Tamworth pigs are one of the oldest breeds of swine, originating in Ireland and named for an estate in England. They are known as the "bacon pig," and their meat is lean and tasty in part because tamworths are such good foragers and pasture pigs.

Here at Touch the Earth Farm, tamworths play an important role in our sustainable approach to farming, serving as the the plow and fertilizer in our pasture-based rotation system.

We work with a four-part rotation system that relies on our goats to clear the browse—weeds, brush, and thicket that are packed with nutrients and minerals from deep in the earth. Our pigs then clear the land by grazing and rooting, turning over the soil and fertilizing the plot with our chickens following to clear out bugs and weed seeds. After resting for the season, allowing frost heave to further work the soil and the manure to compost, the garden plot is ready for planting in the spring, and the rotation can begin all over again.

In spring 2007, we brought our breeding sow, Maya, home when she was about 8 weeks old. She is a sweet little pig, loving to be scratched, to follow us around, and to fall asleep at our feet. We look forward to many years with Maya.

Later that year, we also brought home our boar, Big Boy, who is about 2 months younger than Maya. He and Maya keep each other company, though Maya's definitely in charge. We're hoping to have our first litter of piglets here on the farm sometime in the spring of 2008.

Touch the Earth Farm offers limited availability of tamworth pork. Call or email for availability, cuts, and prices.