South Field Plateau Pigs
Pigs and Chickens on the south field plateau looking north towards Sugar Mountain. Off in the distance to the right is Knox Mountain which lies beyond the borders of Sugar Mountain Farm.
These pigs have the choice of sleeping under a roof at the south field shed but they choose instead to be out under the stars and sky. Both areas have a deep pack of snow and are well protected from the wind. They actually have to walk several hundred feet further to get to this plateau nest.
The smaller pigs tend to sleep over at the south field shed although mostly out in the open primarily using its wind shield rather than the roofed areas except in the rainy times. It is mostly the big sows who walk further out to the two plateau nests.
One of the things that we’ve found over the years is that pigs prefer having a bright sky above them. Open greenhouses are great because they give more wind protection in the winter, offer protection from the cold mud season rains and if they are left fully open at the lee end plus an adjustable opening at the windward end they get good cross ventilation. Fresh air is critical for both farmer and livestock.
Click on the photo above to see the big picture:
Can you spot the butcher shop?
Can you spot the farm boy in the orange hat?
Can you find the Large Black sow?
Can you find the Tamworth sow?
How many chickens can you find?
How many pigs can you find?
Outdoors: 32°F/23°F Ice
Tiny Cottage: 65°F/62°F
Daily Spark:
There was once a man from the city who was visiting a small farm, and during his visit he saw a farmer feeding pigs in a most extraordinary way. The farmer lifted each pig up to a nearby apple tree so the pig could eat the apples off the tree directly. Then farmer would move the pig from one apple to another until the pig was satisfied.
The city man watched this activity for some time with great astonishment. Finally, he could not resist saying to the farmer, “This is the most inefficient method of feeding pigs that I can imagine. Just think of the time that would be saved if you simply shook the apples off the tree and let the pigs eat them from the ground!”
The farmer looked at the city slicker and asked, “What’s time to a pig?”
-Anon
