Every 2-3 years we buy a couple of piglets from a local pig farmer. If you have ever considered getting pigs for meat, I'll explain a little about the process.
In your state, you probably have pig farmers that breed and then sell the offspring in the mid Spring. You'll want to call each one, probably a few months before, to find out what they have and when. You'll also use this first communication to get a sense about them. Some have different values and methods, and you ideally want one that lines up with what you're looking for. Expect to pay minimum of 75 per piglet, and best to get at least two so they can keep each other company.
Some places may deliver(extra cost) but usually you are expected to go pick up your piglets. You'll want to make their unpleasant trip as comfortable as possible by giving them some treats. One of the large dog crates will suffice for their journey.
For the first few weeks, just a small area with shelter will be okay. The pigs will be shy at first, so use this opportunity to interact with them as much as possible, while they are little.
Quite soon they will need more space. You'll want an area of about 40 x 80, ideally closed off with an electric fence. Half sun, half shade is best, a nice little shelter from rain, and to sleep in, and a little pond will make them happy.
They love cooked veggies, raw are great too, some meat scraps are also good, and of course they will forage what is on the ground. Careful with fruit, or anything with sugar, feeding sparingly.
They will require lots of fresh water, and fine to supplement with high-quality pig feed. Familiarize yourself with pigs in general by reading whatever you can find on forums, and places like mother earth news. That way when various situations come up, you'll have less anxiety about what to do.
Expect to grow your pigs until November. You'll want to start looking for a butcher several months before then. They will give you cut sheets on how you want your pig, it can be a bit confusing, so be sure to familiarize yourself fully so as you get exactly what you want.
As September approaches, we start collecting acorns from the property and give them to the pigs to eat. They love them and it improves the meat flavor.
Be sure you have enough freezer space to store your frozen friends after they are all processed.. one chest freezer may not be enough.
Oh, and be sure to name them cute names! Our latest ones were Peas and Carrots. Some previous ones were Frank and Beans, and I thing Oscar and and either Weiner or Meyer. 😄
Vanessa virginiences, or American Lady on Liatrus Spicata, or Button Snakewort.
Both Native
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
There are a lot of expressions that we hear now and then; most we think we know the origin of, some we don't. For the most part we just don't ponder the origin of commonplace expressions because they are... common. The first thing I discovered when beginning to read this little gem of a book, was not only hadn't I considered where many common sayings come from, but my preconceived idea of their origin was actually wrong! Kinda embarrassing, but guessing I may not be alone in this. I thought it would be of value then to share some tidbits from this book. Audio format is nice, as you can multitask while listening to this. This is my first attempt at recording reading a book, so any constructive criticism is welcome!
Cool! I've never noticed galls on staghorn sumac. Location: SE NH.
Melaphis rhois on Rhus typhina
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1112
Happy garden with all the heat, humidity, and occasional rain.
I made a yummy zucchini chocolate bread for my sister's visit. Going to air fry some of what I just picked.
