The first thing pigs do when they get to our farm!

Every year, without fail, the pigs we purchase to raise for our customers have a consistent pattern.  They're taken off the trailer and into their outdoor pen where they run around, excited, crazy and explorative. 

After that though, they sleep... and they sleep, and they sleep some more.  

A couple seasons ago, we think we finally figured out why they would be so exhausted from a simple move. 

Some of the hogs we source come from large hog barns (confinement) at a very young age.  They are in small pens with dozens of other hogs and on concrete or rubber grated flooring.  I still remember the first year of getting our hogs - I had to go back outside with our daughter who couldn't handle the noise of the hog barn.

When the pigs get to our farm, they relax.  They've never known life without the noise and stress of the confinement barns. They never got to lay down without being pushed and prodded by the other hogs.  They never got to rut in the dirt, burrow in bedding, or see the sun and stars.  They can finally relax.

I grant that the hogs in those barns are usually cared for quite well (automated feeders and waters, etc) and by very good people. 

Still, my gut and experience tell me that there is a better way.  

We work hard for a better life for the animals we raise for our family and yours.  

Thank you for your continued and growing support of our farm!
Mary