A Day in the Life of Our Pasture-Raised Pigs: Living Their Best Lives
What is the life of a pig suppose to look like? I will be so bold to say not on a cement floor in an enclosed barn. So step into our pasture for a moment and witness an average day for our 100% pasture raised pigs. At Graham Acres, we take immense pride in providing a nurturing environment where our pigs roam freely and experience the joys of nature every day. The goal is that happiness, health, and the great outdoors come together to create a piggy paradise- and later a great product.
As the sun starts to peek over the trees, our pasture-raised pigs are NOT the first ones to wake up. The are like lazy teenagers that only get out of bed when they absolutely must. It usually starts with one beginning to stir to venture out into the pasture that gets them all moving. Pigs are highly intelligent and curious animals. They use their keen sense of smell to forage for food. Rooting for insects and grubs not only provides them with a diverse and natural diet but also satisfies their innate need to engage in investigative behaviors. Since we rotationally graze them throughout various areas of the property, they are able to forage on different things depending on the area. The pigs natural rooting instinct is not a negative for our farm, but rather a benefit. They aid in the promotion of native plant regrowth and soil enrichment enhancing its fertility and minimizing the need for artificial inputs. Their diverse diet contributes to a rich and flavorful pork, reflecting the unique tastes of the environment they graze in.
Once they have eaten and probably taken another nap it is near the heat of the day and time for some fun and cooling down. Our pasture-raised pigs adore their mud baths and it is vital for their health. The mud not only cools them down on hot days but also acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting their sensitive skin. They will make their own wallows (basically large but shallow holes) and either the rain or us fill them up with water.
As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the pigs find cozy spots to bask in the warm sunlight, but if it is getting too hot they will go lay under a nearby tree. Providing them adequate shelter is a big part of how we set up their various grazing areas. The pigs natural rooting instinct is not a negative for our farm, but rather a benefit. They aid in the promotion of native plant regrowth and soil enrichment enhancing its fertility and minimizing the need for artificial inputs.
Dusk is my favorite time on the farm mainly because the pigs are most active. You can hear them running around snorting while playing with each other. Once the sun in gone they return to their cozy sleeping areas typically under a tree.
Our commitment to providing pasture-raised pigs with the highest quality of life shines through in every delicious bite of our pastured pork products. We believe that happy pigs make for superior pork, and that's why we go above and beyond to ensure they live their best lives on our farm. Each cut of our pasture-raised pork carries the story of our farm and the passion we have for providing you with the best possible products.
