When consumers picture "cage free" animals, what they picture in their head is our farm! Unfortunately the reality is much different. Most livestock today are raised without ever seeing the light of day. Huge confinement buildings house tens of thousands of animals that will never feel the dirt beneath their feet. Breeds are selected for their tolerance to these inhumane conditions. Antibiotics and medications are dispensed by the gallon to stave off disease from the cramped living conditions. These chemicals wind up in your food, and in turn wind up in you.
All of our animals are raised as your great grandparents and generations before would have; outdoors, on pasture, with ample room to roam. They feed on the grasses that grow from soil untainted with chemicals.
We also choose to raise only heritage breed livestock. Much like today's heirloom vegetables, these are lines of livestock that have been developed after hundreds of generations of selective breeding and evolution. Lines that were developed prior to the commercialization of farming. These breeds are in danger of becoming extinct because they don't appeal to confinement operations.
Turkeys
We raise a few dozen heritage breed turkeys each year. Unlike their commercial counterparts, these birds have not been bred to the point in which they are no longer able to naturally reproduce.
Heritage turkeys, such as burbon reds, nargansets, and the eastern wild turkey are slightly smaller than the typical butterball. They however, have a more distinct and rich flavor. There are no injection of salts and other flavorings to make up for the lack of taste in the processed heritage turkey.
Heritage Pigs
One of our primary focuses is the breeding and marketing of Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs. Known as "the orchard pig" this heritage breed traces its roots back to 16th century England. They are exceptionally docile animals and thrive when foraging on pasture.
While they are increasing in popularity they are still on the threatened list by the Livestock Conservancy. We along with many other members of the Livestock Conservancy raise and market these animals. In doing so, consumers are able to enjoy what pork should taste like.
We currently sell whole hogs and half hog shares. Please email Kevin@collinsfarmandapiary.com if you are interested in purchasing a pig. For more information on buying pork click here. (buying a hog)
Select breeding stock may also be available at various times of year.
Cattle
One of the most striking residents of our farm are our Highland Cattle. Evolved over centuries, roaming the highlands of Scotland, these cattle defy expectation. They have long horns used for protection as well as shaggy coats to keep the warm and dry in a hostile climate.
With exceptional carcass quality, they are not only a joy to have on the farm but fantastic to fill the freezer.
We do not currently have any for sale. We are working on increasing the herd size to sell beef sides.