All our animals are raised on pasture, are fed organic grain, and are antibiotic and hormone free. We move all the animals regularly, using a technique called “intensive rotational grazing”. This practice guarantees that the pastures are fully and consistently grazed, as well as insures that the animals don’t graze too long over their own manure, thereby controlling parasites. Intensive rotational grazing is made possible by the use of light-weight portable electric net fencing, which we buy from Wellscroft Fencing in New Hampshire.
Chickens
We raise our Freedom Ranger meat birds on pasture in “chicken tractors”, which are open bottom structures on wheels that are moved daily to provide the chickens with fresh pasture. They are fed Green Mountain Organic Broiler Grower Crumbles.
Pigs
Our pigs are raised on pasture and in the woods, where they are free to root and forage. In addition, we feed them Green Mountain Organic Pig Feed and whey, a cheese byproduct from a local cheesemaker, Nobscot Artisan Cheese based out of Eastleigh Farm in Framingham, MA. Our pigs are a mix of different heritage breeds, primarily a Berkshire-Tamworth cross.
Sheep
Our sheep are 100% pasture raised (with the addition of a little bit of Green Mountain Organic Sheep Pellets for the ewes before and after lambing). They live behind electric portable fencing with shelter for shade and against the elements. This year we added a guard llama, Diamond, to the flock to protect them against coyotes and other predators. We have Romney and Cheviot ewes, both of which were bred with a Finn ram to birth our lambs for this year.
