Frequently Asked Questions
How does pre-ordering work?
We open for pre-orders on September 1 and close on October 31, or sooner if we sell out. Lamb is then processed and pre-orders are fulfilled starting in November in the order they are received.
We'll send a short series of emails to keep you updated throughout the process, and you're always welcome to reach out if you'd like an update.
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Will there be another pre-order opportunity?
Right now, no. We open for pre-orders once a year during September and October. We lamb once each spring, raise the lambs on pasture through the growing season, and process them in the fall.
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Can I customize my order?
Usually, yes.
Our website ordering page is set up with the most common choices based on the abattoir's standard way of processing lamb. If you're looking for something different, just ask.
We've created custom lamb boxes for customers, and we can usually accommodate requests for specific cuts or different processing instructions for whole and half lambs.
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Can I just buy a few individual cuts? Or a few racks?
Yes, but not through the pre-order.
The pre-order is specifically for whole lambs, half lambs and our lamb boxes. Once all pre-orders have been fulfilled, we begin selling individual cuts at the Thunder Bay Country Market.
Individual cuts are sold on a first come, first served basis. We don't offer holds or reservations. The best way to find out when they're available is to join our email list.
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Can I pre-order sausage?
No, as sausage is made at a different time of year.
We usually make sausage after all pre-orders have been fulfilled and our spring retail cuts have sold. Because of that, sausage isn't available as part of the pre-order.
Our email list is the best way to find out when we hold our annual sausage sale.
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Can I buy a live lamb to slaughter and butcher myself?
No.
All of our lamb is slaughtered at a government-regulated abattoir. If you'd like to butcher your own lamb, we can arrange for the abattoir to perform only the slaughter. Since our listed prices include processing, the price will be adjusted accordingly. Please reach out if you'd like to discuss this option.
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Is your lamb grass-fed?
Grass is the foundation of their diet, but we also supplement with grain under the guidance of our nutritionist because we believe it produces the best meat and is in the best interest of the health of our flock. Please see our practices page here for more information about how we raise our lamb.
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Last year, my cuts were noticeably bigger than the year before. This year they are smaller. Why the variation?
Our lambs are at least 120 pounds live weight before they go to the abattoir. Their hanging weights are typically between 55 and 65 pounds, so there is naturally some variation in the size of the cuts you receive.
The biggest reason for this variation is timing. Our abattoir appointments are booked almost a year in advance based on the average growth rate of the flock. Because the abattoir is extremely busy, we can't simply wait until every lamb reaches exactly the same weight. Instead, they are processed when our appointment comes up, provided they have reached our minimum weight.
The other factor is the lamb itself. Even two animals that weigh about the same can have different body structure. We notice this most in the rack, where the size can vary quite a bit even between lambs of similar weight.
We base all of our pricing on the minimum weight, so if your lamb happens to be larger, you don't pay more. Consider it a bonus!