They are a women-owned shop that is exceptionally clean and organized. They do excellent butchering, and we have the utmost faith in their ability to deliver a high-quality product. For ½ and ¼ cow purchases we use Connor a mobile slaughterer from New England Mobile Slaughter. This is the lowest impact on the steer, they are dressed out right here on the farm and hauled to Sycamore butcher shop for dry aging and butchering. That process is only available for customers who purchase in advance. Costs for “custom” is $12 per lb and based on hanging weight. ½ cow average hanging weight is 275 to 350 lbs. Contact us if interested in purchasing half, quarter or bulk boxes.
How can I purchase meats & eggs?
We are all about great flavor and healthy eating. We have a Farm Store on the farm where we sell our grassfed, hormone-free Texas Longhorn beef, pasture-raised chicken and eggs, plus a range of gourmet ingredients like our own blend of seasonings, healthy cooking oils, local and small batch sauces, marinades, salsas and snack products, plus beautiful items for the home like Merino wool blankets and books.
What is the difference in Longhorn beef vs other beef cattle
Longhorns are browsers, so they will eat a much wider variety of forage than commercially bred breeds. The can sustain in almost any climate but they thrive in this mineral-rich New England pasture. Texas Longhorn beef is significantly leaner and lower in calories than conventional beef. A 3.5-ounce serving contains about 140 calories, 3.7 grams of fat, and 61.5 mg of cholesterol, compared to standard ground beef at roughly 289 calories, 20.7 grams of fat, and 90 mg of cholesterol. It also provides slightly more protein (about 25.5 grams per serving) and is naturally rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
Can we stay on the farm?
Our family farm welcomes guests from around the world. Our 2-bedroom, 1-bath guest house is available throughout the year for stays for up to 5 guests in a private, beautifully appointed guest house; Owl’s House. It is part of 100 Acre Wood, the name of our farm, which we lovingly named after the children’s book and the 103 acres that remain of the original Prentice-Browning homestead. This magical slice of life has welcomed over 250 guest stays; families, couples, and friends that come to unwind, find respite from the bustle of life and step back in time without forfeiting modern conveniences. Book your stay at 100 Acre Wood.
What are the best cuts of beef?
We often get this question and I typically suggest by asking customers what kind of ‘chew’ or texture they like. If they want to grill, pan sear or braise. Steaks can have a range of flavors, textures, tenderness, and marbling. My personal favorites are the Denver, outside skirt and filet. But I enjoy a well-grilled rib eye. But hands down my favorites would be the slow cooked, braised meats like brisket, chuck roast and osso bucco. I like to suggest buying smaller cuts and doing a steak flight, or braising a couple of different types of meats and compare. And the Longhorn burger has ruined me from ordering burgers on the menu.
Pasture-Chicken/Eggs
We sell pasture-raised eggs and chicken; organic by Nature’s standard, the way they used to be. Here’s the skinny on pasture-raised hens and the eggs they produce. Animals on forage as often as possible have the best quality and have the greatest nutrient density. Our hens here on the farm are in a mobile chicken tractor so they have access 24-7 to clean, fresh pasture, this means they are free to graze on seeds, greens and insects. Plus ingest sand which aids in their digestion and provides for clean soil to take luxurious, exfoliating sand baths that keep their skin healthy. In the evening, our chickens come out for a good frolic about, stretch their wings and explore the farm. Happy, healthy hens lead to quality, nutrient-rich, and flavorful chicken and eggs.
Gordon Ramsay prepares a breakfast steak using “beef of the highest order”: the Texas Longhorn Ribeye.
“Texas Longhorn, the best cattle in America”
— Chef Gordon Ramsay