When did Beacon Hill Farm start?
The land that is now Beacon Hill Farm sits within the traditional territory of the Cayuga Nation, one of the original five nations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy. The Cayuga people, known as "People of the Great Swamp" (Gayogo̱hó:nǫ'), stewarded these lands for centuries before European settlement, practicing sophisticated agricultural techniques including the cultivation of the "Three Sisters" - corn, beans, and squash.
Following the American Revolution and the subsequent dispossession of Cayuga lands in the late 18th century, this area became part of the Military Tract - land that was distributed to Revolutionary War veterans as payment for their service. The rich glacial soils and relatively flat terrain of what would become Cato made it particularly suitable for farming.
Beacon Hill Farm was established in 1945, beginning a new chapter in the property's history. For over seven decades, the farm served as an equestrian center, contributing to the region's rich agricultural and sporting heritage. From 1945 to 2017, the property was home to horses and equestrian activities, serving the local community and maintaining the agricultural character of the area.
In 2025, the farm entered its newest chapter when the Tess & Derek purchased the property. Today, Beacon Hill Farm continues the agricultural tradition of the land through sustainable livestock practices, raising and selling pastured meats. This approach brings together modern farming methods with a respect for the land's long agricultural heritage, from its Indigenous roots through to the present day.
Why choose grass fed meat?
When you choose grass-fed meats from Beacon Hill Farm, you're selecting foods that are better for your health, better for the animals, and better for the environment.
Nutritional Benefits Grass-fed meats are naturally leaner and contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients compared to conventionally raised meats. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health, and contain higher levels of vitamins A and E. They're also an excellent source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a healthy fat known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Environmental Impact Our pasture-based farming practices help build healthy soil, sequester carbon, and support local biodiversity. Unlike industrial feedlots, our animals contribute to the ecosystem's natural cycles, helping to fertilize the soil and maintain healthy grasslands. This regenerative approach helps protect our local waterways and reduces our carbon footprint.
Animal Welfare Our animals live as nature intended - on pasture, with plenty of space to roam and express their natural behaviors. They spend their days grazing on diverse grasses and forages, never confined to feedlots or fed artificial growth hormones. This low-stress environment results in healthier animals and better quality meat.
Taste and Quality Grass-fed meats have a distinct, clean flavor that comes from the animals' natural diet. The meat tends to have a richer taste and a firmer texture than conventionally raised meat. While it may cook differently than what you're used to, many customers find they prefer the authentic flavor of grass-fed meats.
Local Food Security By choosing our grass-fed meats, you're supporting local agriculture and helping maintain food security in our community. You know exactly where your food comes from and how it was raised, creating a direct connection between farm and table.
What does “Pastured” mean?
"Pastured" means our animals live their lives outdoors on grass with the freedom to roam, forage, and express their natural behaviors. Here's what this means in practice:
Our animals spend their days outside on pasture where they can root, scratch, peck, graze, and move freely. They have access to fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of space to explore. This is very different from conventional farming where animals often live in confined indoor spaces.
We move our animals to fresh pasture regularly in a system called rotational grazing. This:
Gives them access to clean, fresh grass and forage
Allows them to supplement their diet with insects and plants they find naturally
Helps distribute their manure evenly, building soil health
Prevents overgrazing of any one area
Reduces parasite issues naturally
While our animals live outdoors, they always have access to shelter for protection from extreme weather and predators. Our mobile chicken tractors and turkey tractors keep our poultry safe and comfortable.
While "free-range" can sometimes mean limited outdoor access, our pastured animals truly live outdoors on grass. They're not confined to small outdoor spaces or concrete pads - they have real access to pasture where they can engage in their natural behaviors.
This natural approach to raising animals results in healthier livestock and better quality meat, while also improving our soil and supporting the local ecosystem.
How do I cook a whole chicken?
Here's a simple guide to roasting a whole chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels inside and out (this helps get crispy skin). Season the cavity with salt and pepper, and if desired, stuff with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Rub the outside with olive oil or softened butter, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. If you have them, place chopped vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) around the chicken.
Roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. The juices should run clear when pierced.
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to keep the meat juicy.
Key tips:
Starting with a dry bird is crucial for crispy skin
Don't skip the resting time
A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfect doneness
