| The T5R farm is the source of most of our raw products. We raise our hogs on pasture and woodlots, using a bulk feeder to provide supplemental grain and nutrients they might not be getting enough of in their foraging. Our chickens, turkeys, and ducks are also free ranged on pastures and in the woods and like the hogs have access to bulk feeders for any supplemental nutrition they might require. Our gardens where we produce our fruits, vegetables and herbs are well above organic standards, we do not use most of the chemicals (Even though natural) that are allowed in organic certified production. In fact all of our plants and animals are raised and grown well above certified organic standards. The livestock and poultry is largely left alone in the pastures and woods to do what pigs and chickens do. I can think of no more humane way to raise meat animals than by giving them the freedom to do what they naturally do. The only times I interfere in their order of things is during farrowing and hatching. It is far better to bring farrowing sows to the nursery barn and pasture to give birth and get the sows extra nutrition for milk production and get the piglets off to the best start possible before joining the main herds on the pastures. The same with newly hatched chicks, 3 weeks in the brooder house makes a world of difference in the survival rate and long term health of the birds. While I don't interfere with the hogs and poultry living their lives the way those critters do. I do spend time in the pastures and know the animals and they know me. Every morning when the chain on the gate clinks and I enter the pasture word spreads pretty fast that I am making my rounds and visit. Before long I have every hog and chicken on the property following me around inspecting fence and making sure everyone is well and healthy. Some that are real suck ups move in for the customary ear and butt scratches, but most keep their distance of 2-3 feet. After I make the pasture circuit and end my vist and step out the gate there is always a full half circle of chickens, turkeys and pigs telling me good bye and we will see you tomorrow. And then they all mill off in their own cliques and directions to do what they do. I am not going to even enter the debate of who is the most humane. All I will say is my livestock and poultry is happy and content and enjoy my daily visit. If that is not humane I sure don't know what is. The entire farm works as a Permaculture or a big circle with thousands of little circles at work inside of the greater circle. The microbes, worms and bugs feed the soils and make it rich and fertile. The plants feed from the soil and what is not harvested goes back into the soil, the hogs and chickens eat the pants and processes the plants into nutrient rich food for the bugs, worms and microbes and the plants and animals in turn feed us. Our off farm soil inputs are minimal using this practice and our land, soils, plants and animals are healthy and happy. Everything begins and ends with the soil and then starts again. What I sell is what I eat. I love great food and in order to have great food I have to grow and raise good food. I also have to have the knowledge and skill to prepare great food. Need I say more? |
The T5R Farm
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