In this episode, I talk with Nathan Post of Small Town Farms in Beamsville, Ontario. Nathan and his family have a farrowing operation on 7 leased acres between Buffalo and Toronto. Their goal is to build their operation into a farrowing/feeder pigs business focusing on quality genetics and hybrid vigor. For more information about their farm, visit …

In this episode, I revisit with Jim Chelbowski (aka Dr. Smokehouse) who was last on the podcast in December of 2019 (Episode 28). Jim has dedicated much of his spare time honing his charcuterie skills and has become quite skilled and knowledgable in that field. Since we last talked with Jim, he has moved to Maine and has a different setup in which …

In this episode, I talk with Neal Saxton who has been raising pigs practically all of his life. His experience in breeding has lead him to create his ideal closed loop herd that gives him the results he has been looking for. His grasp of swine genetics is amazing and I think you will be impressed by his efforts. You can learn more about him at http…

In this episode, I talk with Jason Dodd of Dodds Acres in Ontario, Canada. Jason shares details about his farm setup and some of the subtle differences they experience when it comes to feed, processing, and breed choice in Canada. For more information about his farm, visit https://doddsacres.ca/ SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtool…

In this episode, I talk with Hunter Forsberg who is just getting started in pastured pigs on his family's ranch in Idaho. We talk about future goals and challenges he is facing in the harsh conditions of his region. SPONSOR: Sierra Madre - https://offer.sierramadreresearch.com/red-tool-house-pws Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured p…

In this episode, I interview Preston Fuller of the MF Farmstead. Preston and his family are starting a pastured pig operation in Georgia and they have fallen in love with the Meishan breed. They hope to build a pastured pig operation from that breed and experiment with some genetic crosses. Learn more about them at Themffarmstead.com SPONSOR: Sierr…

In this episode, I talk with Kyle Friedman who has developed a farrowing operation in the finger lakes region of New York. Kyle admits he has been a city boy most of his life but with a move to New York several years ago, he has fully embraced the farm lifestyle and is moving at a rapid pace learning all he can with the help of a great Mennonite me…

In this episode, I talk with James Cornwell of Nine Pines Farm in Pennsylvania. James and his wife farm full time on 3 different parcels of land - some owned and some leased. Pastured pigs make up a portion of his farming enterprise and he has learned to maximize acreage and profit potential with his setup. You can learn more about his farm at http…

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Talita Resende (PhD) and Kara Flaherty from Ohio State University Extension. They are researching parasite loads in Pastured Pigs and are offering FREE testing on farms who raise pigs outside of confinement areas. The data they are collecting will be very helpful for producers of any size who want to learn more abou…

In this episode, I talk with Brian Jenckes from Moose River Farm in New Hampshire. Bryan's farm operation is quickly growing to where he is needing more space than his 10acre tract can allow. We discuss the details of his setup and his plans to expand including leasing additional properties and the challenges with that effort. Also, join us for dis…

This episode has a visiting SW Arizona to speak with Weedy Weidenthal. Weedy has a really exciting farm effort he is doing in the high desert of AZ utilizing his pigs to clear invasives and build soil with a deep litter method. We have a great conversation and he also shares some visuals of his setup that can be seen on the video version of the pod…

In this episode, I sit down with Austin Unruh to take a deep dive into silvopasture and the benefits of incorporating it into the farm. Austin and his team are expanding their consulting and design services to venture into the pastured pig world. We have a great conversation on the benefits of this practice. For more information on his business, vi…

In this episode, I talk with Justin Slaughter of Slaughter Family Farm in Kentucky. Just has a great story about pursuing his dream of farming and leaving the white color business world. The pandemic actually motivated him more to get his business rolling. Within just a few years, he has been able to establish enough revenue to provide for his fami…

In this episode, I talk with Taylor Brown from Hoosier Seedstock in Indiana. Taylor has a fantastic breeding operation setup on his 10 acres. We discuss the details of his farrowing schedule, breed selection, and income from sales of his piglets. For more information about his farm, find him on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hoosierseedstock …

In this episode, I talk swine nutrition with Rob Dowdle of Dowdle Family Farms. Rob has done extensive research on exploring the nutritional value of certain feed sources including free feed access we can sometimes find like pumpkin, brewer's grain, dairy, etc. He focuses on the protein concentration and the lysine amounts for weight gain in pigs. …

In this episode, we revisit with Charles Lafferty to discuss the one year mark (halfway point) of his SARE grant. Charles shares the successes and challenges of the first year with pigs in the woods. You can find out more about his efforts at: skylinepastures.com Check out his Youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@skylinepastures8445 Come jo…

