The Mighty Pig

Heather White

 On a homestead there is only one animal that is truly versatile, the pig. Pigs are procurer of waste, garburators, excavators, cultivators, regenerative workforce and renewing meat production.

What a mouthful, but true. The mighty pig will clean up waste such as food scraps. They will eat fermented food, old milk, boiled eggs and garden scrapes that are past their prime. We provide free choice to our pig herd. This includes their non-GMO feed without Soy and salt/minerals. Glyphosate is never allowed in our feed nor to we allow seed oils or nut oils. We use healthy alternatives.

They easily excavate areas. Clearing wooden or unused area on the farm. Their nose is so powerful they can uproot large tree trunks. Using pigs to create ponds in run off areas on the farm is an incredible undertaking, however, this could be completed within a few months, at the right location, proper number of pigs, and motivation.

When placed in the space for next years garden, they will till the area. Aerating the soil for next year’s crop, fertilize, and assist with weed control. All this before the first seed hits the ground. Pigs are easily moved to their new location using electric fencing.

Pigs can easily multiply yearly. The average pig has 7 to 12 babies at each birthing. Average birthing cycle for pigs should be twice a year. It’s possible to have three but that would be pushing the mother to much and we just do not practice this on our farm. Our breeding practices are not only for the health of the piglet, but the mother as well. Once a good mother is established, we like keeping her around for a long time.

Shelter is a must for pigs in an open field. Some farmers choose to provide a tree area or a pig hut. Our pigs are provide both allowing the pig to pick their preferred shade cover.

When it is time to harvest our pigs, we do this in a very humane way. Our pigs are never stressed and simply feel they are moving to their next location. Training the pig to adjust to new locations also lowers their stress when it is time to process. We love our pigs and know they are to serve a purpose which is to provide meat. Their time while on our farm is a pig-haven. From mud holes, to unlimited amount of food, rooting, rubbing on trees, just enjoy being a pig.

We always encourage visitors to come visit our farm. For those who are far away, you may always check us out on social media to see what we are up too.