Two years ago, almost to the week, Skyline Pastures went viral for all the wrong reasons. “The Infamous Pig Stampede of 2023” — twelve pigs, one narrow laneway, one poorly placed feeder, and a cascade of panic that ended with a fence in tatters and my sanity hanging by a strand of polywire.
Back then, we were still early in our farming journey. We had the energy, the enthusiasm, and the optimism — but not yet the systems, infrastructure, and instincts that only experience can teach. We learned a lot that day about pigs, fencing, and humility. Mostly humility.
Fast forward to today, and while we still have our fair share of surprises (because it is farming, after all), the days of full-blown chaos are few and far between. Our infrastructure, management, and mindset have all evolved. We’ve built stronger paddock fencing with redundancy in mind. We’ve improved how we handle moves — from calm, quiet setups to ensuring animals are never pinched into tight spaces. And we’ve learned to read our livestock better than any manual could teach us.
When I reread that old post, I don’t cringe — I smile. Because that disaster was part of the tuition we pay as farmers. Every broken fence, every escaped pig, every plan that didn’t go the way we imagined… it all adds up to better systems and a wiser farmer.
Now, our hog rotations run like clockwork. We use better equipment, we plan paddock moves with intention, and we give the animals the space and calm they deserve. The result? Happier pigs, healthier silvopasture, and a much more relaxed farmer at the end of the day.
What’s changed most, though, is our perspective. Back then, we saw mistakes as failures. Now, we see them as the most valuable part of the process. Farming isn’t about getting it perfect — it’s about getting a little better every season. Whether it’s improving soil health, tightening fence lines, or refining our grazing schedule, progress comes from curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to adapt.
If you’re just starting out, take it from us: the rough days are part of the journey. You’ll look back and realize that those moments of chaos were quietly building your competence and confidence. The farm you have today is the result of the lessons you didn’t want to learn — but needed to.
Two years after the Pig Stampede, we still laugh about it. The pigs are calmer. We’re calmer. And our fences? Let’s just say they’ve never been stronger.
Because on the farm — as in life — the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Where will this end up?
I can see this after clicking on a previous post but not from the main blog menu. Why??