We raise Berkshire hogs that spend spring, summer, and fall in the woods. They are rotated to fresh paddocks bi-weekly, which allows the meat to develop exceptional flavor. Industrial or commercial pork, even much that is labeled organic or Berkshire, is usually raised inside, confined to concrete pens.

 

We are committed to raising our stock in the best possible environment. Pigs are quite smart and are easily trained to two strands of electric wire fencing so that paddocks can be set up in the woods. This method provides shade, and allows the pigs to run, root, dig, wallow, and explore to their hearts’ content.  They are lively, energetic and inquisitive.

 

In addition to this system’s ability to provide the best possible environment for the animals to thrive, they are improving and contributing to the landscape, the soil, and the microbes living within.  By rooting for acorns, walnuts, pecans, and hickory nuts, they disturb the soil surface and deposit their waste, which increases the organic matter and water retaining abilities of the soil, and feeds the microbes.  The introduction of the pigs to the forest contributes to a shift from a fungal to a more balanced (with bacteria) soil and encourages the growth of grasses held in the seed bank. We then come back through, thinning invasive species, bringing in more light, and creating a silvopasture environment that maximizes solar capture.  It is a regenerative cycle that has been a joy to witness.