So.. what are we doing? We've been given the chance to have use of just over 3 acres of land by my in-laws. Between us all, with no doubt lots of help from Alans family, we want to become as self-sufficient as possible. Following the success of raising 6 pigs on land bartered with our good friends (Jennie and Alex www.faracrefarm.co.uk), we have decided to try on a larger scale of self-sufficiency. Larger plans include more pigs (all rare breed); chickens for laying and for roasters/broilers; ewes and lambs for breeding; a cow (probably year 2!) and even growing our own feed for our animals. We will go into why we would bother growing our own feed, but the short story is.. cost. You can save a fortune growing your own - plus you know what is going into your animals. And if you are eating them.. well, it's nice to know isn't it?
Why are we doing it? We feel very strongly about animal welfare. It's not always about avoiding eating meat altogether but having it raised as they were meant to be. Sourcing meat responsibly. Free range, outside, happy. Knowing where our meat comes from, what they ate, how they were cared for. We want our children to get involved, and hopefully develop a respect of animal welfare and high expectation of how animals should be raised. Life cycles, growing vegetables for the animals and for ourselves.. it should be a great opportunity for them.
We were interested in sourcing our own pigs for meat for own purposes. Alans sister, Lou and partner Jamie had reared pigs very successfully. Although it seemed strange at first, their success at it was very inspiring. Thanks to our good friends with an empty orchard, we decided to try it. Alan researched some more and found a local supplier, Oakland Pigs (www.oaklandpigs.co.uk) who are wonderful and answer our million questions, provide a bible on exactly what to do, and even talked me through an ill pig crisis. To say they are brilliant is an understatement, and we are not only using them again but easily recommend them.
After the 6-7 months rearing the pigs, (which are still in the freezer in various forms!) the Races decided to go into self-sufficiency on a grand scale. We found some land local, and after a few months, hooray it's almost done.
Why are we blogging it? To keep our friends and family updated - even if it's to shake their heads at us. To inspire those who think it's not possible, and not have to reinvent the wheel.
Lots of pictures, details and progress to come!
