Loving our Animals
Our free ranging pigs, chickens and cattle are raised on pasture, as all animals once were. This means they are constantly moving to fresh, open ground, where they have the space and freedom to exhibit their natural instincts. Free from the stress created by overcrowding and un-natural habitats. The rotational farming methods we employ allows us to be chemical free and our produce to be pure, healthy and happy.
With 300 heritage breed pigs and 30 sows, 3500 laying hens, 36 drought master cattle. Our familiy pride ourselves on raising happy healthy animals. Our animals are moved around the farms grazing natural pasture, followed by our chickens who scratch, aerate and fertilise the land, gobbling up any parasites left behind. Because we rear our animals this way we do not need to use chemicals, hormones, antibiotics or pesticides.
Free Ranging Pigs
Our free ranging pigs are a mixture of heritage breeds selected specifically for their individual characteristics – not the number of piglets they produce. This includes Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace and Saddle Back.
We have found that cross breeding the heritage breeds, we have a ‘super’ pig. This has given us great marbling with the right amount of fat coverage.
Moving our pigs regularly has a significant impact on the health of both the pigs themselves, and our soils also. Regular rotation ensures they have access to the minerals and nutrients available from fresh pasture, as well as keeping them away from their manure.
Importantly, providing them with fresh water and muddy wallows to exercise in every day, allows them to express their “pigginess”. And this in turn, makes a huge difference in the flavour and nutrition of their meat. Producing a well marbled, natural flavoured, juicy, bold and hearty meat. You really can taste the difference.
Pasture Raised Eggs
Our pasture raised eggs are produced by 3500 hens who live in mobile homes, which are rotated across the farm every couple of days. This is equivalent to approximately 30 hens per acre – as opposed to commercial free range where they run approx. 4,000 hens per acre.
Our hens lay into roll away nest boxes to ensure clean eggs. The eggs are collected twice daily, sorted, candled and packed here on the farm.
We provide lots of fresh watering points and feed bins to supplement the grasses and bugs our hens feast upon. When collecting the eggs, we always throw around some grain to encourage natural feeding and foraging behaviours.
We never cease to be amazed by the rich thick regrowth achieved by our pasture raised chickens as they are moved around the farm. The space available to our hens, ability to behave instinctively and the variation in diet definitely provides for happy, healthy chickens and great tasting eggs.
Oddy, the most affectionate of our Maremma’s, watches over his hens studiously. Guarding against predators like hawks and eagles, foxes and wild dogs.
