Last night my piglets enjoyed a little watermelon treat. This litter has been attempted to graze since birth. Now they are very much enjoying exploring their paddock and all the yummy things to munch on. -Andi
For most people, the term “pasture-raised” brings to mind animals roaming freely outdoors, grazing and behaving as nature intended. However, the USDA does not regulate how “pasture-raised” is used on meat labels, meaning animals can receive this label regardless of their actual living conditions. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) defines “pasture” as land intentionally managed for livestock grazing, featuring introduced or improved forage species, but the definition is not enforced on labels. That’s why we chose to be a certified Animal Welfare Approved Hog operation by A Greener World. Their demanding yet practical standards mandate that animals have continuous access to true pasture. On our farm, we plant a diverse mix of warm-season and cool-season species that together meet our livestock's nutritional needs while promoting healthy soil. The lush, 4- to 5-foot-tall forage our pigs currently graze helps insulate the ground, keeping its temperature considerably lower than the surrounding air. During the hottest part of the day, the pigs can be found napping beneath the thick canopy. It continues to impress me how soil covered with dense forage stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer compared to bare ground. This evening, I took some photos of the piglets born on Mother’s Day. One moment, they’re dashing through the lush paddock; the next, they’re investigating plants to find their favorites. In the second photo, a pumpkin vine’s enormous leaves are on display. This field is living proof that companion planting and biodiversity can enrich the soil, deter pests, and boost crop yields. -Leo
Since 2020, we have produced premium hay entirely free from pesticides and herbicides. Many of our sheep and goat customers emphasize how essential this is for the health of their animals. To ensure transparency and confidence, we test every cutting, so buyers know the nutritional quality of our hay and can plan any supplemental feed their livestock may require. Our first cutting featured a mix of Triticale, Forage Ryegrass, clover, and vetch. The following lots of 4x5 round bales are currently available: 16 Bales TDN 58.4% Protein 15.1% 31 Bales TDN 60.4% Protein 13.8% 33 Bales TDN 59.7% Protein 13.0% 27 Bales TDN 59.8% Protein 10.4% We offer delivery of 8-bale loads (using a bale dump trailer) within 20 miles of the farm for $120, provided there is sufficient space at the drop-off location. Our upcoming second cutting is a mix of Bermuda grass, crabgrass, Red Ripper Cowpeas, and a small amount of Johnsongrass. To address common concerns about Johnsongrass: · When managed properly, Johnsongrass offers excellent protein content (10–14%). · Like sorghum, sorghum-sudangrass, sudangrass, corn, and Pearl Millet, Johnsongrass can, under stress, have toxic levels of nitrates and prussic acid. We test any field with Johnsongrass for nitrate levels. Prussic acid is a highly volatile, lethal toxin typically found in the plant varieties listed above during a drought or following a frost. Prussic acid does not persist through the haying process, as it turns into a gas that dissipates into the air. If you have any questions about our hay or would like more details, please send us a message. -Leo
I meant to post this yesterday, but I got caught up mowing, edging, and trimming and ran out of time. Hopefully, everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th. Our celebration was cut a bit short when an unexpected storm hit, bringing just over ½ inch of rain. Anytime we get rain in July is a real blessing. I often try to share my belief that we are, or at least should be, stewards of our planet. Recently, I came across a quote from Teddy Roosevelt that captures this idea perfectly. "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value." At Staples Farm, we are committed to being responsible stewards of the soil. We nurture life both above and below ground so we can pass on a more resilient and sustainable farming operation to the next generation. -Leo
One of the biggest challenges for pasture-based pig farmers is equipment mobility. Most livestock equipment manufacturers design waterers, feeders, shelters, and electric fence energizers with little consideration for portability. In 2026, we are committed to making all our pig equipment easy to move between paddocks, streamlining daily chores and improving animal welfare. Last weekend, we took the first step by designing and building a mobile, solar-powered electric energizer system. The 100-watt solar setup is mounted on 2.5-inch pipe skids and can accommodate two solar panels. Previously, you may have seen this system enclosed in a plastic box on the ground. The new setup is easy to move using our zero-turn mower. A week ago, we worked with a local welder to create a skid design for our pig waterers. When left directly on the ground, the waterers collected dirt and were easily tipped over by the pigs. With the new design, the pigs can comfortably stand on the grating to drink. Next, we plan to build a pipe skid for the bulk feeders to make them easier to move and keep dirt out of the feed trough. Elsewhere on the farm, this morning we outfitted the rest of our flock (now 27 sheep) with Nofence collars. For now, they are in a training paddock, and we will expand the virtual fence as they finish grazing each section. The sheep adapted quickly to the collars, and next week will mark the first real test as we move them to a new grazing area. The Nofence system continuously tracks our sheep's locations, sends alerts if any leave the designated area, and lets us manage grazing rotation without building physical fences. We can even guide the flock from one paddock to another using the virtual system. It's fascinating to observe their movement patterns throughout the day. The accompanying photo is a screenshot from this afternoon. Finally, we encourage everyone to watch the documentary "Groundswell," which presents a compelling look at regenerative agriculture practices around the world. Available on Amazon Prime, Groundswell highlights the stark differences between industrial and regenerative farming. Like the farmers and ranchers featured in the film, our top priority remains building healthy soil, the true foundation of life on Earth. -Leo