Hello and welcome to the October 2026 edition of the Laughing Duck Farm newsletter, we are happy you could join us! Can you believe it? Summer is over and we are into autumn already. I’ll be honest, the older I get the faster it goes and I honestly feel like we skipped September. I absolutely do not know where it went, but suddenly I’m no longer sweating and find myself curled up under a blanket with a cup of tea. Honestly, I’ll take it. I used to hate winter. I also disliked autumn because it meant that winter was coming. I was a summer girl. I loved green, fresh air, swimming, and the feeling of sunshine. Winter, with its long dark days, fridgid temperatures, and stark colorless landscapes depressed me. Then, one autumn day a few years ago, I decided that maybe the whole thing would be a lot less depressing if I learned to embrace it. I started finding joy in warm soups, warm drinks, the blast of icy air hitting my lungs, soft sweaters and candlelight.
I can tell you that I now look forward to autumn and winter. They are quiet and relaxing. My schedule is less intense so I have time for things I want to do instead of just the things that need to be done. There is no rush to get everything done before it’s too cold out. Also, Christmas lights are so beautiful and there is no other time of the year where I can see them. So while winter is long, and it is dark, just like absolutely everything else in creation, there is great beauty in it, and this is the time I get to look forward to it.
On the Farm
Things are wrapping up here on the farm. The meat chickens are done. The turkeys are all in the freezer and no longer getting into trouble. The goats are making their last rounds across the pasture, and the pigs will be going to the butcher the week of October 19th. There is less to see on the farm but it is still quite enjoyable to visit. I abandoned the garden earlier than usual so it was pretty much a loss, but we probably had our best year ever with the animals. The drive to the farm and at the farm are absolutely breathtaking right now. The trees are changing color and there is such a variety of trees out here that you get to see all of the colors. It won’t last long so I hope you get a chance to enjoy it!
In the Store
We are pretty well stocked up with all of your favorites right now. The poultry freezers are full with all of the cuts as well as whole chickens. There are a few very small turkeys for your small holiday gatherings. We have so many ingredients for your autumn baking and soup making. We have the kinds of snacks that will make you a hero at game time, and we have herbs and suppliments that will keep you healthy and happy during cold and flu season. While you’re out here you could also pick up gifts of pottery, candles, and fancy soaps or pet treats. If you can’t find something you want, just ask. It might be hiding, or maybe I should start carrying it!
Bulk Food Ordering
Now is the perfect time for your bulk food order. It is not so hot that we have to worry about your butter melting, but the roads are not icey and dangerous yet. This month’s bulk food order is due on Saturday October 10 by 7pm and will be available for pick up on Friday, October 16 anytime after 4:30 pm. Your next opportunity for a delivery will be November 13 with orders due on the 7th.
You can order just about any food item in bulk. Do you like frozen strawberries in your smoothies? Order number 624837. Prefer raspberries? order number 624906. Does your family go through a lot oatmeal and you want it to take 30 seconds and a little boiling water? Order number 755801. Looking for a good unbleached, unbromeated flour for your sourdough passion? Order number 754521. Want that same thing in smaller packages? Order number 754523. You can get milk, yogurt, cereal, chicken nuggets, frozen vegetables, coffee, tea… any of the things your family goes through a lot of. Here’s how to place your order.
Make a list of the things your family goes through a lot of and you would like to stock up on for the winter. Now scroll through the list below and write down the numbers of the things that match up with your list. If you’re not sure about something, send me a message. I’ve gotten to know a lot of the products and I can probably help. Next, send me an email to northhaus@gmail.com . Be sure to include the words “bulk food order” in the subject line so I don’t miss it! Put your list in the email. It is super helpful if you include the item number and the price so I can make sure I am oredering exactly what you want. Then sit back and relax. On October 16 after 4:30, take a beautiful drive out to 2482 170th ave, Emerald, WI where you will pay with check or cash and load up your car. If you have a friend who might also be interested in ordering some bulk items, share this email with them. You could make a fun time out of it. Take a lovely autumn drive, stroll around the farm, maybe stop for a picnic or dinner on the way home.
Whether it is bulk food order day, or just a regular visit to the farm and store, I hope to see you soon. I hope you too are able to slow down and enjoy the beauty and coziness of this, and the upcoming seasons.
Peace and blessings to you and your family,
Kathy
