Heritage Pork

April Joy Farm is home to a small drift (the term for a group of hogs) of Tamworth and Large Black pigs. We are especially proud to have our pork Animal Welfare Approved.  April Joy Farm was the first pork producer in the Pacific Northwest Region (Oregon, Washington, Idaho) to achieve this certification.

Here’s our philosophy:

We hold a deep respect and reverence for our pigs, and we do not take lightly our responsibility to treat them with care and dignity.

We believe livestock deserve to lead healthy, interesting, safe, and happy lives.

We are commited to encouraging the natural abilities of our animals.  Pigs should be allowed to root, run, wallow, nest and eat a variety of plant material.

We believe Mother Nature knows best.  When provided the appropriate environment, pigs have all the neccessary tools to thrive.  Our pigs are born in the loafing shed on clean straw bedding.  After weaning, they move to the field and are rotated through pastures so they may naturally forage for a portion of their foodstuffs.  They are not housed on concrete or small pens, and farrowing sows (about to give birth) are never, ever confined.

We take seriously the responsibility of animal husbandry and consider our task a continuous education that requires intelligence, patience, attentiveness and thoughtful kindness.

April Joy Farm pigs are born at the farm and live their entire lives here.  We do not sell piglets or breeder pigs.  We choose to raise heritage breeds because they are hardy, do well on pasture, keep alive the diversity of the swine genetics, and produce incredibly succulent pork.

We source the absolute best feed possible.  Our hogs are fed certified organic corn, grown right here at the farm.  In addition, they are fed a diet of certified organic barley, oats, peas, wheat, and flax, grown by our relatives in Montana.  Since it is very difficult to find non-genetically modified organism (GMO) soymeal, we do not feed our animals soy of any kind.  When Montana grains are in short supply, we use Willamette Valley peas.

How To Purchase April Joy Farm Pork

We do not believe in transporting animals prior to slaughter, due to the stress it causes both the animals and ourselves.  Our animals are harvested on the farm.  The State of Washington therefore requires our pork to be sold direct to the end consumer, in whole hog or half hog portions.  We are not able to offer retail cuts for sale at this time.

Pricing and Quantities

April Joy Farm pork is $5.00/lb, hanging weight.  A whole hog is roughly 200 lbs, hanging weight, and a half hog is roughly 100 lbs hanging weight.  In addition, there is a butcher’s charge to cut, wrap and cure your meat to your specifications.  Our pork may be processed by your favorite butcher.

Buying meat in bulk can be daunting the first time around.  Check out this guide for great information and advice.  Click on the “Download” next to the PDF version to view it for free.

When Will My Pork Be Ready?

Each year, we raise just a few litters of piglets.  The pork is usually ready for pickup in September/October or February/March.

How Do I Sign Up?

Please contact us to be added to the Pork List.  A $150 deposit is required to hold your pork order.  The balance is not due until you have received your pork.