We’re still flushing out our page so check back in again for new stuff! Soon to come is a video of our pigs showing off our track system.

 

Takenoko farms was started in 2004 to be a fresh produce food source for Windsor California and Sonoma County. Since then we’ve grown crops, sold eggs, and raised livestock. This last year(2013) we have made some transitions and our main focus is now sustainably raised pork. We’ve gone beyond just pasture raised and developed a natural living environment based off of a “track” system. The idea was cultivated and based upon the system known as “paddock paradise” which was brought to my attention by Alissa Mayer and originally developed for horses. Our pigs are out there constantly moving with multiple feeding, watering, and sleeping areas along the track and gates that are opened to allow them access to rotational pastures.

We have also recently partnered with Ramblin’ Roots, a startup farm here in Windsor to cultivate and grow a multitude of crops in our rotational pastures. These folks are doing it machine free, as our pigs are wonderful rototillers!

In addition to our pigs getting to rummage around in the natural forage we are partnered with Moonlight Brewing Company and receive all of their spent brewers grains, yeast, and access “malted water”. We are also partnered with Kevin Kelley at Salina winery and the NPA, we receive all of Kevin’s post crush grapes to add into the mix every harvest. Another great partner is WildBrine, we pick-up all of their organic veggie waste everyday to make sure our pigs are getting plenty of greens! Last but certainly not least the kind folks at Redwood Hill Dairy allow us to pick-up some of their whey left over from cheese making to really round out our pigs diet!

Our philosophy out here at Takenoko Farms is one of natural sustainable living. We raise heritage breed hogs: Large Black, Red Wattle, Eurasian, American Guinea Hog, and Berkshires. All of our pigs are bred for genetic diversity and all breeding is done onsite. The Eurasian for some good wild smarts, Red Wattle for their foraging skills and big hams, and Large Black for the long belly and big bacon! No pig here is ever confined unnecessarily, fed hormones or antibiotics, they are all loved and cared for from day one. Our piglets all start out their lives in a cozy farrowing house with attached deck and three car garage (no, not really a garage), and ample space to play in an open 1,500 sq ft pen.

We are also raising ducks, chickens, turkeys, and goats. All with the same principles in mind.

 

Want to know a little about the farmers?

Jeff Kent: Owner and Chief Macgyver

Jeff has lived on this farm here in Windsor his entire life. Growing up on the farm his parents raised dairy goats, chickens, turkeys, and pigs. They always had their garden and enjoyed living simply. Starting his days as a kid milking before school Jeff has always had an interest in Agriculture, but he didn’t stop there. Jeff has also dabbled in Mechanics and Film Production.

 

Michael Gomez: Partner and Excel Master

Michael spent his college years focused on social studies and graduated from the University of California Davis with a BA in Economics in 2011. Since then, Michael has found that there is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than doing what he is right now: farming and working with kids.

 

Pan: Livestock Guard Dog and Official Farm Greeter

Jeff has known Pan since he was just a few hours old, it was love at first sight. Pan came to the farm when he was two months old and grew up with his goats. Pan is now six years old and still a puppy at heart.