Berkshires
We have chosen a heritage breed pig here at the farm. This black and white pig is a breed that has not been bred for large commercial gross. Berkshire pigs are a versatile breed that fit our traditional farm and philosophy well.
History
The Berkshire breed is documented to be over 350 years old. This breed was discovered by Oliver Cromwell's army, in the shire of Berks in England. After the war, these veterans carried the news to the outside world of the wonderful hogs of Berks. The first Berkshire hog was brought to North America in 1823. The Berkshire pig quickly became absorbed into the general hog population because of the many improvements the breed gave to the common commercial hogs of the time. Because of this, Berkshire breeders came together to try and keep the breed pure and on February 25 1875, the American Berkshire Association was founded, becoming the first Swine Registry to be established in the world. The First boar recorded was Ace of Spades, bred by Queen Victoria.
Initially the Berkshire breed thrived because of the outstanding quality of meat but there numbers dropped to an all time low in the 1980’s due to the pork industries drive for mass efficiency. The Berkshire was a slower growing, produced a marbled meat (that was thought to be unmarketable) and didn’t do well in the confinement of barns like other breeds. But the commercial pork was lean and tasteless compared to the marbled juiciness of the Berkshire. The Berkshire hog was saved by the small independent farmers that new the quality of the breed and were not willing to trade quality for mass quantity. Thankfully there was still consumer demand for good tasting pork and it is this niche market that the Berkshire pork thrives in.
Farrowing
Berkshires do not have a very big litter of piglets. They farrow on average 8 to 10 piglets which is smaller than the commercial pig but these pigs can farrow in a pen not is a farrowing crates and are gentle mothers that are easy to handle and mindful of their babies. We enjoy being there with our sows while they farrow. We put them into a box under a heat lamp until all the piglets are all born and then let them nurse all together.
History
The Berkshire breed is documented to be over 350 years old. This breed was discovered by Oliver Cromwell's army, in the shire of Berks in England. After the war, these veterans carried the news to the outside world of the wonderful hogs of Berks. The first Berkshire hog was brought to North America in 1823. The Berkshire pig quickly became absorbed into the general hog population because of the many improvements the breed gave to the common commercial hogs of the time. Because of this, Berkshire breeders came together to try and keep the breed pure and on February 25 1875, the American Berkshire Association was founded, becoming the first Swine Registry to be established in the world. The First boar recorded was Ace of Spades, bred by Queen Victoria.
Initially the Berkshire breed thrived because of the outstanding quality of meat but there numbers dropped to an all time low in the 1980’s due to the pork industries drive for mass efficiency. The Berkshire was a slower growing, produced a marbled meat (that was thought to be unmarketable) and didn’t do well in the confinement of barns like other breeds. But the commercial pork was lean and tasteless compared to the marbled juiciness of the Berkshire. The Berkshire hog was saved by the small independent farmers that new the quality of the breed and were not willing to trade quality for mass quantity. Thankfully there was still consumer demand for good tasting pork and it is this niche market that the Berkshire pork thrives in.
Farrowing
Berkshires do not have a very big litter of piglets. They farrow on average 8 to 10 piglets which is smaller than the commercial pig but these pigs can farrow in a pen not is a farrowing crates and are gentle mothers that are easy to handle and mindful of their babies. We enjoy being there with our sows while they farrow. We put them into a box under a heat lamp until all the piglets are all born and then let them nurse all together.
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Meat Prices
We Sell our pork directly. It is cut, wrapped and government inspected.
Pork Cut Per pound
Side or Whole $4.00
Boston Butt Roast $5.00
Picnic Roast $5.00
Leg Roast $6.25
Loin Pork Chops $6.50 come in packages of 4
Ground Pork $4.00
Pork Cut Per pound
Side or Whole $4.00
Boston Butt Roast $5.00
Picnic Roast $5.00
Leg Roast $6.25
Loin Pork Chops $6.50 come in packages of 4
Ground Pork $4.00
