February 2025 vol. 1
Every so often, we get a call from someone wanting to help. Most of the time, it’s someone trying to sell us something—website optimization, a better payment system, or assistance with distribution and shipping. But just last week, I got a call from someone wanting to give me something—for free. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Offers like this don’t come around often. But when I listened to his story, it seemed legitimate—and to top it off, he was even willing to deliver it!
Jacobe, from the Austin Disaster Relief Network, had a problem. Back in 2019, their organization was gifted several tons of unprocessed grain. While the grain itself was perfectly fine—it has an indefinite shelf life as long as it stays dry—it was taking up valuable space in their warehouse, and they have no way to mill it and make bread. With recent hurricanes and wildfires creating an increased need for supplies, that space was at a premium. The grain had to go.
Luckily, here at the ranch, we grind our own feed, so I already have the equipment needed to turn the wheat and lentils into something useful—bacon and eggs. Chickens can handle raw grain thanks to their gizzards, but grinding it makes it easier for them to process. For pigs, grinding is essential, as whole grain would simply pass through their systems without being digested.
The catch? The grain was packaged in IBC containers (the kind typically used for storing liquids). These totes aren’t designed for easily dispensing grain, so I’ve had to get creative. My current plan involves cutting holes in the bottoms of the totes, but even then, the grain doesn’t flow out smoothly. To make matters trickier, I have to hoist the totes into the air to load the grain into my grinder. Luckily, with 30 totes to work through, I’ll have plenty of opportunities to perfect my setup!
It took Jacobe several trips in his box truck to deliver all 30 totes. On his final trip, I made sure to send him off with some pasture-raised meats from the ranch and a healthy cash donation to the Austin Disaster Relief Network. Their work supporting people recovering from natural disasters is incredibly important, and I’m glad to play a small part in their efforts.
If you’re looking for ways to help others in the wake of recent weather events, I’d highly recommend checking out the Austin Disaster Relief Network. They’re doing great work, and they welcome donations, volunteers, and, of course, your prayers.
See you at the market!
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