In this episode, I talk with Ross Lewis a young farmer in Virginia. Ross is a civil engineer and has used his design knowledge to come up with a pretty ingenious automatic feeding and watering system for his breeding stock. We will describe it in this audio podcast but the link to his Youtube video explaining it below. Ross's Youtube Video Hickory …

In the episode, I talk with Dave and Jodi Cronauer from White Bison Farm in northern Wisconsin. They have a lot going on at their farm including raising bison for meat, GypsyVanner Horses (not for meat), and Idaho Pastured Pigs (those are for meat). They also maintain the IPP nation registry. To learn more about them, visit their website: https://w…

In this episode, I talk with Carl Blake about his new book Pork For Profit: The Business of Whole Hog Roasting. This book is a comprehensive step by step guide on how to build and manage a hog roasting business. This is a great side gig for pastured pig farms or can even be a full time gig in some areas. Be sure to check out his book on Amazon here…

In this episode, I talke with Brian MacFarland of Five Forks Farm in Bruceton Mills, WV. Brian and his wife are just at the one year mark of having pigs on pasture. Farrowing has been tough for them the last year, but they are using these experiences to grow and hone their craft when it comes to raising pigs. Brian shares his "failures" in a honest…

In this episode, I talk with Bryson Lipscomb of Triple Oaks Farm in Virginia about how he and his wife took a simple hobby farm and in less than 3 years turned it into a large scale operation that has them both working full time now on the farm. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. htt…

In this episode, I talk with Maj Jim Brickson (retired) about his farm/homesteading efforts on 50 acres in Northern Minnesota. Jim and his wife are both retired from the military and looks to enjoy the golden years on the farm. We talk about some of the challenges that poses as well as how to manage aging and farming work. Check out the Brickson Yo…

In this episode, I talke with Chuck Lewis of Sheraton Park Farms about how his farmer's market setup has evolved over time to produce the most efficient and profitable setup for his farm. Chuck dies into the details of cost and things to consider when setting up for a market. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebo…

In this episode, I speak with Tyler Hill of Evergreen Farm in Pennsylvania. Tyler is working 53 acres with chickens, sheep and pigs. Pigs are his most recent addition and through providence, he ended up with a breeding pair of AGH X Hampshire. We explore the challenges of this cross and what he has liked and what he plans to do differently. Also, j…

In this episode, Rob Dowdle and I am have a comprehensive discussion on issues we have all faced with processors. Our conversation turns from the sad horror stories to how to manage issues and tips on how to prevent them in the first place. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://…

In this episode, I talk with Mindy Lipinski of Revercomb Farms in VA about how they manage their pigs on pasture and how they have added education opportunities to not only share their knowledge and experience but also to create additional income for the farm. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pa…

In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Walker of Vincent Farms in Point Blank, TX. Stephanie shares how she has transitioned to full time farming and how she is building a distination location with her farm store. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/the…

In this episode, I talk with Joe Blakeslee about his farm in western New York and how adding on farm processing has helped his business model be stronger. This is an approach growing in popularity among small farms. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/t…

In this episode, I speak with Kyle Perreault about his on farm processing and the progress he has made since we last spoke. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig We made it to 20 patrons on Patreon which allows us to expand the Pasture Pig …

In this episode, I speak with Jordy Buck from Michigan. He is exploring a niche marketing with Asian Heritage Hogs (Potbellies) on his farm. It is interesting to hear how he is raising out these smaller pigs with very little inputs. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.face…

In this episode, I revisit with Rob Dowdle of Dowdle Family Farm to discuss his last two seasons of raising our Mangalitsa as a production hog and the challenges he faced. Rob shares lessons learned and how he is transitioning to be more profitable. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.…

In this episode, I sit down with Allie Jones from Spring Fed Family Farm in Oklahoma. Allie shares how she is managing to balance raising kids and running a farm with the help of her family who lives on the property with her. This is a great story how family can work together to build something great. https://www.springfedfamily.farm/ Also, join us…

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Rosemary Sifford from the USDA concerning African Swine Fever and the threat it poses to American hog producers. Keeping biosecurity measures in place is ideal as the main line of defense against the spread of this disease. USDA Website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/asf/asf EPISODE SPONS…

In this episode, I talk with Cliff Davis Of Pig and Leaf farm in Tennessee. Cliff has a comprehensive farming operation going on with some great regenerative processes. Check him out on Facebook and Instagram @pigandleaf @davisamericanduroc EPISODE SPONSOR: Giltek EDC knives - https://gil-tek.com/?wpam_id=2 Be sure to check out our new Classified a…

