We procure young, freshly weaned pigs (usually about six to ten weeks old) from local breeders with whom we have established relationships. Once on our farm the pigs move directly into our new training area, where they get access to fresh grass paddocks. The pigs begin with limited access to a locally sourced , unmedicated feed while they learn to forage, and then are allowed constant access to a ration later in life. From the time our pigs are on the farm, they are raised behind electric wire. This enables us to move them frequently, efficiently, and in a way that can be adjusted to benefit animal and land welfare. Though it does cause temporary pain, it goes away quickly. Rest assured the farmer has experienced more shocks than any one pig on this farm (perhaps because they learn quicker than I do). Our pigs spend about 90% of their lives in the pasture or woods, but do get access to some garden and pasture areas at strategic points in the year when it is beneficial for the land and pigs both. Throughout their lives the pigs on our farm will eat as many parts that they can of the following plant types: orchard grass, fescue, white clover, blackberry, honeysuckle, wild rose, buckwheat, sorghum, oat, barley, rye, pea, pumpkin, vetch, various annual weeds, oak trees (acorns), and more. When butchering day comes, we attempt to load and unload pigs in a manner that is as un-stressful as possible. Patience and a good rapport with our animals go a long way in helping to make this happen. We believe that placing pigs in rotating paddocks within their native ecosystem, with high quality rations, and a bounty of diverse forages is the best way to achieve a result that is not only great for human health and enjoyment, but also animal welfare and land stewardship.
CHICKEN
We raise Freedom Ranger broilers that come in the mail as day old chicks. We selected Freedom Rangers because they are bred for doing the things that chickens do best: run around, forage, scratch, hunt for bugs, and make delicious meat. Though our Freedom Ranger chickens grow slower than the box store Cornish Cross, they are still quite tender and they have more time and skill to forage for more of the diverse diet that makes their meat more flavorful and full of nutrients. Eclectic Acres Farm raises our chickens on pasture. That means the birds are kept in a mobile coop or "tractor." Each day the chickens are moved onto a new patch of ground where they have access to fresh grass, bugs and worms. The chickens are moved off of their manure and to a spot where they have a more natural diet. The birds are protected from predators while still having access to lots of sunshine and fresh air. Our chickens are processed right here on the farm in our facility to ensure that they are handled with respect and dignity to the end. After processing and packaging our chicken is frozen immediately to preserve quality and nutrition. If you are looking for a local, ethical, sustainable, free-range and beyond organic chicken than Eclectic Acres farm is your farm!
