Gloucestershire Old Spots
Pork The way it used to be!
Cross My Heart Farm is doing it's part to restore the Gloucestershire Old Spot to its former place at the top of the food chain.
The GOS, descended from a region in Gloucestershire, England known as the Vale of Berkeley. Recognized as the oldest pedigree spotted pig in the world, the GOS was once popular with small family farms, where they were raised on dairy by-products (such as whey) and orchard "drop fruit," giving these pigs the nicknames "cottage pig" and "orchard pig." It is thought the spots came from apples striking the pigs as they fell from the trees.
Pasture raised, No hormones, No antibiotics.
The GOS, descended from a region in Gloucestershire, England known as the Vale of Berkeley. Recognized as the oldest pedigree spotted pig in the world, the GOS was once popular with small family farms, where they were raised on dairy by-products (such as whey) and orchard "drop fruit," giving these pigs the nicknames "cottage pig" and "orchard pig." It is thought the spots came from apples striking the pigs as they fell from the trees.
Pasture raised, No hormones, No antibiotics.
WHO WE ARE
Cross My Heart is a family owned farm. We started small scale in Summerfield raising feeders for our personal use and for friends. Then in January 2011 we expanded to include 6 acres in Ocklawaha. With the new acreage we were able to gear production toward “Heritage Pastured Pigs”. I was finally able to acquire my long sought after Gloucestershire Old Spots.
We have Purebred GOS breeding sows and boars. We have gilts that are close to breeding age, and they will double our breeding herd. We are one of 4 GOSA breeders in the entire United States to have breeding stock in all four of the color bloodlines. We are the only GOSA registered breeder of GOS in Florida. We will register the best of our litters, and we cull the piglets that do not meet GOS standards.
The amount of spots on our pigs is varied. Some have a lot of spots and some have only one or two. The amount of spots do not affect the quality of the pig, spots are a personal preference.
Our blood lines at Cross My Heart Farm are diverse enough that we are able to produce low CI piglets for breeding purposes. We make every attempt to breed along the color wheel of the Cyclic Breeding System. Click here for more information about the color wheel breeding Cycle Breeding System.
Our pigs are raised humanely. Free to run and play in pastures. They give birth in a safe farrowing area with a hut designed to help keep piglets safe. We do not use farrowing crates. They receive extra feed and are closely watched for any health problems that may arise with the sow and the piglets.
Our pigs are raised on pasture, hay, a little grain, a little corn, and some natural minerals. We do not feed any antibiotics, hormones, growth stimulants, unnatural ingredients, waste products, distillers grains or ethanol byproducts. They receive natural food grade Diatomaceous earth to help keep them internal parasite free. We will give them mild antibiotics if they are needed (Thankfully none have been needed so far) Our pork is raised on pastures with no chemical pesticides added to it.
We are always happy to answer any question that you may have. We do not conduct tours as we consider ourselves a work in progress. We would be happy to show prospective buyers our pigs if they wish. Please see our contact page for more information on the GOS.
We have Purebred GOS breeding sows and boars. We have gilts that are close to breeding age, and they will double our breeding herd. We are one of 4 GOSA breeders in the entire United States to have breeding stock in all four of the color bloodlines. We are the only GOSA registered breeder of GOS in Florida. We will register the best of our litters, and we cull the piglets that do not meet GOS standards.
The amount of spots on our pigs is varied. Some have a lot of spots and some have only one or two. The amount of spots do not affect the quality of the pig, spots are a personal preference.
Our blood lines at Cross My Heart Farm are diverse enough that we are able to produce low CI piglets for breeding purposes. We make every attempt to breed along the color wheel of the Cyclic Breeding System. Click here for more information about the color wheel breeding Cycle Breeding System.
Our pigs are raised humanely. Free to run and play in pastures. They give birth in a safe farrowing area with a hut designed to help keep piglets safe. We do not use farrowing crates. They receive extra feed and are closely watched for any health problems that may arise with the sow and the piglets.
Our pigs are raised on pasture, hay, a little grain, a little corn, and some natural minerals. We do not feed any antibiotics, hormones, growth stimulants, unnatural ingredients, waste products, distillers grains or ethanol byproducts. They receive natural food grade Diatomaceous earth to help keep them internal parasite free. We will give them mild antibiotics if they are needed (Thankfully none have been needed so far) Our pork is raised on pastures with no chemical pesticides added to it.
We are always happy to answer any question that you may have. We do not conduct tours as we consider ourselves a work in progress. We would be happy to show prospective buyers our pigs if they wish. Please see our contact page for more information on the GOS.