Category: Berkshire Pigs

Embracing ethically raised pastured meats not only transforms the way we eat but …

4 Comments
Berkshire Pork Chops, Roasted Potatoes, with Fried Onions and Sauerkraut

Embracing ethically raised pastured meats not only transforms the way we eat but also contributes to a host of environmental, ethical, and health benefits. Unlike conventionally raised counterparts, animals reared in pasture-based systems enjoy a life reflective of their natural behaviors, fostering animal welfare and reducing stress.

From an environmental perspective, pastured meats often come from regenerative farming practices that promote soil health and biodiversity. Grazing animals play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems, enhancing soil fertility, and mitigating carbon emissions. This sustainable approach counters the detrimental effects associated with industrial livestock farming, such as deforestation and overuse of antibiotics.

In terms of health, pastured meats tend to be richer in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Animals raised on diverse pasture diets produce meat that is not only tastier but also more nutritionally robust. Additionally, ethical farming practices usually eschew the use of growth hormones and antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and potential health concerns associated with these additives.

Choosing ethically raised pastured meats supports local farmers committed to humane practices, fostering community resilience and local economies. By opting for these meats, consumers become active participants in a sustainable food system that values animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of future generations.

These are just a few of the reasons we, at Briden Farm, do what we do! To learn more, contact Brian at #BridenFarm 902-907-0770 to Book Your Farm Visit.

 

All Grown By Briden Farm

No Comments
Grown By Briden Farm

It does the body good! The mind, Body, and Spirit actually! When you have a meal as wonderful as this and you know that you’ve grown it all! From the Woodland Pastured Pork to the new Irish Cobbler Potatoes. From the freshly harvested green and yellow bush beans to the deliciously sweet carrots! Even the tender, succulent, corn! This year we feed ourselves, perhaps next year we’ll have some to sell. Come learn about what we do and how we do it and how you can too! Come for a Farm Tour, spend time with the animals and walk our gardens! Contact Brian at BridenFarm.com phone 📞 902-907-0770 to Book Your Farm Tour!

We’ve Waited Three Years For This!

No Comments
Our First Complete Meal

Seems strange, I know, but we really have waited (actually worked) three years for this! Oh, we’ve had a variety of vegetables and meats over the past three years. Vegetables and meats we’ve grown and raised. Many good meals! 

However, this is the first time we’ve provided ourselves with a complete meal with Meat, Potatoes, Vegetables, and Salad. It’s as much of a timing thing and a growing thing! 

Yet, when it all comes together, especially for the first time, it’ll darn near bring tears to one’s eyes! Knowing it is really possible to grow our own food and put complete meals on the table! 

Salad with lettuce, radish, onion greens, Swiss chard, and more. Followed by Irish Cobbler Potatoes, Provider Green Beans, Gold Rush Yellow Beans, Stanhope Peas, and Woodland Pastured Berkshire Pork. 

I did an earlier post today about “Our First Harvest”. It was actually just half of our first Harvest at the Barn Property, as we divided it giving half away and keeping some for ourselves. Making two remarkable meals!

Lara’s Piglets Are Nearly Weaned

No Comments
Lara’s Piglets Nearly Weaned

We’ve gone with as natural approach to the whole process as possible. Lara farrowed, gave birth to, eight healthy piglets on April 5, 2023 and that meant she went from being a Gilt to being a Sow. We did not use crates or cages to prevent her rolling on the piglets. Rather, we Wintered two smaller pigs with her. They were about a quarter to a third her size. I think it made her more conscious of not rolling on them, and in turn her piglets. It also helps that Lara, part through training, and a bigger part by her personality, is very calm and gentle. She’s made a beautiful Mother. 

So, the piglets were born 25 days ago, and rather than pull them away from their Mom, we left them. We’ve noticed them eating hay at about a week old, and at day 17 we had them out on pasture with their Mom, Lara. Just an hour or so, increasing the length of time a little each day. Actually it was their Mom, Lara, that decided the length of time outside! She’d walk over and nudge the makeshift, pallet, gate when she wanted to go in! 

Then, tonight, this is what I saw…

Actually, just moments before this video was shot, all of the Piglets were eating!

It’s been such an interesting and rewarding experience to work with Lara, and her piglets, and see how smart they are and see what a good job she’s done with them!