What My Pastured Pigs Have Taught Me About Life
When I started raising pastured pigs at Foxfire Farm, I thought I knew what to expect—hard work, responsibility, and a deeper connection to the food I produce.
What I didn’t anticipate was how these incredible animals would offer lessons far beyond farming.
Watching them roam the woodlands, forage for food, and interact with one another has taught me so much about life, balance, and even myself.
Here are a few of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned from my pastured pigs:
1. Embrace the Simple Joys
Pigs are masters of finding happiness in the simplest things—rooting around in the dirt, basking in the sun, or taking a leisurely nap in the shade.
They remind me daily that joy doesn’t have to come from grand gestures or extravagant things.
Sometimes, it’s about appreciating what’s right in front of you: a warm day, good food, and the company of those you care about.
In the hustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in big goals and endless to-do lists.
But my pigs remind me to slow down, stay present in the moment, and find joy in the everyday.
2. Stay Curious and Explore
Pigs are naturally curious creatures.
They love to explore their surroundings, sniff out new things, and investigate every corner of their pasture.
Watching them reminds me of the importance of curiosity—of always being willing to learn, explore, and discover.
Whether it’s trying a new farming method, learning from fellow farmers, or simply observing nature more closely, my pigs inspire me to stay open-minded and keep learning.
3. Respect Nature’s Rhythm
Raising pigs on pasture has taught me a lot about respecting natural cycles.
Pigs thrive when they are allowed to live according to their instincts—rooting, grazing, and wallowing in mud when it’s hot.
They aren’t rushed or forced into unnatural patterns, and as a result, they are healthy and content.
This has made me reflect on my own life.
We live in a world that constantly pushes us to go faster, work harder, and do more.
But my pigs have shown me the value of living at a natural pace—taking time to rest, work with intention, and trust the process rather than rushing results.
4. Community Matters
Pigs are highly social animals.
They thrive in groups, forming bonds and working together to forage and play.
Their interactions remind me of the importance of community—how life is richer when we have people (or pigs!) around us to share it with.
Whether it’s through sharing a meal, lending a helping hand, or simply spending time together, community is essential.
Watching my pigs look out for one another reminds me to prioritize relationships and build strong connections in my own life.
5. Waste Nothing, Use Everything
Pigs are nature’s ultimate recyclers.
They consume food scraps and transform them into rich manure that fertilizes the soil.
They remind me that nothing in life needs to go to waste.
Whether it’s food, time, or energy, there’s always a way to repurpose and find value in what might otherwise be discarded.
This lesson has deeply influenced how I approach farming—and life. I strive to minimize waste, live more sustainably, and appreciate the resources I have.
6. Adaptability is Key
Weather changes, seasons shift, and pastures evolve—but my pigs adapt to it all with ease.
Whether it’s the heat of summer or the chill of winter, they adjust to their environment and keep going.
Life, too, is full of change, and my pigs have taught me the value of adaptability.
They remind me that while I may not control everything, I can control how I respond—and that being flexible in the face of change often leads to better outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Raising pastured pigs has been one of the most rewarding parts of my farming journey, not just because of the delicious, high-quality food they provide, but because of the life lessons they’ve taught me along the way.
These animals have a wisdom that goes beyond words, teaching us to live simply, stay curious, respect nature, and build strong connections.
Every day on the farm, I am grateful for these pigs—not just for what they give, but for how they’ve helped me grow.
They remind me that life is about more than just getting things done—it’s about living fully, with purpose, gratitude, and joy.
So, the next time you see a pig happily rooting around in the dirt, take a moment to reflect.
There’s a lot we can learn from them if we’re willing to pay attention.
