Your Farmers
Ramona and Collins Huff
Gryffon's Aerie is run by Collins & Ramona Huff and their two children in Western Albemarle County, nestled at the base of the Shenandoah National Park. We raise American Milking Devon and Beef Devon cattle and Tamworth pigs, and Karakul sheep. We have worked diligently over the years to breed one of the largest purebred American Milking Devon herds in the United States. Leading experts in the beef and cattle industry consider our genetics to be superior for grass finished beef.
Our goal is to produce the finest grass-fed beef and natural pork, which is why we chose heritage breeds. We feel that heritage breeds are best suited to grass feeding because that was their original diet and their genetics have remained unaltered.
Our cattle are raised on lush pastures from birth to finish. They do not receive hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, or grain which may contain animal by-products. We do not use herbicides or pesticides on our pastures. The cattle are rotated on a daily basis to new pastures and are followed by other livestock to further enhance the soils. In the winter cattle are moved to alpine meadows at the back of the farm that are stockpiled with cool season grasses and legumes.
Our natural pork are all free-range. The Tamworth pigs are known as the "Irish grazers." Most of their diet is made up of grazing high quality grasses and foraging for nuts and berries in the woods. We never put rings in their snouts. This is cruel and inhumane—a pig's nature is to root. These pigs are friendly, intelligent, highly vocal and take particular delight in a good belly rub. They are the "personalities of the barnyard." We supply several other pork producers with young pigs for their natural programs. We have over twenty breeding sows and two different lines of boars.
Our animals are never separated from their mothers; natural weaning is paramount. Although it may slow breeding production slightly, we feel that it makes for a healthier, happier livestock. The animals are not just our livelihood, they are our companions and our responsibility. It is our mission to raise and harvest them in a stress-free and respectful environment.
All meat is processed at USDA facilities that meet our strict humane slaughtering guidelines. Nothing is wasted. Bones are used to make stocks and demi-glace, the hides are tanned, and wool is spun into yarns. It is all part of our mission, and that of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, to protect the genetic diversity and integrity of heritage livestock.
We encourage you to come to the farm to purchase your products, we offer a truly unique farm experience. Located just 2 miles north of White Hall only 15 minutes west of Charlottesville. There are many orchards and vineyards in this area that are open to the public.
Ramona and Collins Huff
4803 Mount Air Farm, Crozet, VA 22932
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