Pastured Pig Podcast

In this episode, Troy speaks with Lane Bennett, President of the American Berkshire Association (ABA), about the Berkshire pig breed's versatility, heritage, and data-driven genetics.

Lane highlights the 151-year history of Berkshires in the US, known for superior meat quality, hardiness, and strong performance across various environments—from pasture-based systems to slatted barns. The ABA supports breeders through progeny testing at South Dakota State University, an EPD program, and registry certification allowing the use of their "gold seal." Recent updates include relocating the ABA office to Winamac, Indiana, and launching an online seed stock sale.

• Meat Quality & Performance: Berkshires reach ~300 lbs in 6 to 6.5 months on pasture, catering to premium niche markets.

• Genetics & Data: The ABA is the only association conducting progeny tests for feed-to-meat ratios and sensory meat quality.

• Homesteading Growth: Post-COVID-19 trends show rising demand for high-yield Berkshire meat among homesteaders.

• American Berkshire Association Website: AmericanBerkshireAssociation.com

• Online Seed Stock Sale (October 28th): ShowPig.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Jared Schmidt the owner of Portahut pig shelters. Jared talks about is own personal experience with pig farming and his farm set up but then shares with us his story about how he recently acquired Portahut, details some of the products, and share future plans with the company. To learn more about Portahut, visit https://portahut.com/. To learn more about his farm, Wilsch Family Farm, visit https://wilschfamilyfarm.com/

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Stamper from YKer Acres in northern Minnesota. Joshua and his family produce over 400 pigs a year on 160 acres near lake superior. Joshua shares details of his farm setup and how they manage the challenges of a larger scale hog operation as well as the harsh climate of northern MN. If you want to learn more about them, check them out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ykeracres

Join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Bowen of Bowen Family Farm who we had on the podcast back in Episode 147 that aired July of 2025. Brandon was one of the few people in GA that has an on farm poultry processing permit and he has now expanded his processing to include pig processing as custom exempt. Brandon updates on some other changes they have had on the farm.

Join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, we revisit with Weedy Weidenthal from Weidenthal Family Farm. Weedy is raising pigs in the high desert of AZ. He was previous on the podcast (episode 139) and comes back over a year later to give us an update on his operation. He shares the details of how they are specifically evaluating the carcasses of the hogs he raises (he does on-farm processing) to help influence his breeding program. To learn more about his farm, visit his facebook page.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Joey Bradley from Bradley Bunch Barnyard in Milton, North Carolina. Joey explains how they started farming just several years ago in an attempt to lead a healthier lifestyle. As production increases they recently purchased a 58 acres tract where they want to move to and expand their farm operations. You can learn more about them on their facebook page.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Chase Crossley about his farm setup and his software development work. Chase has takes on farming challenges head on including everything from animal husbandry to online sales. He has also worked on developing software to help with online sales of farm products. Check out his software platform at https://purveyos.com/ and use offer code PPP2026 for a 30 day free trial.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Micheon Hutchings from A Lovely Place Called Home. She and her family are in the process of moving from their current homestead/farm in northern Ontario to a new property further north (yes, further north). She shares with me their efforts and challenges of relocating their farm to a new location many hours away. Micheon has a large following on Instagram at A Lovely Place Called Home.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Andrea and Jordan Kaufman from Upside Farms. They are slowly transitioning to their new farm land in an adjacent town with plans of growing their production. Currently, they have to travel daily to tend their pigs and manage their farm from a distance. They are beginning construction on their house this summer on the new location and hope to be in soon.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/

In this episode, I talk with Kyle Purdy of Purdy Farms in Ottawa, Ontario. Kyle and his family recently acquired 62 rural acres where they are building their dream farm/homestead. Kyle shares his experience with raising their first couple of pigs last year and his plans to raise more this year. With almost 30 acres of pasture and the remaining in Canadian bush, Kyle has plenty of space to try a variety of options.

Join us for our 3rd annual Homesteading Conference - homesteading-ish.com

Also, join us for discussion of all things pastured pig on our new facebook group, The Pastured Pig.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thepasturedpig

Please consider supporting us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/thepasturedpig

If you would like to know more about us here at Red Tool House Farm or would like to suggest topics for future episodes, visit us at:

https://thepasturedpig.com/podcast/