May 2025 Newsletter
MAY DAYS! TEXAS! RANCH HAPPENINGS! May has arrived, bringing cloudy skies to Illinois—but Texas is soaking up the sunshine, and so are we in this month's newsletter! IMPORTANT NEWS!Let's just get to the good stuff right off the bat. Introducing HAPPY LIFE RANCH TEXAS EDITION!!Until now, our ethically raised products have only been available to our loyal supporters in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. With shipping costs keeping us grounded, we’ve long searched for a way to expand without compromising our values. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our family in Texas—who have built a ranch designed for livestock to live happy, healthy lives—we’re finally ready to take the leap.Below, you'll find a glimpse into their inspiring journey and what this next exciting chapter means for all of us.Our BeginningIn 2021, Michelle, Anthony, and Alex sold their home and spent a summer living and working at Happy Life Ranch in Beecher, Illinois. That time reignited their passion for ranching and deepened their connection to country living. After relocating to Texas for work, they eventually settled in Kerens. With the help of Gus, Melissa, and close friends, they began building a 20-acre homestead—planting the roots for what has now grown into Happier Life Ranch.Growing Our DreamOur journey toward ranch life took root in 2023 when we expanded to 20 acres in Kerens, Texas. We never imagined that a few guinea fowl—brought in to help with pests—would be the start of something bigger. Before long, we added chickens, goats, and a growing variety of livestock, each deepening our love for ranching and our commitment to raising animals with care and purpose.Lessons from the LandThe lessons we've learned over the years, from building coops out of scrap materials to understanding the nuances of regenerative ranching, have been invaluable. We've been blessed to connect with multi-generational farmers who generously shared their wisdom, teaching us the importance of rotational grazing, humane animal care, and the significance of knowing where our food comes from.Our CommitmentAt Happier Life Ranch, we prioritize holistic practices. Our animals roam freely on clean pastures, nourished with organic, non-GMO feed. We abstain from using artificial fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, or hormones, ensuring that the food we provide is as natural and wholesome as possible.Join the FamilyAs we establish our presence in Kerens, TX, our mission remains steadfast: to offer ethically raised, high-quality products while fostering a community that values transparency, sustainability, and genuine connections. We invite you to join us on this journey—visit the ranch, share in our story, and become part of the Happier Life family. We here in Illinois couldn’t be more excited to take this leap and see where this new venture leads us all. Everything Texas-related will continue to run through our existing Happy Life Ranch website, and as I write this, we’re actively working out the logistics—for both product orders and transporting more of our established livestock down south to get growing.Orders for delivery in Texas begin June 7th, and just like in Illinois, we’ll bring them right to your front door.You can follow the journey and stay up to date by finding Happy Life Ranch Texas Edition on Instagram and Facebook. Please give them a like, a follow, and help spread the word to anyone you know in or around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Let’s grow this community together—ethically, sustainably, and happily.FATHER'S DAY: Father’s Day is Coming—Let’s Fire Up the Grill!Sorry moms—we don’t do flowers, but we do deliver unforgettable meats. We’ve created two limited-edition Father’s Day boxes packed with premium cuts—because what dad doesn’t love grilling up a feast for his family? Not sure what to get the dad in your life? Check out the boxes now at www.happyliferanch.com an... make this Father’s Day one to savor. These specialty boxes are only available for a limited time, so don’t wait!RANCH HAPPENINGS: I think we are done for having babies for a little while. Some of our sows need checking but it doesn't appear we should expect any new births, whooo-we had a few there in the earlier days of spring.The latest lamb born (while we were away) was scooped up by Windmill Acres for care and keeping and now it appears she has been named Winnie and has found her forever home. She is bringing much joy to their kids and customers alike and we are so happy to see her thriving.All of our energy has been concentrated on building the Texas plan so not much else happening her other than watching everything grow and thrive.We are still looking for a ranch hand, if anyone is interested or knows someone, please have them give Gus a call 630-877-7718. We are looking for someone who has a valid drivers license and can potentially be available 7 days a week. A handful of interviews have been completed and some are very promising. Never hurts to keep it out there. THE FREEZER CONTAINER, We have made changes to the back of the yard so to speak to make way for the new freezer container that will come when it comes. We wont even speculate anymore as to a date but it's ALMOST ready to be delivered wea are told. NEW CHICKEN HOUSE Here's another project that has been put on hold due to weather issues, and Niko working a full time job so not having time to finish it. There is a huge but cozy room for the new girls and they are adjusting beautifully. They are laying the little bitty eggs we have advertised on social media for a discounted price and they should be big enough to go outside very soon..Customize Your Box, Your WayWe’re excited to make your Happy Life Ranch experience even more personal—you can now subscribe to individual items! Choose the quantities and cuts that fit your family’s needs, and set the delivery frequency that works best for your schedule; weekly/every 2 weeks/monthly (depending on your delivery zone. Want to make sure your box always includes your favorites—or skips something you’re not loving? Subscribing to exactly what you want is the best way to do that. You’re in full control: it’s super easy to make changes to your cart anytime, as often as you like, right up to 3 days before your pickup or delivery. Flexibility, simplicity, and no surprises—just the products you love, delivered how and when you want them.REFERRAL BONUS: in your account settings, top right corner, you will find a REFERRAL button. You can send this to friends and family and when they order, you get a $25 BONUS credit in your account and they get $10.HOURS OF OPERATION: This is new for us, a schedule!! We are now open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am-6pm for pick ups, visits, new customers, etc. Sundays will be by appointment. And we just picked up a new SIGN to hang out front with these hours listed! We will put it up after the 24th. TRAVEL: As mentioned above, we will be traveling to Texas for Easter and some much needed respite and family time.Thank you all for giving us some of your time and trusting us with your family's health. If you have any suggestions on ways we can improve please email us at info@happyliferanch.com. If you love what we're doing, please tell your friends and family and send them to our website at www.happyliferanch.com valign="top">You can't expect to feel like a million bucks if you keep eating from the dollar menu. Eat Clean
