Pigs are very sociable, intelligent and sometimes mischievous animals who love to run about, sunbathe, root and wallow. When we first got pigs it was important to us that they are outdoor reared and that they get to live happy lives just being pigs and doing what pigs love to do. So they spend all their time outdoors with their pig arks to provide them shade and shelter. The only time they would come inside is to farrow (to give birth), this is so we can easily be on hand if there are any complications and also minimises the risk of any piglets being accidentally squashed by their mum. However we feel deeply that even though the mums are taken inside that they are allowed lots of space, fresh bedding and are allowed to nest and farrow naturally and are not confined to farrowing crates. Once the piglets are a little bigger (around 1 - 1.5weeks old) they are moved back outside together until they are weaned at around 8weeks old where the piglets will remain together and mum will go back with the other older pigs. 

Our pigs are Saddleback x Tamworth's, which are both native breeds making them ideal for living outdoors on our coastal farm. We have plenty of ground for them to root around in and they spend the end of winter and early spring clearing up the remaining vegetable crops from the previous year. We use movable electric fencing which means they are constantly being moved around different areas and crops.

Being reared outdoors does mean that they are slower growing than industrial pigs but we believe that not only is this vital for their wellbeing, but is also vital for producing top quality pork. They have plenty of active exercise which produces flavoursome meat with great texture. And the thick skins that the pigs develop to withstand chilly winter weather translates into excellent crackling. In industrial systems, pigs are routinely given antibiotics to fend off diseases that are spread due to the high density of the population. This doesn't happens with our outdoor pigs – their lifestyle gives them effective natural immune systems, and their diet of vegetables, grass and concentrated food helps them grow at the rate nature intended.