The Farm Report
Farm Infrastructure with Mike Yezzi
Today on The Farm Report, Erin Fairbanks catches up with frequent guest and Greenmarket fixture Mike Yezzi of Flying Pigs Farm. Tune into this episode to learn about the history of the farm, and why Mike decided to raise English rare breed hogs in a small farm setting. Find out why pigs are never wholly grassfed, and the demand for calories when raising pork. Hear Mike's opinions regarding organic certification, and why he chooses to care for his sick pigs using modern medicine. Upstate New York's agricultural history allows for a tight-knit infrastructure; how has the mix of farming styles in New York allowed for farms of all sizes to thrive? How does Mike move less-than-desirable cuts? How can you find Flying Pigs Farm's pigs at the upcoming Pig Island? Find out all of this and more on this week's episode of The Farm Report! This program has been brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons. Thanks to Obey City for today's music.
"Pigs are single-gutted animals, and cows are ruminant animals. They have more than one stomach. Single-gutted animals don't digest grass as well; it has to do with how the grass ferments in the stomach." [6:50]
"The mix of larger farms and small farms (like mine) in Washington County help keep the agricultural infrastructure in place." [18:15]
-- Mike Yezzi on The Farm Report