252. John Arbuckle on Pigs, Productivity, and a Product-Centric System

How do you keep productivity up on your farm? On this episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, Michael is joined by John Arbuckle of Singing Pastures Farm. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine. Hear more about the day-to-day operations and decisions behind this sustainable farm and the uniqueness of their Roam Sticks.. Tune in as we explore their shift from traditional pork production to a product-centric system.   In this episode, you’ll hear… What John’s farming journey was like growing up 2:34 About the transition from pork to snack sticks 9:26 How they set their farm up to be a product-centric system 13:26 About the big system farm changes to help alleviate John’s workload 17:26 More on where the pork get processed 23:23 What a typical day on the farm is like for John 25:15 John’s advice for new farmers 34:24 About the farm’s distribution 41:43 What makes Singing Pastures’ Roam Sticks different from other meat sticks 42:44 What is John’s favorite tool on the farm? 48:09   About the Guest: John Arbuckle, of Singing Pastures Farm is a 9th generation farmer. Along with a network of farm partners, John and his family raise heritage breed pigs in the grassy fields of coastal Maine where they are changing the food system from the ground up.  Singing Pastures is a 9th generation farm family focusing on creating the mostly unique and delicious snacks out there! We raise pigs on pasture in ways that create nutrient dense meat, heal ecosystems and nurture wildlife.   Resources:   Website -  https://singingpastures.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/singingpastures/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/singingpastures/     The Thriving Farmer Podcast Team would like to thank our amazing sponsor! Conservation organizations play an important role in supporting local farms and food efforts nationwide. In the heart of the Ozarks, this land trust is taking land access for farmers one step further where they are offering affordable stable leases.  Through the NWA Food Systems Initiative, NWALT is offering underserved farmers the opportunity to sublease certain designated tracts of farmland on a dedicated property to help support sustainable farming practices in Northwest Arkansas. The Farmland Lease Program is available to beginning and experienced farmers who are interested in fruit and/or vegetable production. Approved applicants will have access to water and electric utility infrastructure, shared access to farm equipment and harvesting facilities with neighboring participant farmers. In addition, farmers accepted into the program will have access to education, training, and other resources to help them succeed. You can learn more about the program and the farm location in this podcast or contact 479-966-4666. Information is online at www.nwafarmlink.org.