In search of the elusive grass fed pigs

Most recently we planted a cover crop mixture usually intended for highly productive dairy cows.  It consisted of kale, turnips, pea vines, and oat grass.  By mid May this mixture had grown so richly that it could hide all twelve 120 – 150 pound pigs that we were grazing within.  We practiced a high stocking density with quick rotations.  Every 72 hours we rotated them onto fresh pasture.  During this rather informal study we weighed the pigs every 14 days.  They were gaining at a rate of close to 1.4 pounds live weight gain daily and consuming LESS THAN 1 POUND OF GRAIN DAILY!  They appeared relaxed, alert and stressfree.  It must have been somewhat like living in a giant organic salad bowl.  The really exciting part of this study was the above mentioned grain to gain ratio.  In conventional systems the standard is usually 3.5# – 5# of grain to one pound of live weight gain.  While not focused strictly on grass, this forage based diet combined with a small amount of 100% non-GMO grain, testifies to the humble pigs ability to be nourished from green matter.

It is my hope to continue researching the forage based diet of pasture raised pigs and see where it leads.  Respecting the pigs need for a high welfare environment is the key to success.

With resources such as turnips, apples, acorns, clover, alfalfa and whey from local cheese houses who knows how far we can go?  One thing is sure.  We do not need factories raising our pigs for us.   Where ever you are, find the closest pasture based pig farmer.  Someone who really respects the “pigness of the pig”, and cast your vote against factory farming by buying your pork straight from them.  It might be the most delicious revolution you participate in this week!

John & Holly Arbuckle

Co-Founders, Roam Sticks, LLC