The Pigaerator!

Last weekend I visited Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia, and I had the opportunity to witness the rare "pigaerator" process that only takes place for a short period of time. The farm staff members explained that first their cows feed on hay and produce manure in the barn. After that, the cows pack down this mixture of manure and hay, and this process effectively ferments the bedding. Corn is then added into the mixture, and the pigs are brought in to root around in the bedding for their prize. The "pigaerator" essentially refers to the aeration that takes place when the pigs dig in the ground for the corn. The resulting well oxygenated and composted soil provides nutrients for the farm's croplands. Check out some of the pictures I took of the cute little piggies!

The pigs work hard to find the corn!

The "pigaerator" at work