The TamworthsFinally, les cochons sont arrives! Brad and I have been gearing up for pigs for months now. We knew we wanted to find a heritage breed from a respectable source, hopefully within an hours distance, and at last all of our ducks are in a row. Our friends at Greendale mentioned a few months ago that they might have some weanlings that they would be willing to sell us, Tamworths. Known as a bacon pig for their leaner, longer bodies, Tamworths were the breed we had our hearts set on raising. They are known for their weather hardiness, their master foraging skills, and their relative friendliness. Who wouldn't want one, right?
So as of Sunday, Three Centuries Farm* is the proud owner of five three-month old Tamworths. These little guys really are cute as a button with their olive-y colored eyes and Irish red hair. I had my first pig adventure this morning while feeding up. One got a little spooked and somehow magically crossed the electric fence while I was looking right at him. I couldn't believe it, I had been assured and reassured that pigs were great respecters of the mystical white electric strings. Of course, on my first morning solo at the farm since getting the pigs one of them manages to do the impossible. But if I've learned anything in my life, it's that food is the great motivator, and with that as my mantra and a little patience I lured him back over to join his buddies. Crises averted.
Every time we add a new animal to the farm, I feel more and more assured that being out here is the right thing to do. It's been extremely cold here as of late and some mornings can be a little trying, but then I hear my mom's voice with her little French accent, "Megan, layers! Je vais donner une fessee!" (a warning that she'll give me a spanking if I don't put on warmer clothes.... I was the kid in elementary school who wore shorts in January) So with that reminder, I put on an extra layer and head out to do morning chores. We're all in it together now, me, Brad, my parents, the mules, the goats, the chickens, the donkeys, the dogs, the cat, and finally, the pigs. This is the good stuff.
So as of Sunday, Three Centuries Farm* is the proud owner of five three-month old Tamworths. These little guys really are cute as a button with their olive-y colored eyes and Irish red hair. I had my first pig adventure this morning while feeding up. One got a little spooked and somehow magically crossed the electric fence while I was looking right at him. I couldn't believe it, I had been assured and reassured that pigs were great respecters of the mystical white electric strings. Of course, on my first morning solo at the farm since getting the pigs one of them manages to do the impossible. But if I've learned anything in my life, it's that food is the great motivator, and with that as my mantra and a little patience I lured him back over to join his buddies. Crises averted.
Every time we add a new animal to the farm, I feel more and more assured that being out here is the right thing to do. It's been extremely cold here as of late and some mornings can be a little trying, but then I hear my mom's voice with her little French accent, "Megan, layers! Je vais donner une fessee!" (a warning that she'll give me a spanking if I don't put on warmer clothes.... I was the kid in elementary school who wore shorts in January) So with that reminder, I put on an extra layer and head out to do morning chores. We're all in it together now, me, Brad, my parents, the mules, the goats, the chickens, the donkeys, the dogs, the cat, and finally, the pigs. This is the good stuff.
The runt, our very own Wilbur. Bottle fed at the beginning, this Tamworthis the most comfortable with us being around.
Still in the crate, on the truck.
One of pop's finds. This is the American breakdown of different pork cuts.I also received the English version in my inbox.
I don't know if Brad has earned his fencing badge yet, but he's well on his way.*After unanimous approval from the powers that be, Three Centuries Farm is the name of our farm.
It's official, we're on the map. Work on the website will begin soon, and we will be at farmer's markets
in Georgia this coming year!
It's official, we're on the map. Work on the website will begin soon, and we will be at farmer's markets
in Georgia this coming year!
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