STAPLES FARM

Yesterday was a bittersweet day at the farm as we took our sow, Bacon Bit, to the processor. Last September, she had her first litter and proved to be a devoted mother, raising all five of her piglets. Unfortunately, she developed a hip joint issue after delivery that would not heal. Her legacy will live on through her two gilts, who are now part of our breeding stock. Elsewhere on the farm, we fertilized the hay fields yesterday, hoping for a forecasted one-inch rain. Thus far, only a quarter of an inch has fallen, but we're optimistic about more as the day goes on. The clovers are thriving, and with the warmer weather, the cereal grains and winter peas are beginning to flourish. We still have two butcher pigs available, scheduled to go to the processor in May. If you're interested, please reach out to us at [email protected] or call 405.206.4805. Leo

During our Team Meeting yesterday, Jon mentioned that he thought the pigs had not grazed down the third and fourth paddocks as thoroughly as they did the first two. So, I decided to take advantage of the warm temperature (83 degrees) and moved the pigs and their equipment. The move also gave me a chance to clean the two waterers. After moving the feeders and shelters, I walked to the back of the fourth paddock and called the pigs. It took a few minutes, but they all came to investigate. This response is the result of daily interactions, which have helped us build a strong, trusting relationship with them. It also makes life much easier for this old farmer. We’ve received several inquiries about butcher pigs over the past few days. At this time, only two remain available. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us at [email protected] for more information. We’ll be weighing the feeder pigs this coming weekend and should be able to provide buyers with the processing date next week. -Leo

We never tire of observing our pigs, particularly when they’re grazing. Earlier, I watched a barrow enthusiastically mow down forage and decided to capture the moment on video. Naturally, as soon as I started filming, he wandered off. There is a bit of wind noise, but you can also hear the pigs eating. Our pigs are currently on a seven-day rotation, which helps minimize rooting and may allow for a second grazing on this paddock section. Thanks to snowmelt and the warmer temperatures forecast through February 19, the diverse mix of plants in the pig pasture should soon experience rapid growth. -Leo

We often receive questions about how our pigs handle both extreme heat and cold. Recently, my great-nephew Finn from North Carolina told his grandmother he was worried our pigs might freeze. The past two nights dropped to 6 degrees, and the pigs stayed inside their shelters until mid-morning each day. But when several pigs huddle together, shielded from the wind and nestled in two feet of hay, they have a surprisingly cozy place to sleep. Well, cozy by pig standards, at least. I hope the video reassures Finn and others that our pigs are as comfortable in their shelters. The winter weather has me reminiscing about my childhood days on the farm. Back then, our tractors had no cabs, our boots were leather, and most of our winter clothing was cotton. Spending long hours feeding animals or breaking ice off the pond often left us cold and wet. That’s why I don’t complain now, watering the pigs from the comfort of a cab tractor and dressed in today’s water-resistant clothes and boots. Hoping everyone is safe and warm this evening. -Leo