We specialize in the Large Black Hog, a heritage breed known for the red coloration and superior marbling qualities of its meat. The fat of this breed also has a higher smoke point which in turn produces a higher quality lard. Our hogs are raised farrow-to-finish on pasture and woodland ground where they have daily access to a variety of forage plants as well as mulberries, acorns, walnuts, and apples. They additionally receive a free-choice ration of corn, soybean, and mineral as well as tons of produce from our garden.  We do not use hog rings on our pigs' snouts.  Do they root?  Of course, they're pigs!  But any holes they dig can be filled in later.  We've even found it to be beneficial at times, for example when they rooted up and killed the thistle patch we had been battling.