Between the vast varieties of fruits & veggies, we have another treat growing at the farm. When we have the pleasure to harvest near them, their cuddle puddles make us giggle, and their snorts demand our attention. We feed them leftover veggies and they gobble their favorites up; right now, that’s napa cabbage and tomatoes. I often see big smiles on our harvest crew during these moments. They also like rooting around for grubs and other soil dwelling desserts. It’s not every season we raise these cuties, but this season was a special one. Can you guess what they are?

We have a beautiful herd of Tamworth piggies! Tamworth’s are a heritage breed with a gingery coat that shimmers in the sunlight. Besides being a delight to have around, pigs can be utilized to help increase biodiversity, increase water holding capacity, decrease the weed seed bank, and decrease disease in the soils or pastures where they are rotationally grazed in. They help diversify revenue streams for farmers as well! Raising animals this way is more work, but absolutely worth it. It’s a great alternative to animals raised for meat in confined feeding operations, like most of our protein sources. Animals provide so much more then meat, some mentioned above, but the end result is mouth-watering.

We feed and check on them at least twice daily. One of the biggest joys of caring for the herd is watering them- they LOVE it! Once they hear the water turn on, they come running and soak up the cool water rushing over their backs. Although their coat helps with sun protection, it’s also critical to provide a wallow for them to roll in.

Producing any type of food takes energy and resources, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to help raise these cuties outdoors with love and dignity. I wish it wasn’t so but, it’s a privilege to consume high-quality meats and we are elated to offer such in the farmstand soon!

~Ali