Pastured Pig Podcast

When a petty neighborhood dispute escalates into handcuffs, mugshots, and a $2,000 bond, you turn it into marketing gold. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Lane of Reedeville, Tennessee, to unpack his shocking arrest on a misdemeanor "animals at large" charge. After a neighbor swore out a warrant over loose livestock—skipping the usual summons for a full booking process—Steve didn't just hir...

In this episode, Troy speaks with Lane Bennett, President of the American Berkshire Association (ABA), about the Berkshire pig breed's versatility, heritage, and data-driven genetics. Episode Summary Lane highlights the 151-year history of Berkshires in the US, known for superior meat quality, hardiness, and strong performance across various environments—from pasture-based systems to slatted barns...

In this episode, I talk with Jared Schmidt the owner of Portahut pig shelters. Jared talks about is own personal experience with pig farming and his farm set up but then shares with us his story about how he recently acquired Portahut, details some of the products, and share future plans with the company. To learn more about Portahut, visit https://portahut.com/. To learn more about his farm, Wils...

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Stamper from YKer Acres in northern Minnesota. Joshua and his family produce over 400 pigs a year on 160 acres near lake superior. Joshua shares details of his farm setup and how they manage the challenges of a larger scale hog operation as well as the harsh climate of northern MN. If you want to learn more about them, check them out on facebook at https://www.f...

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Bowen of Bowen Family Farm who we had on the podcast back in Episode 147 that aired July of 2025. Brandon was one of the few people in GA that has an on farm poultry processing permit and he has now expanded his processing to include pig processing as custom exempt. Brandon updates on some other changes they have had on the farm. Join us for discussion of all t...

In this episode, we revisit with Weedy Weidenthal from Weidenthal Family Farm. Weedy is raising pigs in the high desert of AZ. He was previous on the podcast (episode 139) and comes back over a year later to give us an update on his operation. He shares the details of how they are specifically evaluating the carcasses of the hogs he raises (he does on-farm processing) to help influence his breedin...

In this episode, I talk with Joey Bradley from Bradley Bunch Barnyard in Milton, North Carolina. Joey explains how they started farming just several years ago in an attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle. As production increases they recently purchased a 58 acres tract where they want to move to and expand their farm operations. You can learn more about them on their facebook page . Join us for our...

In this episode, I talk with Chase Crossley about his farm setup and his software development work. Chase has takes on farming challenges head on including everything from animal husbandry to online sales. He has also worked on developing software to help with online sales of farm products. Check out his software platform at https://purveyos.com/ and use offer code PPP2026 for a 30 day free trial....

In this episode, I talk with Micheon Hutchings from A Lovely Place Called Home. She and her family are in the process of moving from their current homestead/farm in northern Ontario to a new property further north (yes, further north). She shares with me their efforts and challenges of relocating their farm to a new location many hours away. Micheon has a large following on Instagram at A Lovely P...

In this episode, I talk with Andrea and Jordan Kaufman from Upside Farms. They are slowly transitioning to their new farm land in an adjacent town with plans of growing their production. Currently, they have to travel daily to tend their pigs and manage their farm from a distance. They are beginning construction on their house this summer on the new location and hope to be in soon. Join us for our...

In this episode, I talk with Kyle Purdy of Purdy Farms in Ottawa, Ontario. Kyle and his family recently acquired 62 rural acres where they are building their dream farm/homestead. Kyle shares his experience with raising their first couple of pigs last year and his plans to raise more this year. With almost 30 acres of pasture and the remaining in Canadian bush, Kyle has plenty of space to try a va...

Well, I finally got it! A great conversation with a veterinarian who has decades of experiencing caring for pigs both in commercial confinement operations and pigs on pasture. Dr. Jim Kober talked with me about the health concerns with pigs and we took on some hotly debated topics as well! Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com Also, join us for discussion of all...

