The Dent-ed Barn

It's been a busy few weeks at The Dented Barn. We're still on the market with a plan for the big move but in the mean time.....

So we're going to move the Dented Barn. Not a small move, one to the other side of the world. South West France to be precise. With our place in New Zealand on the market and steadily packing stuff we don't need, someone clearly forgot to tell the pigs we are trying to downsize!! First litter for this girl, 10 healthy wee babes. Before you ask, no we didn't put the boar in with her but clearly he had needs..... Just saying

So Miss Spot gave birth today to 12 healthy wee babies. Not that we're trying to downsize or anything......

Believe it or not, this is us looking fresh! Goodness knows what we'll look like after 27hrs of travelling! France, here we come! A whistle stop tour that may change the rest of our lives.…… watch this space...... I believe we are known as La Grange Cabossee in those parts

9 years ago yesterday, 31st March, represents our new beginning here at The Dented Barn. Every year we grow, we learn, adapt and overcome. This last year has been 'moist' with multiple floods and cyclones, but we are still standing strong!

To add to our list of supplies, we've dehydrated apples, lemon rind, orange rind, celery, spring onions, apricots, thyme, sage and Italian parsley.
This is in preparation for some exciting flavour profiles and combos... Tell us... What are your flavour go to sausage, or what would you like to try...

When life gives you an abundance, you dehydrate! From Banana Chillies, mild, right through to Carolina Reapers or Ghost chillies, we got 'em all! Our sausage and salami making have just gone next level...

A little something from the test kitchen...stuffed beef bacon...amazing!!!

Pm update...
Whilst away, Mrs Dot had another piglet, meaning nine live 1 stillborn. The two smallest weren't overly mobile, and were burrowed under the hay. This leaves them prime targets to be rolled on by the new mum. So into protective custody comes Eddie Murphy, darker markings and Harry Potter with the zigzag on his head!

Final count is 8 live births and one stillborn. 9 for a first time mum is fabulous. Now to watch her over next 48 hours, to see how attentive she is...

4 live babies and a stillborn so far...my spirit bird, Piwakawaka, fantail, is here keeping watch over me due to shocking insomnia since Covid at Christmas. Might join Mama and have a nap in the hay!!!

On this gorgeous summers morning Mrs Dot has gone into labour...she is half Berkshire, half Saddleback. Donald, our full Berkshire is the dad. These little ones should be good looking, if nothing else!!!