Farmstead Meatsmith is offering a discount to their subscription. I attended one of their hog butchering classes several years ago and have watched several of their butchering videos. He teaches old world techniques, breaking down stock with just hand tools. Probably not of interest to most, at least not enough to pay for a membership, but just in case, here is the email offer I received.
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Oak Smoke How to cook a goose lesson is coming up soon. -
Love this. We are getting ready to add two pigs very soon. Will not be butchering these ourselves and will take to slaughter but is something that I have wanted to learn. Possibly next year. Thank you for sharing.Comment
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This little piggy went to grandma's. This little piggy went to Aunt Lucy's and this little piggy went ...to...the.... Butcher Shop, eh, eh, eh.Comment
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DavidNorcross The best time to get piglets is in the late summer. Spring pigs are in high demand, fair kids and those who want to raise a pig to butcher before winter drive the price of a weaner up. Late summer farrowings command a much lower price. Which doesn't make sense as it is easier to raise a pig up in the winter. Pigs lack sweat glands; to keep cool they need a wallow pool. (Think mud wrestling without bikini clad women) Pigs are actually more comfortable in winter due to their body fat. Because of the mud and manure, files are abundant, whereas in winter they can't survive and are non-existent. The only drawback is providing water, which means dumping water troughs at night and refilling in the morning, or using electric powered heaters to keep it from freezing. Feed costs aren't that much higher, the savings on the piglet more than make up for that. However, they don't get the fresh grass or garden overage that they would in summer. Also, fall harvested pigs don't require refrigeration (assuming you don't live in Florida) post-harvest, whereas they may in late spring, which won't matter if you are using a mobile slaughter and custom cutter.Originally posted by DavidNorcross View Post
If I were to get a couple piglets with just the idea of meat in the larder, I'd go for the late summer farrowing. However, if I were to now get a couple of them, I'd go for the spring farrowing as I would want them to till up land for me. Pigs will completely turn over soil and bring up every rock while fertilising it. Great way to prep up new garden area.
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I'm glad I saw this after it expired. There is no way I am breaking down anything larger than what I can get at Costco, but I was ready to sign up anywayComment
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