I love pigs!
We had a little pot bellied when we lived in town and I adored her. I mean that cute kissable snout how could you not.
So evidently pigs are in our farm plan- year 1. We looked and researched and found the ideal breed for our heritage farm- Berkshires on the critical list according to 2015 numbers from rare breeds Canada conservation with less then 35 sows being registered a year. Its a dark pig so not prone to sunburn, docile in nature , excellent meat quality and adaptive to different surroundings. Yup that sounds like our pig.
In January before we moved I started the search purebred berkshire piglets, something weaning early spring. Oh the joy when I found just what I was looking for, born Dec 4th 2016 ready to go mid February ” Shane look that even gives us 3 weeks to settle in!” We dicussed back and forth and placed a deposit on 3 gilts 2 for the freezer and 1 for love …oh I mean breeding. I’ve been counting down the days until we get to pick them up.
The next challenge….. Where to put them in February on land we have never seen without snow that is currently waist deep? Well we have this.
It has alright bones and a steel roof it will get us through to spring. We purchased boarding for the sides, house wrap to keep the drafts out, plywood and 2x4s to make a floor off the ground.
Then I researched and researched feed settled on a premade organic for now, got a fun ball for boredom and was all set.
Saturday is our day and I am counting them down…At least I was until Thursday.
Thursday I got a message from the breeder and my heart sank alittle. Our piggies are coming from the Barrie area, they were born outdoors in weather similar to ours an ideal situation, the Barrie area however is struggling with a slight coyote issue. And alas our livestock isn’t even here and already we are dealing with predators. We lost our little piggies to a pack of coyote on Tuesday night.
My exciting Saturday has now been put off until spring, nicer weather and new stock.
We are experiencing our first farm-ache.
SPLITROCK HERITAGE HOMESTEAD 