STAPLES FARM

On April 9, 2026, Travis and I planted a 1-acre test plot with a diverse mix: Forage Oats, Yellow Peas, Buckwheat, Chicory, Forage Collards, Forage Kale, Red Mammoth Fodder Beets, and Berseem Clover. We also added leftover alfalfa, GA9908 red clover, and Daikon Radish seed that we cleaned out of the no-till drill last fall. Today, we built eight paddocks on the acre, which should provide ample grazing until the two acres of pig pasture planted on May 16, 2026, are ready. Reviewing the April 9th planting, you'll notice many cool-weather-loving plants flourishing. The photos show how the mix created a multi-tiered canopy, enabling each variety to flourish. The oats have just reached the dough stage, and the first things the pigs sought out were the oats. We're confident that pasture-raised pigs on a diverse, high-quality forage diet produce the best-tasting, highest-quality meat. We hope you enjoy our posts and videos. Today's video features Andi and Travis walking our boar, Woody, and two gilts into their new paddock. This is an example of stress-free pig moving at its best. Please let us know if there's something that you'd like to learn about our operation or see featured in a video. Finally, stay tuned; some big changes are coming to Staples Farm this week. -Leo

Some of you may remember that Jon and I attended the inaugural OSU Extension Grazing School on May 11 and 12. This morning, I received an email from one of the instructors, Dr. Josh Campbell, who sent a photo of Jon, another participant, and me collecting forage to assess how many pounds per acre were available for livestock. The class was outstanding, and we highly recommend it to anyone involved in grazing livestock. In other farm news, staff members from the ECDYSIS Foundation visited today to launch our participation in Project Avalanche. They collected soil and forage samples, tested the soil's water-holding capacity, observed and documented birds and other wildlife, and gathered insects from the test areas. Tomorrow, we'll receive training to collect samples for the program's second and third years. I'll share the results of the 2026 tests as soon as they're available. In 2027, I will serve as the Avalanche Coordinator for the program in this region of Oklahoma. Please reach out if you or a farmer you know might be interested. -Leo

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, and one of our FB followers reminded me today that I’ve fallen behind on my posts. Last week, we planted cowpeas, Korean Lespedeza, and Chicory in the hayfields to serve as companion plants for the grasses. Although we received a little rain, it wasn’t enough to replenish the ponds. Just yesterday, I began watering the newly planted pig pasture. Thankfully, it looks like we got a good stand, and we’re grateful to be able to irrigate when needed. Each week during their first month, we weigh our piglets to track their growth. Snowy’s litter turned three weeks old last Sunday, and at tonight’s weigh-in, they averaged an impressive 15.56 pounds. This is easily the fastest-growing group of piglets we’ve ever had. Tomorrow brings another full day: we’ll be planting wildlife areas, delivering hay samples to the OSU Extension Office, and making a quick visit to explore some exciting new possibilities for the farm. While our days are long, the joy of working with family and witnessing God’s handiwork makes every moment worthwhile. We truly feel blessed. We hope you’re enjoying our posts and videos. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to email me at [email protected]. -Leo

Well, Andi has been at it again, creating another fantastic TikTok video. This one is titled "Jurassic Pork." https://www.tiktok.com/@staples.farm/video/7644308846038551838?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7603400661783103006 You can check out all of the videos that she has created for the farm at https://www.tiktok.com/@staples.farm.

We’re grateful for the nearly 1 inch of rain we’ve received since we planted on Monday. Our sow, Snowy, wasn’t a fan of the chilly, drizzly weather in the low 50s that came with the rain. That is, until she walked into her Osborne pasture farrowing hut last night. Thanks to the hut’s insulation, a heat lamp, and the warmth from Snowy and her 8 piglets, the inside was cozy and comfortable. Staples Farm proudly distributes Osborne livestock equipment, and, more importantly, puts it to use every day in our pasture-raised pig operation. #OsborneLivestockEquipment -Leo