American Guinea Hogs at TnF Farms

3 little pigs sleeping the afternoon away

So Faith was hypnotizing pigs…

We were a little reluctant af first but TnF Farms finally ventured into the world of pig farming. TnF Farms started with 2 unregistered American Guinea hogs and a Kune Kune. We now raise both registered and unregistered American Guinea Hogs with a focus on meat production and livestock sales. Our journey with these remarkable animals has been a blend of knowledge gained through research and the valuable lessons we’ve learned through hands-on experience.

American Guinea Hogs are a heritage breed known for their smaller size, gentle temperament, and excellent meat quality. They are well-suited to small-scale farming, making them a perfect fit for our homestead. Fortunately we had a mentor helping us get started with pigs. From the outset, we were aware of their dietary requirements and the need for clean, spacious pasture to ensure their well-being.

Our commitment to their health and welfare is evident in our strict adherence to proper feeding practices, routine health check-ups, and a clean living environment. This dedication has not only ensured the well-being of our pigs but has also contributed to the high-quality meat they provide.

Very flavorful pork

Raising American Guinea Hogs for meat production has been an important step in our pursuit of sustainability. These hogs offer a relatively low-impact way to produce meat. They thrive on a diet that includes forage and kitchen scraps. This aligns perfectly with our ethos of responsible farming, minimizing waste and reliance on commercial feed.

In addition to meat production, we’ve found that American Guinea Hogs are a valuable addition to our livestock sales. Their compact size and docile nature make them an excellent choice for those looking to start their own pig farming journey. We have been delighted to provide others with these wonderful animals. We’ve enjoyed sharing our knowledge and experiences with fellow homesteaders and farmers.

As we continue to raise American Guinea Hogs at TnF Farms, we are committed to learning and improving our practices continually. Each pig teaches us something new, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and respect for the animals we raise. We look forward to sharing more about our experiences with you. The lessons we learn, and the delicious, sustainable meat we produce through our American Guinea Hogs at TnF Farms. Join us on this rewarding journey of responsible pig farming and the joys of rural living.

Farm Animals Make Life Better

02/01/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Kaitlyn

I am a frequent visitor to TnF Farms, usually about once a month for a few days. I have been visiting the last few years since Tim and Faith moved to Tallahassee to start their farm. I am no stranger to farm life, as I have had horses growing up, and I much prefer it over city living. During my visits, I help Faith with farm chores, lend a helping hand on projects, become a goat midwife, and get my much-needed farm fix. I have always had a deep connection with animals in general, but there’s just something inherently special about farm animals.

Should You Grow Ryegrass?

01/20/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Tim

Beyond its role as a forage crop, rye grass plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Its ability to prevent soil erosion, particularly on slopes or vulnerable terrain, has made it a preferred choice for cover cropping. As a cover crop, ryegrass forms a protective layer over the soil, reducing the risk of erosion and promoting soil health. Additionally, its quick growth makes it an effective ground cover in lawns and pastures, providing an aesthetically pleasing green carpet. Whether utilized for livestock feed, erosion control, or ornamental landscaping, ryegrass stands out as a resilient and adaptable grass species with multifaceted benefits.

Ranching in the Sunshine State

12/18/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Ranching in the state of Florida holds a unique and enduring place in the history and culture of the Sunshine State. Florida’s ranches have a rich heritage dating back centuries and continue to play a vital role in the state’s agricultural and economic landscape. Let’s look into the fascinating world of Florida ranching, from its historical roots to its modern practices, while also exploring its economic significance, cultural impact, and the challenges it faces.

Growing lemons in Florida

12/09/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats/by Faith

When we bought the property that is now TnF Farms, we saw that there were some mature fruit trees on the property. We thought they may have been pears. No, they were lemons. The first late fall harvest, we were pretty excited. The lemons were big and bright yellow. We cut into one and it was full of seeds. We tried a couple of others and they were very seedy. Then we tasted one and discovered it wasn’t pleasantly tart, but punishingly bitter. No amount of sugar added to this fruit would make lemonade, lemon curd, or lemon bars.

Building our Goat Tote

12/07/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Tim

It’s soon 2024. Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Let me prep you before you emerge from ignorant bliss. Everything costs more. Too much more. For some items the pricing is ridiculous. I have been on the lookout for a livestock trailer. For months, I have cruised Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and have concluded there are 2 kinds of used livestock trailers available in the open market right now:

Feeding pigs food waste

11/28/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Faith

In the beginning stages for TnF Farms, we did investigate this very subject. Food waste, also classified in this publication as garbage is free. There’s plenty of food waste available and pigs are not picky eaters. Ultimately we decided against it because we did not want our livestock living on stale, processed and rotting food. Much today’s human population is overweight and not in the best of health. Diabetes, hypertension, and other food related disease is more common now. Our decision to raise healthy, free ranging livestock was easy. Tim and I believe what’s wrong with everybody’s health is the GMO (genetically modified organism), processed and unnatural food that has become common now.

Piglets born at TnF Farms

11/11/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

To our surprise, early this morning, she released her hostages. “Minnie” is a very stout female named for very short legs and when she’s not being instinctually protective of her babies, she is a sweetheart. Her past piglets have been very healthy and grow into muscular linebackers that integrate well into our herd. If you are interested in getting registered or unregistered piglets to start your own pig farm or to grow out, piglets should be ready for purchase as soon as mid-January of 2024. Please contact us to start the conversation of how you want your pig(s).

What’s in the Pork You Eat?

11/06/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Homesteading/by Tim

At TnF Farms, we believe what you feed your livestock has everything to do with what you get in return. We can taste the difference in our pork especially over commercially raised pork. Quality in means great animal health. Our pasture and forest raised pigs finished out are healthy weight with muscle tone and seem to have an overall energetic or spry take on life. Not just big, fat and lethargic.

A Tasty, Easy Breakfast

10/22/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Foodies, Let's Do Something, Poultry/by Faith

Tim usually cooks breakfast. Before we called it an evening last night, I mentioned tomorrow morning, I’m making a favorite breakfast of mine. Today I’ll be making a country fried breakfast with most of the foods sourced from TnF Farms. I’m starting by frying up a package of our American Guinea hog bacon in an iron skillet. Now I have Tim hovering in the kitchen eating the bacon as fast as it comes out of my skillet.

American Guinea For Quality Meat

10/06/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Faith

If you’re looking to embark on a rewarding journey into small-scale, sustainable livestock farming, consider raising American Guinea Hogs. These unique heritage pigs offer not only a taste of history but also a delectable source of meat. In this post, we’ll discuss some of our experiences so far with American Guinea Hogs, their characteristics, benefits, and how to raise them for flavorful pork.