Tamworth pigs are one of the oldest breeds of swine, originating in Ireland and named for an estate in England. They are known as the "bacon pig," and their meat is lean and tasty in part because they are such good foragers and pasture pigs. Tamworths are a smaller pig breed, making them easier to manage as full grown hogs, and they're hardy, healthy, and known for making excellent mothers. Listed as "threatened" on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy list, Tamworths earn an place of honor on our farm.

Here at Touch the Earth Farm, Tamworths play an important role in our sustainable approach to farming, serving as both plow and fertilizer in our pasture-based rotation system. Our pigs help clear the land by grazing and rooting, turning over the soil and fertilizing the plot, working to renovate pastures and create new garden space as well as to harvest spent crops. We believe in working with the animals, finding ways to use their natural instincts to our advantage, fostering a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable farming.

In Spring 2007, we brought our breeding sow, Maya, home when she was about 8 weeks old. She was a sweet little pig, loving to be scratched, to follow us around, and to fall asleep at our feet. She's proven to be an excellent pasture sow, giving birth unaided to two large litters per year out on pasture. We also brought home our boar, Big Boy, who is about 2 months younger than Maya that same year. He and Maya keep each other company, though Maya's definitely in charge.

In Spring 2008, we had our first litter born here at the farm with another following that Fall. Our piglets sell as breeding stock or feeders, but we do not castrate our boar piglets as many farms routinely do. Nor do we notch ears, clip teeth or dock tails. We don't like it, the pigs don't like it, and we find those things unnecessary for our pastured pigs.

Both our sow and our boar come from registered stock in different genetic lines, though we have not registered them. Piglets are weaned and ready to take home by 8 weeks and are generally available some time in April and October. Email to get on our waiting list.

Touch the Earth Farm also offers limited availability of Tamworth pork. Call or email for availability and prices.