In this episode, I talk with Tate and Erin who are raising pigs on a rented ranch in Oregon. We have a great conversation about what they have learned as well as the challenges they face with rented land. EPISODE SPONSOR: Giltek EDC knives - https://gil-tek.com/?wpam_id=2 Be sure to check out our new Classified ad section on the pastured pig websit…

In this episode, I speak with the ladies from The Sounder Podcast. These 3 ladies have varied backgrounds in farming and pigs and bring a unique perspective to the effort. Be sure to check out their podcast wherever you get your podcasts or hit the link below. https://thesounderpod.com/welcome-home Homesteaders of New England Conference Buy tickets…

In this episode, I speak with Eric Bennington from Heritage Homestead in Western PA. Eric and his family decided to give up a successful lifestyle outside of Philly and try a "simpler" life of farming. He has made some great progress in his short mount of time. Be sure to check out our new Classified ad section on the pastured pig website and list …

In this episode, I talk with Charles Lafferty from Skyline Pastures in PA. Charles has an interesting experience in that he is utilizing a grant to test a new setup on his farm. While the idea of "free" money sounds great, the data Charles is recording will prove to be very helpful for other farmers looking to maximize their land and diversify thei…

In this episode, I talk with Chris Enos of Enos Family Farm in Iowa. Chris shares how he uses Red Wattles as the core of his 5 acre family farm. As an update, he has recently added Iowa Swabian Hall pigs to his farm. Be sure to check out our new Classified ad section on the pastured pig website and list your farm business on our NEW Pastured Pig Fa…

In this episode, I talk with Caitlin Scott about how she is developing a business niche with Kune Kune pigs. I think you will find it interesting how she is focusing on that breed. List your farm business on our NEW Pastured Pig Farm Directory https://thepasturedpig.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook gr…

In this episode, I talk with Mark Pursell of Faith & Farm. Mark discusses how he has found a great value added market with the 4H crowd looking for show pigs. Faith and Farm Youtube Check out the RUK products made by Giltek. List your farm business on our NEW Pastured Pig Farm Directory https://thepasturedpig.com/ Also, join us for discussion of al…

In this episode, we celebrate our 100th episode of the podcast!! I thought it would be fitting to have Carl on as our 100th special guest. Carl has some really neat products for our industry and goes into depth about other things he is working on. If you would like more info on Carl, check out his farm site at https://www.rustikroostermeats.com/ Li…

In this episode, I speak with Lora Wood about navigating the issues with print collateral (a marketing word for printed items like brochures) and how to get started with your farm business. While it may not seem like stimulating conversation, I think you will find quite a few nuggets of marketing advice. List your farm business on our NEW Pastured …

In this episode, I talk with Kyle Perreault about his farm. He has an small custom exempt processing facility on his farm and he is adding more animals to the farm in order to be a full service (cradle to the grave) protein producer. Facebook: @theranchbp @thebodyshop: List your farm business on our NEW Pastured Pig Farm Directory https://thepastur…

In this episode, I talk with Josh and Rachel from Magpie Hollow Farm in North Carolina. They have a great energy between the two of them and are passionate about their farm. List your farm business on our NEW Pastured Pig Farm Directory https://thepasturedpig.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, Th…

In this episode, I speak with Olivia Schoentrup from Breaking New Roots Farm in Indiana. Olivia explains how they utilize 6 acres for their farming business. Check out their youtube channel (I said website in the audio) here. Check out the NEW Pastured Pig website that is live! https://thepasturedpig.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things …

In this episode, I talk with John Johnson from Poplar Ridge Family Farm. This is John's first year raising hogs so he started with a small mixed group of feeders. He started his pork business with intentionality, however. Focusing on his brand, his story, and his web presence got him off on the right foot. https://www.ohiopoplarridge.com Check out …

In this episode, I have a great conversation with Cory Edge, the Executive Director of the American Berkshire Association. We discuss the details of the breed as well as the benefits and tons of educational resources provided by the association and their website. Be sure to check out the website at https://americanberkshire.com/ Check out the NEW P…

In this episode, I have a very interesting discussion with Kyle and Rachel at Whoopsy Daisy Farm. They are using pigs to help manage their sheep flock particularly in the area of parasite load. For more info on their farm, visit https://www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/ Check out the NEW Pastured Pig website that is live! https://thepasturedpig.com/ Also, …

In this episode, I talk with Caleb and Laura who represent the Idaho Pastured Pig Breed Association. In this conversation, we talk about the benefits of the association, the educational elements, as well as the details of the breed itself. If you aren't familiar with the IPP breed, I think this will shed some light on the key details associated wit…