STAPLES FARM

Busy Evening At The Farm

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

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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