In this episode, I dig deeper into sales and marketing with Jake Moore of Moore meats. We had Jake on the podcast recently (episode 160) and I wanted to spend a little more time discussing his efforts. To learn more about him, visit mooremeats.com . Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig. https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig Pl...

In this episode, I talk with Jacob Lee of Popcorn Creek Pork in Indiana. Jacob and his young family are building a new farm on 62 rolling acres in southern Indiana. His dream is to build a generational farm with his kids and the extend family just minutes away. Learn more about his farm at Popcorn Creek Farm on facebook. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook g...

In this episode, I talk with Jacob Chase of Chase the Dream Farm in Vermont. Jacob and his wife have a 52 acre farm where they raise pigs and chickens to provide food for their family and their on-farm preschool. The opportunity to provide clean, healthy food is a key part of their preschool business model and proves to be a great educational opportunity for the children as well. If you would like...

In this episode, I talk with Jake Moore of Moore Meats. Jake has developed an incredible direct to consumer farm business specializing in Wagyu beef at his farm in eastern Pennsylvania. Recently, he has ventured into pasture pork with the same intent for high quality products. Jake talks about his efforts bringing the Iberico hogs and how they have fared so far on his farm. To learn more about him...

In this episode, I talk with Shane Pilgrim of Hardwood Hills. Shane and his young family are farming on 3 acres of dense woods in Nova Scotia. Shane talks aboot the challenges they have faced with clearing land, fencing the pig paddocks, and struggling with a drought in their first season. If you want to know more about their farm, check them out on instagram. https://www.instagram.com/hardwoodhil...

In this episode, I talk with Dyron and Kelley Brodbeck of Waymaker Farms in central Texas. They have a 142 acre ranch that includes beef and Berkshire pork. We discuss how they were able to get their sales operation up and running quickly by working with local catering and wineries to introduce their products to a variety of customers. Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our...

In this episode, I talk with Kirstin Bordner of Mouse Creek Farm in central Pennsylvania. Kirstin has been working her 44 acres for over 40 year but started raising pigs on pasture just 8 years ago. Her foray into pasture pigs now has her running a 10 sow registered IPP breeding operation. For more information about her farm, check her out on facebook here. Also, join us for discussion of all thin...

In this episode, I talk with Jason Storey of Storey Family Farms. Jason and his family were able to buy a 25 acre farm in South Central Iowa that they had been renting a portion of for over 3 years. This old farm had the remnants of a confinement operation including a 1/4 acre concrete pad. Jason uses that pad as the hub on his wagon wheel pasture setup for his breed stock. You can find them on he...

In this episode, I talk with Wyatt Reader. Wyatt has a 14 acre farm in West Central Manitoba, Canada. This his first year raising pigs and he has faced some challenges with his first round of farrowing and finishing. Wyatt shares with me his goals for expanding his pastured operation and other elements of his farm. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute,...

This episode crosses a new boundary for us! This is our first interview with a producer in Europe. In this episode, I talk with Tom Leimar who is farming with his wife on 16 acres of land in Sweden. It was very interesting to get his take on pasturing pigs in Sweden and hearing about the subtle differences. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending conference at the Rodale Institute, visit h...

In this episode, I talk with John Romero who has a farm in central Louisiana. John has a desire to see more people have access to better quality food. So much, that he donates a large portion of his farm products to local food pantries and rehab facilities. We have a great conversation about how important it is to teach others about cleaner foods. SPONSOR: For more information about the pending co...

In this episode, I talk with Austin Unruh with Trees for Graziers. Austin was on the podcast a year ago discussing the topic of silvopasture for pigs. This year, we revisit this discussion and take a much deeper dive into the topic of intentional planting of a variety of trees to produce forage options throughout the season. For more information about Austin's company, visit https://treesforgrazie...

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Collins of Field and Forest Farm in Maine. Joshua is a small scale pork producer and offers custom on farm processing. His day job, however, is that of a state meat inspector for Maine. Josh brings some interesting insight to processing due to his experience. I think you will find this conversation very interesting and entertaining. Also, join us for discussion...