Animals serve multiple functions in our farm system: fertility, pest control, land management, food production, and companionship. Each species is chosen for its ability to contribute to the whole.
In a closed-loop system, every animal serves multiple functions. Nothing is kept as a single-purpose unit.
Pigs
George & Peppa (Berkshire)
Our two Berkshire pigs were harvested in March 2026, yielding 250 lbs of pork. Pigs are integral to our land management strategy.
Functions
- Land clearing — Pigs root up overgrown areas, clearing land for planting
- Tillage — Natural soil turning without machinery
- Waste conversion — Convert kitchen scraps and garden waste into protein
- Fertility — Manure enriches soil for future plantings
- Meat production — High-quality pork for the freezer
Management
We rotate pigs through paddocks, allowing them to clear and till an area before moving them. After they leave, we plant heavy feeders (squash, corn) in the enriched soil.
Livestock Guardian Dogs
Odin & Lada (Great Pyrenees, 8 months)
Our two Great Pyrenees dogs are working livestock guardians, not pets. They will protect future poultry flocks from predators and provide companionship during farm work.
Functions
- Predator deterrence — Coyotes, foxes, stray dogs
- Presence — Size and bark discourage most threats
- Companionship — Working partners during daily farm tasks
- Alert system — Notify us of unusual activity
Breed Characteristics
Great Pyrenees are independent thinkers, bred to work without human direction. They are gentle with livestock, wary of strangers, and deeply bonded to their territory.
Odin and Lada are not pets. They are working partners. Their job is to protect the flock so we can sleep at night.
Poultry (Developing)
Our poultry systems are in development. We are planning integrated chicken, duck, and turkey systems that serve multiple functions.
Planned Functions
- Pest control — Insects, slugs, weed seeds
- Fertility — Nitrogen-rich manure
- Tillage — Scratching and turning soil
- Eggs — Daily protein production
- Meat — Seasonal harvest
- Weed management — Garden cleanup after harvest
System Design
- Chicken tractors — Mobile housing for rotational grazing
- Deep litter coop — Composting in place
- Duck ponds — Integrated with water systems
- Turkey foray — Seasonal broad-acre pest control
Future Animals
As our systems mature, we plan to add:
Rabbits
- Efficient meat production
- Manure can be applied directly to gardens
- Small space requirements
Bees
- Pollination for orchard and gardens
- Honey production
- Wax for preservation and crafts
Goats (possibly)
- Brush clearing
- Milk production
- Meat (capretto)
- Requires excellent fencing
Animal Ethics
We believe in ethical animal husbandry that honors the lives we take:
- Good life — Animals live according to their nature
- Good death — Harvest is quick, respectful, waste-free
- Full use — Everything is used: meat, organs, bones, hide
- Gratitude — We acknowledge the sacrifice that feeds us
We do not take life lightly. But we accept that life feeds life. Our job is to ensure the animals in our care live well and die with dignity.
Integration with Land
Animals are not separate from our land management. They are integral:
- Pigs clear land → we plant orchard
- Chickens follow cattle → break parasite cycles
- Dogs protect flock → enable free-range systems
- All manure → compost → gardens → food
This is the closed loop. Nothing wasted. Everything cycling.