Some of you will know that the past 6 months have been to say the least traumatic here. Alfie had a major heart attack back at the beginning of October. The recovery process has not been totally smooth, with many set backs along the way. He had his most recent heart surgery just 2 weeks ago, and so far this seems to have worked, but we won’t know for certain until mid-May.
As you can imagine all of this has played havoc with pig farming and pork sales.
We ran out of pork supplies around Christmas.
Thankfully we had been in the process of re-stocking and introducing new stock when the first heart attack struck, so had reduced stock to just 2 sows.
All of this has led us to re-evaluate our lives and examine how we can best continue doing something we enjoy, but with a lower stress level!
We are sharing our thoughts here, and hoping you will give us your input, please!
Our plan is to restructure how we sell the pork, rather than selling pork boxes in 4 kg. boxes.
Our questions to you…
Would you pre-order a full or half of a pig? A full pig would be approx. 60 kgs.
Would you commit to doing so in advance? You would be given a date – in October/November – when your meat would be ready.
We would grow the pig ethically, organically and free-range for you. You would receive your meat butchered and freezer ready.
We would love to hear your opinion and thoughts as to whether this is something you would consider.
A Year In Redwood 
I’m very sorry to hear all this, Margaret. Sounds like you’ve been through a very tough time. I hope Alfie feels better and I hope you find a solution that works for you both.
The pig club was a fine tradition when I was growing up in fifties England. I wouldn’t want a pig every year, but certainly I would be interested in buying from time to time, whereas the smaller box has never appealed to me. Something else the pig clubs of my youth did was take regular payments from members to cover the costs as the pigs were growing and a wage to the person rearing the pig. Might this appeal?
Hi Kathryn… well the decision has been made… we are going the ‘grow to order’ route… check out our website http://www.oldfarm.ie or fire me an email if you are interested.
Margaret
I definitely would Margaret, once I have my fridge back (if you know what I mean), I would be happy to buy a half a piggie and gladly pay you guys to rear it properly as I know I can trust you. Count us in for a half a pig as we should have a fridge back September! 🙂 Also I think you and Alfie should capitalise on your food knowledge and organise short courses. I have learned so much about bread making with you guys! I would gladly pay for the lessons!
Hi Lily… well the decision has been made… we are going the ‘grow to order’ route… check out our website http://www.oldfarm.ie or fire me an email if you are interested.
Margaret
Hi Margaret.
I think that sounds like a great plan. I would def be interested in half pig.
Keep me posted.
Hi Margaret
Sorry to hear about Alfy, hope he’s on the mend. Just out of interest what would you charge for half a pig.
Hi Peter, thank you for your message, much appreciated. Alfie is getting there, he feels the last procedure helped a lot. We charge €10 per kg. Margaret
I’d definitely be interested in something like that Margaret. Half a pig to see how it went. Monthly installments via DD, standing order, paypal etc would suit better financially for me than outright at the moment. Love to Alfie x
Thanks Paula… that’s a good suggestion about the DD…. was just reading your Slanty Shanty story…. bet they were some parties!
Hi Paula… well the decision has been made… we are going the ‘grow to order’ route… check out our website http://www.oldfarm.ie or fire me an email if you are interested. And we’ve taken your DD suggestion on board too!
Margaret
New to your site. I’m really sorry to hear about Alfred. Hopefully he is making a good recovery.
The poir fowl! You have had a wretched time of it! What did you do with the pine martin? Did you bring him mikes away? I didn’t know they killed “for sport”!
You asked for ideas for sales. I would be interested in 1/2 pig. Do you have an idea of cost? I live in Co. Limerick so not too far away to come and collect the meat when it’s ready.
If you do decide to go that way we can chat further.
I hope all the animals are safe and Aldine is recovering.
Mary
Mary,
Thank you so much for your kind words… it is unbelievable how kind strangers can be!
Check out what we plan on doing here http://www.oldfarm.ie …. and let me know your thoughts.
Margaret
Hi Mary… well the decision has been made… we are going the ‘grow to order’ route… check out our website http://www.oldfarm.ie or fire me an email if you are interested.
Margaret
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