English Large Black Pigs @ Upper Canada Heritage Meats

Took my students to visit Upper Canada Heritage Meats nr N Augusta ON (Canada) - as an example of a mixed-species farm, specializing in meats from heritage breeds - incl English Large Bkack pigs and Lincoln Red cattle. I have been in love with ELB pigs for years by photo only, so was thrilled to be able to see some in the flesh!

It was a raw day ... but the pigs were great! Recent arrivals: 28 piglets in 2 litters - only a few days old. Nothing cuter!

Bidgiemire Pig Arks - UK

Bidgiemire Pig Co is a UK company selling a range of Very Cool pig arks. Prob too far/expensive to ship to North America - but some good inspiration for the handy among us! Plus they have arks made out of recycled materials, as well as accessories such as troughs, fencing, etc. Love it!

Backyard Pigs - UK

Pig Cam - Pig Rooting in Mud

Click HERE to see a short video from the Museum of Animal Perspective's Pic Cam - Pig Rooting in Mud. Very Cool!

3000-sow Outdoor Pig Farm in Australia

The sound's messed up - but nice images of pigs in a natural setting. The pigs are still finished in an intensive setting, and ultimately end up slaughtered ... but their early lives, at least, are semi-normal. And the sows have a better life, for sure ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nKDND9xX1Y

With scrapie in sheep, salmonella in chickens and mad cow disease in cattle, what epidemic will strike the pig? None, if we follow the example of Australia's Great Southern Piggery, the world's largest free-range pig farm.

The Great Southern Piggery raises its pigs outside. The 3,000 sows here graze, wallow and furrow in the sunshine - it's pig heaven. In Europe, legislation will soon stop farmers from making animals spend their whole lives inside. Pork production will be drastically changed. More than 10% of Australia's pigs are already raised on the open range. In Europe, that figure is now closer to 20%. Here, each sow produces 20 piglets a year - a better yield than the intensive indoor, battery-style pig farming. Once weaned, piglets spend 7 weeks leaping about on straw, developing weight and fitness. Their fate is nevertheless sealed: they all end up being sent off to market. Pigs living outside are fitter and can give birth unassisted. They also don't get lame from urinating on their own hooves. They're just a bit dirtier! And profits are good. A charming report on an issue which affects all of those who enjoy our bacon.