In this episode, I talk with Jason Storey of Storey Family Farms. Jason and his family were able to buy a 25 acre farm in South Central Iowa that they had been renting a portion of for over 3 years. This old farm had the remnants of a confinement operation including a 1/4 acre concrete pad. Jason uses that pad as the hub on his wagon wheel pasture setup for his breed stock. You can find them on here on facebook. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/  

In this episode, I talk with Wyatt Reader. Wyatt has a 14 acre farm in West Central Manitoba, Canada. This his first year raising pigs and he has faced some challenges with his first round of farrowing and finishing. Wyatt shares with me his goals for expanding his pastured operation and other elements of his farm. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute, visit https://treesforgraziers.com/product/beyond-grass-and-grain/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/  

This episode crosses a new boundary for us! This is our first interview with a producer in Europe. In this episode, I talk with Tom Leimar who is farming with his wife on 16 acres of land in Sweden. It was very interesting to get his take on pasturing pigs in Sweden and hearing about the subtle differences. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute, visit https://treesforgraziers.com/product/beyond-grass-and-grain/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/  

In this episode, I talk with John Romero who has a farm in central Louisiana. John has a desire to see more people have access to better quality food. So much, that he donates a large portion of his farm products to local food pantries and rehab facilities. We have a great conversation about how important it is to teach others about cleaner foods. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute, visit https://treesforgraziers.com/product/beyond-grass-and-grain/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Austin Unruh with Trees for Graziers. Austin was on the podcast a year ago discussing the topic of silvopasture for pigs. This year, we revisit this discussion and take a much deeper dive into the topic of intentional planting of a variety of trees to produce forage options throughout the season. For more information about Austin's company, visit https://treesforgraziers.com/ For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute, visit https://treesforgraziers.com/product/beyond-grass-and-grain/ Books Austin Referenced:Tree Crops by J. Russell SmithLesser Beasts: A Snout-to-Tail History of the Humble Pig by Mark Essig

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Collins of Field and Forest Farm in Maine. Joshua is a small scale pork producer and offers custom on farm processing. His day job, however, is that of a state meat inspector for Maine. Josh brings some interesting insight to processing due to his experience. I think you will find this conversation very interesting and entertaining. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Brenna Dorr who recently retired from a career in law enforcement and is now building a small farmstead with her family in central New York. Brenna talks about how her pigs have helped clear some overgrown forested areas as they work to build soil and remove undesirable plant species. To learn more about Brenna's Farm visit https://www.instagram.com/valianthomeandfarmstead/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556970131509   SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I revisit with Chris Enos of Enos Family Farm in Iowa. Chris was on the show in June of 2023 (Episode 103) and was about to transition the the Iowa Swabian Hall breed. He shares the successes and failures of having that breed and where he is headed next. SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with John Lengyel of Hogman Farms. John uses post consumer food waste as a primary source of feed for his hog operation. This process can be controversial in the pastured pig world, but John has some compelling arguments as to the benefits of this feeding method. We take a deep dive into how he manages the waste material along with all the details of state regulation associated with it. There are two videos on Youtube that document his setup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfktSEpTHC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h091gCrXQ1U   SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Bowen of Bowen Family Farm in Georgia. Brandon and his family invested into becoming one of 6 on farm poultry processors in Georgia with the hopes of building a large on-farm poultry operation. Pairing that with pork and beef will help him cash flow better throughout the year as they scale up their operation. For more information check them out at: https://bowenfamilyfarmga.com/ https://www.facebook.com/BowenFF   SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Phil Cooper who has developed a great side hustle of raising pigs (and poultry) on 25 acres in upstate New York. Phil teamed up with his in-laws to take their homesteading level farm production of vegetables and other products and include protein sources from Turkey, chicken, and pigs. They manage a small herd of feeders each year and sell them in the fall for whole and half processing. For more information his farm, you can find him at the facebook link attached. SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I speak with Jonathan Kemmerer and Laura Jensen from the American Meishan Breeders Association on why the Meishan breed is so desirable. For more information on the breed check out: Website: https://www.meishanbreeders.com/ Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/the-meishan-pigcast/episodes/Best-Breeding-Practices-for-the-Meishan-Pig-e2ugti5 Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@americanmeishanbreedersass8952 SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Ryan Allen of McAllen Farm and Brewery in Quebec, Canada. Ryan is a 7th generation farmer on the same land his ancestor's settled. As he took over the farm, he added pigs and the brewery to the farm with all ingredients for the brewery coming from the farm. Spent grains are fed back to the pigs and beef and help develop a great sustainable model for his operation. Find them on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/Macallen-Ferme-et-Brasserie-100046434972035/ SPONSOR: The 2nd Annual Homesteading-ish Conference https://homesteading-ish.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Charles Mayfield of Farrow skincare products. Charles has taken his farming experience and turn it into a thriving skincare product company. We talk about the benefits of lard and how we as a society have deviated so much from using the pig for so many of our daily needs. If you would like to learn more about Charles and his products, visit https://farrow.life. SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I have two guest on the podcast. Both have experience shipping retail cuts to customers all over the country. Rob Dowdle of Dowdle Family Farm and Jake Miller of Outwest Farm share their experiences, tips and tricks on how to successfully add shipping to your farm sales. SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Nathan Post of Small Town Farms in Beamsville, Ontario. Nathan and his family have a farrowing operation on 7 leased acres between Buffalo and Toronto. Their goal is to build their operation into a farrowing/feeder pigs business focusing on quality genetics and hybrid vigor. For more information about their farm, visit their website at smalltownfarms.net. SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I revisit with Jim Chelbowski (aka Dr. Smokehouse) who was last on the podcast in December of 2019 (Episode 28). Jim has dedicated much of his spare time honing his charcuterie skills and has become quite skilled and knowledgable in that field. Since we last talked with Jim, he has moved to Maine and has a different setup in which to raise his pigs, process them on farm, and cure and finish. He is working to make his farm an educational destination location. The book Jim references is Meat Smoking and Smokehouse Design by Stanley Marianski SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Neal Saxton who has been raising pigs practically all of his life. His experience in breeding has lead him to create his ideal closed loop herd that gives him the results he has been looking for. His grasp of swine genetics is amazing and I think you will be impressed by his efforts. You can learn more about him at https://www.facebook.com/trifectanaturalpork/ SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Jason Dodd of Dodds Acres in Ontario, Canada. Jason shares details about his farm setup and some of the subtle differences they experience when it comes to feed, processing, and breed choice in Canada. For more information about his farm, visit https://doddsacres.ca/ SPONSOR: Red Tool House Store - https://store.redtoolhouse.com/ Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Hunter Forsberg who is just getting started in pastured pigs on his family's ranch in Idaho. We talk about future goals and challenges he is facing in the harsh conditions of his region. SPONSOR: Sierra Madre - https://offer.sierramadreresearch.com/red-tool-house-pws Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at: https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/