The weather has been unpredictable this winter to say the least. Usually the beginning of March is our best skiing weather, but this year has provided other opportunities and some challenges. At the beginning of this week I thought to myself, the forecast is indicative of this winter. Highs in the 60s on Monday, then low of 12 by Thursday morning and the potential of damaging winds, and back up in the 50s by the weekend. With snow cover and frozen ground quickly retreating and the pigs looking longingly at the pastures across their electric fence, I decided to try something.
In normal years rotational grazing of pigs (and cattle too) comes to an end when snow cover makes getting a mouth to the grass on the ground difficult and frozen soil creates a difficult situation when we try to put fence posts in (or take them out). This usually happens in December and we settle in for winter with plentiful hay bedding, a cozy hoop barn, organic grain buffet and plenty of room to roam and explore.
This winter the frequent thawing has brought a lot of mud to our pig world. We rely on the frozen ground of winter, and the blankets of snow to help keep our pig winter area clean. So on a warm Monday afternoon this week I decided to try pushing a few fence posts into the ground to see if I could offer the pigs some new area to explore. My optimism was tempered by the thin layer of frost in most places, but with a fence post cap and a hammer I was easily able to setup a new perimeter fence and by the end of the afternoon the pigs were sniffing, grunting and tentatively exploring past the now seemingly impermanent boundary of their perimeter fence.
Electric fence is more of a psychological barrier than a physical one. Pigs, cattle and humans alike could push through the thin boundary of the fence wire, but the shock enforces a memory of “I’d rather not get shocked again,” and so for well trained pigs, cattle, and farmers for that matter, we test that boundary cautiously.
Once we realize the fence won’t shock us we are free to explore. The pigs have been excitedly exploring the acre of uncharted territory. With fallen trees to munch on, shrubs to root and much more. I don’t usually have such a good comparison of feed consumption on pasture vs winter paddock, but this week the trial is on!
I typically have filled up their feeder every 7 days, and this week, with fresh pasture on Monday, they still have a ¼ feed left on day 7. The trial is not over, but it is clear and not surprising that grain consumption goes down, possibly 30%, as pasture consumption goes up. YUM. I’m also fascinated at how interested they are in this fallen and rotting pine tree. I sat down and watched them munch for a while and I wondered what nutritional need this was filling for them. Thank you nature for providing.
“Mitten Sister” coming for a scratch or a nibble on the fallen pine.
Maple Syrup Season is Here!
I tagged along with Chad the master and wizard of all things of the forest. Chad is not only a horse logger and sustainable forester, he also manages the sugar bush and maple operation. To learn more about what Chad does click here. I took some more videos of how Chad collects the sap to turn into maple syrup, so stay tuned for an upcoming video.
Happy March.
Reber Rock Farm Blog 