Yesterday we received some dreadful news from Harris Meats, the Cheviot abattoir where our lambs and beef are slaughtered. They have closed down slaughtering for any "private' customers. We don’t know if they will still kill for large customers, or only animals they have bought for their own marketing, or anything else. They just informed us ‘no more. They gave us no warning. They rang and said the service is withdrawn. Effectively immediately. It is very distressing for us, and we imagine for you too.

Of course, we are only able to sell meat from animals that have been killed in approved facilities with veterinary inspection and Food Act compatible systems. Harris Meats had all the approvals, but at our scale it seems that no-one else does. Your lambs are drafted, weighed up and ready to transport on next Thursday all to no avail.

We are really pleased to report that Milmore Downs spelt products are highly appreciated as quality products. Increasing numbers of people, both end consumers and commercial operations, are discovering it … but there is a down side. Our stocks are depleting fast!

The consequence is that we cannot supply you with the usual regular amounts if we want the flour to stretch through until the end of January 2019. Rather than come to a complete ‘sorry – sold out’ announcement in advance of the new seasons grain we’d like to suggest cooperation as an alternative by getting less per order. That is why you can't see the bigger amounts in the ordering lists. Thanks for your understanding.

Make your Easter into something special with a lamb for a family meal.

A box of lamb will last you through the year (freezer of course must be available).

The lambs grew slowly, naturally on our organic farm, which has been Demeter and BioGro certified for more than 30 years. The lambs are between 23 and 28 kg carcass weight, the price is $12/kg (this means around $300 for the complete lamb, cut and packed in a mix of chops and roasts).

Please ring Matt on his phone 0274373539 for delivery options; on farm pick up or delivery to addresses between the farm and Rangiora/Christchurch city.