SlowMoneyFarm - down to earth investing, growing
Small Livestock
A step up from the poultry and rabbits are other small livestock - pigs, goats and sheep. As land is purchased and fences constructed our conservation project will focus on several breeds and/or crosses of breeds. These are selected for performance ability in a practical standpoint as well as for breeding to maintain the breed. Because these are adapted to outdoor situations they will be easier to maintain in such a situation.
There is also the possibility for using more common breeds to create a regional type of animal adapted for our area. This is a long term project down the road that takes space to do. By using good pasture management we can help the sheep truly be in their environment. Our pigs will have room outdoors to move around but with an indoor area that is, like the rabbit barn, cooled and heated geothermally to insure top animal comfort and care. This means particular safety and comfort for the pigs, who don't sweat in hot weather and can become cold in those months that make us all shiver. By being able to get inside they are, in our minds, more humanely cared for than a 100% outdoor system.
Among those planned:
Pigs:
Hereford
Tamworth
Berkshire
Sheep:
Tunis
North Country Cheviot
California Red
Tunis
Karakul
Goats:
Toggenburg
LaMancha
Nigerian Dwarf
kiko/boer cross (meat goats)
As a result of keeping these we will also keep mammoth jackstock for protection in the field. These are the largest of donkeys, those of the type that made the south famous for draft mules in early times when real draft power was used.
Be it pigs, sheep or goats animal comfort and humane care is a concern. The use of rare breeds is a heritage livestock conservation project that also in function provides food for customers.
There is also the possibility for using more common breeds to create a regional type of animal adapted for our area. This is a long term project down the road that takes space to do. By using good pasture management we can help the sheep truly be in their environment. Our pigs will have room outdoors to move around but with an indoor area that is, like the rabbit barn, cooled and heated geothermally to insure top animal comfort and care. This means particular safety and comfort for the pigs, who don't sweat in hot weather and can become cold in those months that make us all shiver. By being able to get inside they are, in our minds, more humanely cared for than a 100% outdoor system.
Among those planned:
Pigs:
Hereford
Tamworth
Berkshire
Sheep:
Tunis
North Country Cheviot
California Red
Tunis
Karakul
Goats:
Toggenburg
LaMancha
Nigerian Dwarf
kiko/boer cross (meat goats)
As a result of keeping these we will also keep mammoth jackstock for protection in the field. These are the largest of donkeys, those of the type that made the south famous for draft mules in early times when real draft power was used.
Be it pigs, sheep or goats animal comfort and humane care is a concern. The use of rare breeds is a heritage livestock conservation project that also in function provides food for customers.
