Nestled in the heart of rolling countryside, Crooked Pines Farm is a vibrant haven teeming with life, where the rhythms of nature dictate the ebb and flow of our daily activities. As a family-operated farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship, we take immense pride in nurturing a diverse array of animal inhabitants – from majestic livestock to industrious poultry and playful farm companions.
Farmstead Overview
Our 30-acre property sits tucked away in the gently undulating terrain of the Deep South, just a stone’s throw from the Okefenokee Swamp. The land was once part of a historic plantation, and its rich history is woven into the very fabric of our farm, with relics like antique turpentine cups unearthed by our rooting pigs. Today, the landscape is a tapestry of lush pastures, meandering creeks, and towering pines that provide shade and shelter for our animals.
When my wife and I took over the reins of this farm in 2014, we were determined to cultivate a sanctuary where creatures great and small could thrive. Over the years, we’ve built a diverse menagerie, each animal playing a vital role in the delicate balance of our farmstead ecosystem.
Farm Animal Inhabitants
At the heart of our operation are our herd of heritage-breed pigs, which we raise on lush pastures, allowing them to exhibit their natural foraging behaviors. These intelligent animals are renowned for their ability to root out and aerate the soil, preparing the ground for vibrant vegetable and citrus crops. Alongside the pigs, we maintain a flock of free-ranging meat chickens that provide us with a steady supply of nutrient-dense eggs.
Our livestock guardian dogs, a pair of majestic Great Pyrenees named Mags and Paws, are the unsung heroes of our farm, vigilantly protecting the herd from predators and maintaining a watchful eye over the other animals. Their gentle yet fierce demeanor has earned them the respect and admiration of all who encounter them.
In addition to our working animals, we’re also home to a few beloved canine companions, including Chase, a part-Pyrenees mutt with a penchant for rabbit hunting, and Otis, a black pit-Lab mix we rescued from the woods. These loyal and affectionate pups are an integral part of our family, providing companionship and enrichment to our children.
Seasonal Rhythms on the Farm
The rhythms of our farm are inextricably linked to the changing of the seasons. In the spring, the land awakens from its winter slumber, and our animals spring into action. Our pigs root eagerly through the soil, preparing the ground for us to plant an abundance of vegetables and citrus trees. The arrival of new life is celebrated as our chickens lay clutches of eggs and our guardian dogs diligently watch over their newborn litters.
As the summer heat takes hold, our animals settle into a more languid pace, grazing contentedly in the lush pastures and seeking respite in the cool waters of the creek. This is a time of plenty, as we harvest the bounty of our labors and convert it into a variety of farm-to-table delights.
With the coming of autumn, we turn our attention to the task of winterizing our farmstead. Our pigs are finished and readied for processing, while the chickens are moved into their cozy winter quarters. The guardian dogs grow thick coats to brace against the chill, and our family gathers to preserve the harvest through canning, pickling, and other preserving methods.
During the winter months, the farm takes on a more serene, dormant quality. Our animals hunker down, finding shelter in the barns and stalls we’ve prepared for them. It’s a time for us to catch our breath, reflect on the year’s accomplishments, and plan for the season ahead.
Feeding the Farmstead
Maintaining the health and well-being of our animals is of utmost importance at Crooked Pines Farm. We take a holistic approach to their nutrition, prioritizing the use of pasture-raised forage, supplementary feed, and mineral-rich supplements to ensure they receive a balanced and nutritious diet.
Our pigs thrive on a diet of rotationally grazed pasture, where they can forage for a variety of grasses, legumes, and roots. We supplement their diet with a custom-blended organic feed to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Similarly, our chickens are free to roam the pastures, supplementing their diet with layer feed to support their egg production.
The guardian dogs are fed a high-quality kibble formulated for their size and activity level, along with regional meat and bone to meet their specific nutritional needs. Our beloved canine companions also enjoy the occasional table scraps from our farm-fresh meals.
Animal Products and By-Products
In addition to the joy and companionship our animals bring to our family, they also provide us with a variety of products and by-products that we are proud to share with our community.
Our pigs yield succulent pork that we process on-site, transforming it into a range of charcuterie, sausages, and roasts. The chickens lay an abundance of farm-fresh eggs, which we sell directly to our customers or incorporate into our own farm-to-table recipes.
Beyond the primary products, we also harvest wool from our guardian dogs’ periodic grooming, which we clean, spin, and weave into beautiful textiles. The manure from all our animals is composted and reintroduced into our vegetable gardens and orchards, closing the loop on our sustainable farming practices.
Farm Events and Celebrations
Throughout the year, we open our gates to the public, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rhythms of farm life. Our open house tours allow guests to witness firsthand the daily routines of our animals, from the guardian dogs patrolling the pastures to the pigs rooting in the soil.
We also host a variety of educational workshops and hands-on demonstrations, where both children and adults can learn about animal husbandry, pasture management, and the farm-to-table process. These events provide valuable insights into the realities of sustainable agriculture and foster a deeper appreciation for the origins of our food.
During the autumn months, we celebrate the harvest with a lively farm festival, complete with pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, and farm-fresh cuisine. It’s a time for our community to come together and revel in the abundance that our animals and land have provided.
Ecological Stewardship
At Crooked Pines Farm, we are committed to being responsible stewards of the land, safeguarding the delicate balance of our local ecosystem. We employ rotational grazing techniques to maintain the health and diversity of our pastures, and we’ve implemented cover cropping and companion planting strategies to enrich the soil and support our pollinators.
Beyond the boundaries of our farm, we actively participate in local conservation efforts, working with organizations to protect the habitats of native flora and fauna. Our guardian dogs play a vital role in this endeavor, deterring predators and maintaining a harmonious coexistence between our animals and the wildlife that shares this landscape.
The Human Element
At the heart of Crooked Pines Farm, you’ll find our family – a vibrant, hardworking crew that has poured our hearts and souls into this haven. My wife and I, along with our three children, work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our animals and the sustainable growth of our farm.
It’s a joy to witness our children’s wonder and delight as they interact with the animals, whether riding on the backs of our gentle pigs, collecting eggs from the chicken coop, or befriending the guardian dogs. These precious moments remind us of the invaluable lessons that farm life can impart, fostering a deep respect for nature and a reverence for the cycles of life.
But it’s not just our family that makes Crooked Pines Farm so special – it’s the countless visitors who come to experience the magic of our farmstead. Whether they’re attending a workshop, joining us for a farm tour, or simply seeking a peaceful respite from the outside world, each person who steps onto our land becomes part of the fabric of our community.
As we continue to navigate the seasons and care for our animal inhabitants, we are reminded of the timeless truth that a farm is a living, breathing entity. The rhythms may change, but the bond we share with our animals, the land, and the people who pass through our gates remains steadfast. It is a privilege to call this place home, and we look forward to sharing its wonders with you for years to come.
