Ripon WI 54971
We have partnered with Harvey Works at Carlena Farms to raise our pigs. Most pigs today are raised in intensive confinement operations, where they have little opportunity to just be a pig. In a confinement system sows may live in a 2 x 7 foot gestation crate all their productive lives. Our sows live on pasture, free to forage and root in the dirt. They are happy and very productive. Even modern science cannot explain all the benefits of raising pigs in pasture and dirt. We have noticed that our pigs have better attitudes, better skin, and farrow more babies. All our pigs have names and have their own personalities. While a pig can glean a good part of its' diet from grasses and legumes, we still feed a top quality grain ration formulated to insure the pigs have all the proper nutrition needed.
We selected our initial foundation sows and boars from stock that we believe will thrive on pasture. Ironically, the traits necessary for productive pigs on pasture, are also traits inherent to making tender, tasty pork. We selected two heritage breeds, known for their high quality pork and adaptability for a pasture based system. These two breeds, Tamworth and Large Blacks still have the instincts we deem necessary for our vision. They have not disappointed us and actually they have amazed us with their hardiness, growth rate, and mothering ability. We also raise some Chester Whites, just because they were the first pigs that Harvey raised as a FFA member. They too have come through with flying colors and people are raving about the quality pork they produce.
While we strive to be as natural as possible, we are also realists. Though we do not use therapeutic drugs or hormones in our feed, we do treat an occasional animal with antibiotics if the need arises. We feel it is proper and humane to "doctor" a pig in need. We do keep records and try to select our breeding stock replacements from our most hardy and productive pigs, so the need to treat pigs is minimal. We also strive to make our pigs as comfortable as possible with proper housing, shade, and wallows as needed. This is not an exercise in survival of the fittest. Pigs need certain basics to thrive and be happy. Good food, shelter, and lots of love go into raising our pigs. mperature.
