Meant to be pigs – Raising Mangalitsa Hogs
There’s nothing like watching a pig do what it’s meant to do. These Mangalitsa pigs are fun to watch, too, because they are so different from the standard hogs we’ve raised before. They are like the heritage layer chickens we have compared to the broiler chickens. The Mangalitsas are growing nicely on forage feed with only small amounts of grain thrown in to balance their diet. They love going out in the snow to dig turnips. And they eat acorns in the daintiest fashion imaginable. The hogs in the pictures are nosing around for good acorns–no empty hulls or moldy ones, thank-you. Then they’ll pick up that solitary acorn, crack it in they’re back teeth like a nutcracker. The hull will pop out under his snout and they’ll happily munch the acorn nut while nosing around for another one. These are all things that hogs were originally meant for. Think feral pigs and you’re close to how these guys are able to not only survive, but live well.
Mangalitsa hog pursuing a frozen potato.And now the first group of them is off the farm. We said our goodbyes, clicked our heels in the air, and waved them away. Mark went along with them to ensure they were safely and securely tucked in at the processors. They have an amazingly calm disposition such that a trailer ride doesn’t upset them much and they settle into new surroundings without fussing. They are very easy going fellas, such that if they are handled gently, they don’t get “stressed out” about changes. That’s good news as the government requires a USDA supervised kill in order for the next guy to transform them into prosciutto hams and such–a low stress kill situation is possible with good handling and the Mangalitsa’s laid back temperament.
We still have two batches of hogs on the farm. They are happy, healthy fellows who are enjoying life as pigs were meant to live it.
Homestead Happenings
Meet Tiger Lily: Homestead dairy cow
Tiger Lily (Mark calls her) or Striped Cow (as Frank dubbed her) is the newest member of the milking line-up. She joined us in December as a "commercial dairy rescue." She was for sale from the dairy because she has an udder irregularity. One of her back quarters...
Meet Ruby from the dairy cow herd share
What herd share is complete if you don't know your cows? Even in a big dairy cow herd you get to know certain cows and they may earn themselves a name. In a small herd like ours, and most herd share herds, the cows all have a name and a presence. We thought it's only...
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Anyone Can Farm “Tribe Day” July 8 & 9, 2023
$70.00 – $180.00 -
Beef Butcher class (Deposit only)
$300.00 -
Bill of Rights document
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Biochar: raw (clean)
$18.97 -
How to Build a Biochar Retort
$7.99 -
One on One Personalized Homesteading – Farm Consulting
$150.00 -
Stickers -Anyone Can Farm Tribe
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Tribe+ Membership: Homesteaders Education & Community for your homestead dreams
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Video Class: Fencing for Success: Fencing Basics
$29.99 -
Video Course: How to Castrate Piglets
$7.99 -
Video Course: How to Harvest your Rabbits
$7.99 -
Sale!
Video Course: How to Process Chickens, Turkeys, and Ducks
$27.00