Pigs on Pasture

Amidst our busy days, it's easy to lose sight of our mission and the reasons behind our work. We set objectives, beat deadlines, but what's the ultimate goal? Recently, I've had the chance to reflect on this, particularly in relation to the pigs we raise on our farm. The "why" behind our animal care is as important as the "how".

Teddy Roosevelt, the great conservationist, naturalist, and former U.S. President, once wisely said, "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." This quote really resonates with me when I think about our pig-raising practices. Over the years we've made mistakes that lead to continual learning as our team strives for constant improvement.

Our primary mission is simple yet profound: to let pigs be pigs and express their natural instincts. In a natural setting, free from the concrete floors and metal bars of confinement houses, they interact beautifully with the land and one another.

Imagine this charming scenario: a miniature pond created by a group of pigs before they move to the next pasture. This seemingly small alteration is a significant feature in our landscape—a catchment for rainwater. As we've seen, especially this past summer, droughts can be harsh. Allowing pigs to create such features helps us store rainwater for later use by both animals and land.

Now, let’s consider the story told by a pig's tail.. It tells a story that goes deeper than you might think. The mere fact that it's there is quite remarkable, and unfortunately, unique. In the confinement pork industry, piglets are separated from their mothers at just over two weeks old, and their tails are removed. Why? Because of their early separation, they have a lifelong urge to suckle. Leaving the tail could lead to biting and subsequent infections. But a docked tail is more sensitive, deterring further biting, even from the most subdued of confinement pigs.

At GVF, they proudly sport their tails! Piglets are weaned at about three months of age—their equivalent of college age! They're ready to explore the farm's pastures alongside their siblings and cousins. Busy and content, they have no interest in biting tails. So, a simple pig tail, often overlooked, is a powerful symbol of our farm's ethics and practices.

Mini ponds and pig tails are just a couple of the many reasons we raise pigs at GVF. We're grateful for your ongoing support, which allows us to raise pigs in a way that honors both the animals and the land.