Coyote Ridge FarmsWelcome To Our Rural Blog

It was approximately 30 years ago when this farm last had hogs.  Today, we are proud to announce that the hogs are back.

From a fellow farmer (and friend) we purchased 5 feeder pigs – 4 York/Duroc/Hamp cross and 1 purebred Duroc.  We kept it local.  The farm where we got the pigs was/is located just 5 miles away. We took the only colored pigs they had that were ready, with the exception of some 4-H/FFA project pigs.

Our New Pigs

We brought them to the farm in the back of the pick-up.  Once home, they were placed in their pen, inside the barn.  Since these pigs were born and raised inside a confinement operation, with a stable, well controlled environment, it was recommended that we pen our new swine inside a until they get used to the cooler temp.  After a week or so, they should be able to be moved outside, under the hay-loft.  Only after should we move them to their outdoor pen – the grove.

With them outdoors, they will be able to rut for roots, grubs, seeds and insects.  Only then will the pigs be able to express their pigness.  We believe, as ag guru Joel Salatin says, “Plants and animals should be provided a habitat that allows them to express their physiological distinctiveness.  Respecting and honoring the pigness of the pig is a foundation for societal health.”

It is our hope to be able to feed these pigs as our grandparents did theirs.  We will not be feeding these hogs soy.  We will feed them corn, wheat, and raw milk products.  Some of the dairy fed will be whey, milk, clabbered milk and kefir.  The dairy, especially the kefir will help with digestion and will also provide the animals with many, many natural, beneficial bacteria and yeast, vitamins and minerals, and complete proteins.  It will also contributes to a healthy immune system.  You guessed it, we will not be feeding antibiotics.  It is our belief that there is no need for antibiotics when an animal is fed a healthy, natural diet.

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