Ossabaw Island Hogs
We raise Ossabaw Island Hogs. A hardy heritage breed that hails from the rugged island of Ossabaw off the coast of Georgia. They are really good at foraging and spend their time using their snouts to dig up grubs and tubers, while also snapping up acorns and hickory nuts. They get fed a little spent grain from a local brewery. Keeping all that delicious waste out of the landfills and in their bellies.
In October 2022, we purchased Will and Georgia from Connors Prairie Museum in Indiana. Georgia had been exposed to a different boar earlier that year and was possibly, but not confirmed, pregnant. After a long day of driving they got to make their new home in our forest.
November 19, 2022, Georgia had her first farrow of piglets with us. We were very nervous about having winter babies. But, Georgia is a great mom and she got them through all the cold nights. The only shelter we provided was the bottom of an old barn on the property.
In June 2023, we bought two new girls from Armstrong Acres in New Hampshire. They were quickly joined by Georgia’s second farrow with six new piglets!
Our pigs help us keep our woods health in several ways. They turn over the soil which helps to aerate and decompress the soil. It also pushes leaf litter into the soil, infusing nutrients back into the ground.
They also bring the seed bank to the surface, allowing long dormant seeds in the top soil the opportunity to germinate.
They trample and dislodge invasive species such as multiflora rose, autumn olive, and wine berries. Ultimately, helping our native plants to flourish and grow.
