We were never satisfied with most small farmers’ approach, including all beginning farmers, which is to maintain the herd by buying in animals from other farms.
When we had to do such things, we always did our research carefully and searched for the best farmers we could find. But by the time we actually went out and picked up the animals, we always left with concerns.
You could never be sure about the sorts of exposures the animals had early on, what infections they might harbor or transmit to the rest of our herd, or even possibly to us!
Not only that, the genetics of the animals themselves, which have HUGE implications on the taste and quality of the meat in the end, were never optimal.
Running a farm this way is the norm. And yet, it’s a gamble with very high stakes.
After a few close calls under our belt, we knew that once we got our breeding skills dialed in, we would design an entirely CLOSED herd, which meant that all the pigs we’d raise would be bred and born right here with us.
The biggest challenge early on was that we really didn’t know jack about how to orchestrate all this. And it’s actually quite complicated, which is why I personally don’t know of a single farm at our scale doing this!
We needed enough pigs that were suitable for breeding to keep not just one but two separate herds because, well…. inbreeding just isn’t cool.
It’s been a journey, I tell you – one that’s required meticulous planning and an extraordinary amount of time and patience. But we’re doing it.
In fact, just this week, we realized that we haven’t bought in a single pig to the farm since early 2019. This is how we keep our promise to you and supply you with the best certified organic, pasture-raised, worry-free pork on the planet.
Your Farmers,
Jenney & Greg
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