King Farms – ‘Where the animals run on grass’
By KAREN KENNEDY If you’re looking for a relaxing drive out into the country one day, King Farms in Union Star might just be a good destination. You can stop by and meet the very hospitable Jay and Eva Jane King and children (they also offer group farm tours), visit with their many animals, and perhaps return home with some farm fresh eggs and pasture-raised meats. On the 350 acres that is King Farms, there seems to be almost too many animals to mention and, once you list them, you wonder if you forgot one. On the farm you’ll find: dairy cows, beef cattle, ostrich, emus, buffalo, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys, pigeons, geese, guineas, peacocks, rabbits, cats, Great Pyrenees dogs, and a miniature horse. Some of these animals are simply pets, some are for sale, and others eventually become consumable meat products. The Kings sell a lot of their eggs and meats at the Owensboro Farmers Market. Other than that, they sell their products right there on the farm. Those interested in purchasing eggs and meats can stop by the farm any day but Sunday. They’ve got a specially designed meat trailer with deep freezers, and they sell their wares right out of the trailer. The Kings’ method of raising animals is very natural and in line with nature, appealing to those who are particularly health conscious and also those concerned with the humane treatment of animals. On the cover of the King Farms list of products offered, their slogan is “Where the Animals Run on Grass.” All their animals are free range and feed primarily on grass. The animals are taken to a slaughterhouse where the meat is USDA inspected and packaged. All meats are drug and hormone free. Product offerings include: ground beef and patties, roasts, filets, ribeyes, New York strips, spare ribs, bacon, smoked ham, sausage links and patties, pork chops, and chicken. Orders are taken for turkey, duck, lamb, mutton, and goose. Another way the Kings look at for the well-being of their animals is through the use of a portable milking parlor. Instead of herding the animals out of the pasture for milking, the Kings take the milking parlor into the field where the animals are grazing. This creates less stress for the animals, noted Jay King. He also mentioned their’s is the only portable milking parlor in the Midwest. Real dairy products are available through their “animal share program.” The road to King Farms is an easy one. From Payneville, turn left onto Hwy 376 at the intersection just past the Payneville Post Office. That’s known as Dead Horse Hollow Road, although there’s no sign that indicates such. Keep driving straight down the road until you come to King Farms on your right-hand side, with the farmhouse sitting high up on a hill. King Farms, just six and a half miles from Payneville, is located at 79 Bruner Ridge Lane in Union Star. The phone number for King Farms is (270) 547-6702.
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