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Welcome to our latest update on how we're cultivating a harmonious balance between sustainable farming and superior produce. Our commitment to land stewardship and animal welfare is reflected in the innovative methods we employ to manage our farmland.
Here’s a closer look at the unique strategies we’re using to create a thriving natural ecosystem while producing high-quality meat and maintaining beautiful grasslands.
Sustainable Pig Farming with Saddlebacks and Kune Kunes
At our farm, we utilise two distinct breeds of pigs – Saddlebacks and Kune Kunes – to manage the land efficiently and sustainably.
Saddlebacks:
Grazing Habits: Known for their excellent grazing abilities, Saddlebacks help in controlling the growth of weeds and unwanted vegetation.
Their natural rooting behaviour aerates the soil, promoting healthy soil structure and nutrient cycling.
Meat Quality: Saddlebacks produce high-yielding, flavourful meat with a superior fat-to-muscle ratio, which is highly sought after by our customers.
Kune Kunes:
Foraging: Kune Kunes are gentle grazers that thrive on pasture-based diets, reducing the need for supplementary feeding.
Their small size and light grazing impact prevent overgrazing and soil erosion.
Eco-friendly: These pigs are excellent at maintaining pasture health and biodiversity without causing significant disruption to the land.
Their manure acts as a natural fertiliser, enriching the soil.
Together, these breeds help us maintain a balanced ecosystem, ensuring the land remains fertile and productive while providing us with premium-quality meat.
Preserving Grassland and Scrubland with Shetland Sheep and Other Rare Breeds
In addition to our pigs, we employ Shetland sheep and other rare breeds to manage and maintain our grassland and scrubland areas.
Shetland Sheep:
Adaptability: Shetland sheep are hardy and adaptable, capable of thriving in diverse environmental conditions.
Their grazing helps control the growth of invasive plant species, promoting the growth of native flora.
Biodiversity: By grazing selectively, they contribute to a varied plant structure, which benefits wildlife and increases biodiversity.
This grazing technique prevents the land from becoming overgrown and maintains its aesthetic beauty.
Other Rare Breeds:
We incorporate other rare sheep breeds to enhance the sustainability of our land management practices.
These breeds, selected for their specific grazing habits and environmental benefits, help us create a dynamic and resilient ecosystem.
Sustainability:
Utilising a variety of sheep breeds ensures that our grazing management is sustainable, as different breeds offer unique benefits to the land and contribute to a robust and healthy ecosystem.
Benefits for the Animals
Our farming practices offer significant benefits for the animals compared to supermarket-intensive reared meats. In the UK, intensive farming often means animals are kept in confined spaces with limited access to the outdoors, leading to stress and health issues.
Natural Behaviour: Our pigs and sheep are free to express their natural behaviours, such as rooting and grazing, which improves their overall well-being and reduces stress.
Space and Freedom: Our animals enjoy spacious, natural environments, allowing them to roam and forage freely.
This contrasts sharply with the crowded conditions of intensive farms.
Healthier Lives: Animals raised in sustainable, pasture-based systems tend to be healthier and less prone to disease, reducing the need for antibiotics.
According to Compassion in World Farming, over 70% of farm animals in the UK are kept in intensive systems, where welfare standards are often compromised. In contrast, our animals benefit from high welfare standards, leading to happier and healthier lives.
Through these practices, we are dedicated to creating a sustainable farming model that respects the land, nurtures the animals, and produces superior meat. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to maintain a healthy and productive farm ecosystem.
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