Practices & Philosophies
Animals
Our pigs forage for oak acorns in the fall. Our chickens also free range and provide farm fresh eggs with that dark yellow yolk. We have a large orchard with summer and fall apples and Bartlett and Bosc pears that are fed to the pigs and cattle for that hint of a sweet taste. We sell our meat by the whole animal, half animal, or traditional and unique cuts (e.g. leaf lard, goat chorizo, bone-in goat stew meat, and whole pigs (24 to 65 lbs) already processed and ready to bar-b-q or roast.. All our meats are USDA inspected and certified. We also sell weaner pigs and young goats to raise yourself. Please send us a message through the contact page form for more info.
Warm Springs Tribes
We frequently have Bald Eagles visiting this farm, which is a great honor given Rod's Native Shawnee heritage. Eagles have left great gifts of numerous feathers on this land which we've carefully gathered and deliver to a Chief of the Oregon Confederated Warm Springs Tribes - consistent with the tribes' teachings. Rod found his Pacific Northwest home through his foster brother in the Kalama Family of the Warm Springs. Bald Eagle's visit today reminded me of how I appreciate all living beings that call our farm home. In addition to herds of goats, hogs, and cattle - others that work with us include two Border Collies, three Gray Tabby Cats that do a good job controlling rodent populations, and our twin mutts Mutt & Jeff who were rescued from the roadside next to our property.
Conservation & Wildlife
Our sustainable farming practices work well with native species. Birds that take sanctuary include a colony of Turtle Doves which according to Patricia's mom, Joann, have been here, with their distinctive "cooooing", since she was in 8th grade when her parents purchased the farm. Canadian Geese visit the farm in fall migrating further south; and in spring to nest next to the lake Patricia's dad, Joe, created in 1992. Pigeons favor our historic barn built in 1916 as the home roost. Red Tail Hawks are permanent residents of the timbered hillside. Jays, Swallows, Woodpeckers, and other Feathered Friends are with us each day.
Deer families find sanctuary in the woods and meadows, often beside the domestic herds, and also in the orchard when apples and pears are falling. Rabbits are abundant. Coyotes less abundant since Duke and Coco have been on patrol. Neither Rod or Patricia are successful at wildlife photography. Perhaps this can encourage those reading this to take us up on our standing offer to contact us and arrange to come out to Highgate Farm and see for yourself. Native species sightings are guaranteed. Goats, Hogs, and Cattle along with their current babies can always be called in to visit.