Benefits of Pastured Pork, Lamb & Eggs
At Fever Hill Farmstead, we have always been big proponents of letting our animals live as natural of a life as possible. We provide them food & water & a place to roam, but then generally try to get out of their way and let their natural instincts take over. Pigs and chickens especially enjoy rooting around in the soil for insects, roots, and ruffage, and it is so enjoyable to see them running about the farm seeking out the nutrients they seem to know they need! No, we don’t just let our pigs run all over the farm, but it is 100% a common site out here, to see naughty piglets running around all over god’s green earth until they get too chubby to squeeze their little bodies through the cattle panels! It's also a common site to watch our little flock of sheep happily hop right over their fence if they feel that the grass looks greener on the other side. To many folks it probably looks like a funny farm around here, (and it kind-of is) but we implement these “organized chaos” animal husbandry practices for more than just our entertainment. The following are the main reasons that we do what we do, for the benefit of both the animals and those who may consume the products that come from them.
1. Animal Welfare: Pastured pigs, sheep and chickens are able to roam freely, root in the ground, and exhibit their natural behaviors. This results in a higher quality of life for the animals as opposed to animals raised in confinement, which are often kept in crowded and stressful conditions. Pastured animals enjoy access to fresh air, sunlight, and space to move around, which is better for their overall well-being, as it gives them the ability to forage for a variety of vegetation and insects, mimicking their natural diet.
2. Nutritional Value: Pastured pork, lamb and eggs are often considered to be more nutritious compared to those that come from confinement systems. Pastured animals have been shown to produce meat and eggs that are higher in beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals (like vitamin E and beta-carotene in eggs) due to their varied diet and access to natural pasture. Some studies even suggest that eggs from pastured chickens may contain lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat compared to eggs from confined chickens.
3. Environmental Impact: Pastured pork, lamb and chicken production methods are often more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to confinement operations. Grazing animals can help spread their own manure to improve soil health, reduce erosion with rotational grazing, and contribute to a more diverse ecosystem on the farm.
4. Improved Taste! Now, this one is definitely just opinion… but we (and pretty much everyone who has bought meat or eggs from us) prefers the richer and “cleaner” taste of the meat and eggs from our pastured animals. Try it yourself and taste the difference! And while you’re visiting the farm store, you can usually just pop your head out the door and you’ll likely see at least one of these critters wandering around looking to say hello!