Our farm is located straight North of Mayerthorpe, Alberta.

Most of our practice comes from instinct, it is just that, practice. We continue to do nothing but learn how to best handle our livestock with our land. I was introduced to Temple Grandin early in our livestock journey. Some friends of ours recognized my practice with animals was similar to hers. Less pressure, less noise and always stay calm. Its a fact majority of the livestock on this land wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t going to be apart of the food chain. We have to eat, we are omnivores, we eat meat. Our goal is for the animals to live their most fulfilled, healthy and balanced lives possible. This is for the best interest of the animal and our meat quality.

Katahdin is a haired sheep, they shed naturally given they are in good health. This breed is less domesticated, they have great mothering instincts and they are hearty. We appreciate the breed for its independence, unique colouring and size. Katahdins are also rumoured to be more parasite resistent.

Dorpers are also haired sheep, shedding naturally every year if in good health. They are a meater animal on a stouter frame. Often they have a distinct white body and black head. Dorpers are more domesticated, curious with a great temperament. They are great to work with and are very kind mothers.

Combined we strive to create a great lineage. Taking the Katahdin frame, pairing it with the Dorper mass. Throwing beautiful colourful hearty lambs that are parasite resistant. Carrying on haired gene as it eliminates cost and it reportedly produces a meat that is less ‘muttony’.

Hampshire is known to be rapid growers, good carcass quality when used for meat.

Tamworths are favoured for bacon curing because of their length and depth of sides, light waist and their large lean red meat to fat ratio.

Sheep:

We approach things organically, not quick to shoot them up with vaccinations and treatment. In the case of a medical necessities the animals are treated as under the guidance of our farm vet. Our flock is closed, with the focus to grow slowly and organically from within. Our livestock are breed naturally during their standard season. Feed is a lot more complexed than I had expected, particularly the volume during various stages of life. Providing a balanced ration for protein, fibre and energy for the stage the animal is in is of utmost importance.

Pigs:

Piglets are picked up from a fellow homesteader in April sometime. We raise the hogs on our property, foraging with full access to a formulated feed mixture of crushed oats barely and peas. This mixture we get from local farm that raises their hogs on the same mix. They are enriched with rotational grazing and clearing thick bush areas on the property. Hogs can finish within 4-7 months, it varies based on each ones activity level along with food intake. The more active hogs need to eat more to maintain growth alongside a lazier hog.

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Give thanks: alifeworthwhile23@gmail.com

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Box 1625

Mayerthorpe AB

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