<*3o4jncM*r Farming, Saturday, March 12, 1994 (ConllniMd from Pago A 1) merit such as silennium which they discovered is very low in their ground. They do not use sprays or chemicals in growing feed for the bison, and they use no synthetic feeds. The question is often asked, “Why are the animals sometimes called buffalo but other times, bison?” These names are used interchangeably in writings from the American Bison Association and the National Buffalo Associa tion. The* official name of the native American buffalo is Ameri can Bison. This is becoming the preferred name by the growers to identify their animals as being native to the United States. Water buffalo are raised in other coun tries, and some of that meat gets into the U.S. and is advertised for sale as buffalo meat. According to proven information, Doug shares that that meat is not of the same high quality and good taste as American Bison. So he and other bison growers prefer to describe their animals as bison so that buy ers of their meat may be assured that it is from native buffalo rather than imported water buffalo. Doug and Shirley love to share the advantages of raising bison, and they have a standing offer to share information with other inter ested growers so they may help others to learn from the mistakes made early in their operation. The advantages of raising these animals are many. No buildings are needed because they are range animals and need no protection from the elements. Shirley laugh ingly told of how she and Doug would look outside during the heavy snows this Winter and see nothing but big bumps of snow dotting the landscape. No part of the animals was showing. Then they would stand up and shake and send snow flying everywhere. They eat snow if water is not available. They will dig through to reach the hay if it becomes cov- 'e. />v ‘■ft" 't u Tha hsrd roams In tha snow at Juniata Springs Bison Farm A Home Where The Buffalo Roam ered with snow. They are very self-sufficient. In addition, their feed require ments are not as high in protein and so a lesser grade of hay and feed may be given to them. They are wise in their eating habits and so eat to survive and not just to enjoy the food. Published statis tics show that their meat is more lean, lower in fat, cholesterol and calories, and higher in protein, than other meats. They are free of drugs, steroids, etc. The meat has an excellent sweet taste and does not shrink in cooking what you see is what you gel after cooking. Since the bison is officially a wild animal, regulations for slaughtering and processing are much more severe than for other animals. The Drewes have their animals slaughtered elsewhere, but they must pay a high hourly rate to have a government inspec tor present during the entire process. Orders are taken for fresh meat, but frozen meat is always avail able at the gift shop on their farm. The frozen meat is vacuum packed, increasing shelf life and cutting down on freezer bum. The cuts are the same as beef except for the peak roast which is the hump. Their meat is also available at a local market and restaurant. Their gift shop at the end of their farm road is filled with items that show bison in, on or around them. Doug’s beautiful art work is also available, with his most unusual work being pictures that he painted on the shoulder blades taken from slaughtered animals and dried. His love of nature and of the farm is clearly reflected in his art work. He said that he paints from his heart and that he is like a sponge that wants to take in every thing from nature and farming and then give it out. He loves the majesty of the animals he raises and relates them to our American history which he loves. The Drewes anticipate having a t *i Inside the gift shop, Doug and Shirley Drews show paintings done by shoulder blade of a bison. grand opening the end of June when they will have meals for sale and people can go through the line and fill up on all cuts of bison meat It will be timed with when calves are coming so that the publ ic can enjoy seeing them and the adult bison. Doug and Shirley pointed out that they receive a lot of help on the farm from sons Jason, 12; Joshua, 11; and Daniel, 9. When they come to the farm for the Summer, as well as Saturdays the rest of die year, they like to bring friends along for the fun times which are mixed in with doing many chores. It is obvious that the Drewes enjoy having the boys, and they feel that work is good discipline for them. They painted the gift shop, and Jason drove all of the nails to build its porch. They also help with the very large * 4 -•'V' . * \ 5 / 1 -V " ' '» truck patch which produces many bushels of sweet com as well as squash and other vegetables that are sold locally. The buffalo roam, the boys work and play, and Doug and Shirley Drewes enjoy what is a DAUPHIN (Dauphin Co.) The Dauphin County Conserva tion District is again conducting a spring seedling sale to promote the iihportance of forest resources and to encourage area residents to actively celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree. This year the district is offering 12 varieties of 2 to 4-year-old bareroot seedlings. The evergreen varieties, 10 to 30-inches high, are packaged in bundles of 10 of the same species and sell for $6 per bundle. You may select from Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Canadian Hemlock * (Mr Fraser Fir. ' Hardwoods available this year are White Flowering Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood, Black Gum, European White Birch, Red Oak or Redosier Dogwood. The height of the hardwood seedlings may be anywhere from 10-inches to 44-inches, depending on variety, and will sell for $1 each. Large quantity orders may also be purchased at special bulk rates. Also this year, the district is offering wildflower seeds. There will be Sunny, Shady and Perk-Up mixes and they will be sold in SS, $8 and $lO containers. In pursuit of the conservation of our natural resources, we are often charged to “think globally and act locally." /* v if ■S* - Dauphin County Conservation District Offers Trees, Flowers Probably no single action better Classified ads! PAY OFF! | dream come true for them on their farm in Juniata County, just one mile from the Mifflintown Exit of Route 22/322, only 45 minutes West of Harrisburg and 40 minutes East of State College. Visitors are always welcome. exemplifies that statement than' the planting of a tree. Trees beau tify our immediate surroundings and provide shelter to wildlife, as well as shade to make our homes and offices more energy efficient They reduce noise and provide wind barriers. They cool the air through the evaporation of large quantities of water they transpire. By inhibiting soil erosion, they ultimately provide cleaner streams, rivers and estuaries, and most important, they release pre cious oxygen into the atmosphere which is vital to the protection of earth and all its inhabitants. We all know of the economic value of trees. They supply us with hundreds of products we can not live without, so it is essential that we keep renewing this valu able resource. You can ultimately serve the globe by planting trees locally. This is the 20th consecutive year the district has sold seedlings. To obtain more information or an order form, call the district office at (717) 921-8298. Orders must be pre-paid and received by the district office by March 29. 1994. Seedlings should be picked up Thursday, April 14, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m,, or Friday. April IS, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the Agriculture and Natural Resour ces Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road (Route 225) in Dauphin. on a
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