2016: HOGS!

It is hard to believe all that has happened at Shamba Creek Farm since my last post.  The Fall was extremely busy since we decided to sell our home in Rogers and move closer to the farm.  We got our Large Black Hogs in late August from our dear friends at Hanna Ranch in Bentonville.  We chose this Heritage breed for many reasons some of which are their docile nature, lean meat and their ability to graze in the pasture.  You can learn more about these amazing animals at http://largeblackhogassociation.org and http://livestockconservancy.org.

All 4 fit in a dog crate, kinda hard to believe looking at them today!

Meet Maddy, Big Mama, Buddy and Pumba  this is a Proud Papa moment.

These are the sweetest animals, I have ever known.  I never dreamed of being a hog farmer at any point in my life but these animals have changed me.  They have amazing personalities and come running up the hill when they hear our vehicle, their ears flapping in the wind.  I know, I know they are just hungry and know that we are giving them dinner. :-)

We have had a blast learning about raising them and there have been many great lessons for our children.  God says that mankind is to rule over the livestock in Genesis 1:26, our family has a whole new understanding of this command.  We have learned a lot about how the animals are really fun but they cannot care for themselves, especially when their water freezes or predators are around and you have to change your plans to secure the fence.

Here is our piggy bathtub

The temps have been cold!  Lots of icebreaking going on at the farm.

A couple of weeks ago, we bought a boar for our girls.  He needed a buddy so here are Mr. Incredible and Pork Chop meeting the rest of the crew.

We are one week away from sending Pumba and Buddy to market.  Another lesson for my tender-hearted children.  We have had many discussions and some tears but we all agree that anything on the farm must have a purpose...no freeloading allowed!

These babies have grown up fast and are pushing 300 lbs each.   Let us know if you would like to try some of our Pasture Raised Pork, our freezer will be full the beginning of February.  Until next time...