08/06/2026
One of the things we've been excited to try here at Joyful Harvest Ranch is the deep litter system for our pigs.
Before their permanent houses and quad paddocks are finished for our pasture raised system, our two future breeding sows are living in cozy 3m x 3m covered "pig condominiums" with earthen floors and a thick blanket of wood shavings.
Most people picture pigs standing on concrete, but pigs are natural rooters and explorers. Given the choice, they would much rather spend their days on soil than on hard surfaces. The deep litter system gives them a softer, more natural environment where they can dig, sniff, forage, and simply be pigs.
As the wood shavings mix with manure and moisture, beneficial microbes begin breaking everything down. Fresh bedding is added on top as needed, creating a living compost layer beneath the surface. Done properly, it helps reduce odors, keeps the pigs cleaner, provides insulation from heat and cold, and creates a more comfortable place to rest.
What I find most interesting is how often modern farming asks animals to adapt to our systems. Deep litter flips that idea around a bit and asks, "How can we make the system work better for the animal?"
These girls are the foundation of our future breeding program, and while their accommodations may be temporary, we want them to have the best start possible.
Sometimes good farming isn't about making things more complicated. Sometimes it's just about working with nature instead of against it. And we’re here for it!
We hope it all goes well but we’re ready to roll with the punches, just like everything else on the ranch! Lol.
