Hello and welcome to the March 2026 newsletter for Laughing Duck Farm. I’m so glad you could join us! I am feeling so odd about writing a March newsletter already. Have you ever noticed that January seems to last eight years but February only lasts fifteen minutes? It’s such an odd thing. You wouldn’t think that three days would make such a big difference, but I guess the Easter season is coming quickly and if Easter shows us one thing, it is that thee days can make all the difference in the world.

January seemed to last so long that I forgot to do a few things in early February. I usually plant my celery, pansies, and onions in early February. I forgot to do that and now I see that I don’t even have seeds for celery! That should feel like a big deal to me, but seeing as how I am the world’s worst gardener, I don’t think anyone will notice. The weeds will look the same, whether there is celery planted amongst them or not. It it better to just focus on what I can do now.

On the Farm

It is almost spring and spring is the time for babies! I have ordered all of my chicks, which should start arriving in late April. We also should start seeing baby goats any day now. Every summer I try to remember to separate the buck (daddy goat) from the does (momma goats). Sometimes I remember. This year I forgot. This means that we will probably see baby goats soon. It also means that I have no idea which goats will be having their babies when. There are a few signs I can look for and if those signs are accurate, there is one goat in the barn that should have babies any day now. I keep checking her and she keeps rolling her eyes at me. I will post pictures on facebook as soon as they arrive.

Pork

I have had a few people reach out to me about half and whole pigs. We are doing that again this year. The price this year will be $400 for a half pig and $700 for a whole. These pigs will be raised outdoors on fresh grass and sunshine. This makes a huge difference in the flavor as well as in the mineral content and protein structures of the meat. We will have two butchers available this year and everything will be first come first serve.

In the Store

It is pretty quiet in the store during the winter, so it’s the perfect time to visit! you won’t get a farm tour, but you will get lots of individual attention. One of the newer products we have in right now is beef gelatin. It has no flavor so you don’t have to worry about it making your gelatin desserts taste weird. You just use juice instead of water and you can make all kinds of treats. If you are a little more adventurous you can also use it to make homemade marshmallows that are actually good for you! I am also hoping to get pottery this weekend from my favorite potter to have available. Watch for pictures of that!

Remember: Store hours are Thursday through Saturday 10-6 or by appointment (I love appointments so don’t feel bad about them). Our address is 2482 170th Ave Emerald, WI 54013

Bulk Food Order

We will be having a bulk food storage class here at the store on Saturday, February 21 at 1pm. If you have been nervous to place an order because of a lack of knowledge on storing things, please pop in and join us! It is a free class.

Bulk food orders are due Saturday, February 28 by 7pm. Your order will arrive Friday, March 6 and will be available for pickup after 4:30. Your next opportunity to order will be Saturday, March 28 with orders available for pickup on Friday April 3rd HOWEVER that is Good Friday so I’m not 100% that the schedule will stay like that. If it changes I will let you know both on facebook and the next newsletter.

Some things that are on sale this month are most of the dog treats, Yoplait yogurt, Yoder’s jams and jellies, pretzels, Golden barrel sugar (light brown, raw, or organic cane), and zipper bags in sandwich, quart, or gallon size. This is also still a fantastic time to order frozen items. They can sit outside a lot longer this time of year than they can in August!

To order, go through the list below and choose items your family enjoys. When you see something you want, put it on your list. Please include the item number, a brief description, and the price you expect to pay. Then email this list to me by 7pm Saturday, February 28 at northhaus@gmail.com . You can include the list in the body of your email, enclose a separate spreadsheet, or even send me a photo of your handwritten list. As long as it includes those three items for each thing you want to get, I don’t care. I should respond to that email by the end of the day on March 1st. If not, please reach out. Sometimes emails go to the spam folder and while I do try to check that, I am human and miss things.

Then, on Friday, March 6th after 4:30pm, you can drive out to the farm at 2482 170th ave, Emerald, WI 54013 to pick up your order. It’s a little like Christmas except you know you want everything you’re getting. You can pay with cash or a check at this time. The store will be open for shopping when you pick up as well.

Well, if you made it this far, you are a dedicated reader. I thank you for that. I also hope you have a wonderful end to your February and that we see you soon.

Kathy