Kate Debord of RG Prime Meats, a slaughterhouse in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, has been processing the hogs of Sequatchie Valley farmers for about 15 years and shares her tips and best practices with anyone interested in learning more.
Before You Begin
Debord recommends familiarizing yourself with the slaughtering process by first viewing YouTube videos and, if the opportunity presents itself, even watching the slaughtering process in person. And, as the process can be time-consuming, she says that it should only be started on a day when you have plenty of time.
Opinions on the necessity of withholding feed, done to lessen the chances of contaminating the carcass with feces and to make gutting easier, before slaughtering vary. Debord doesn’t see this as necessary. Water can and should be offered regardless of your choice.
As you prepare for the day, you’ll need to make sure you have the following equipment ready and available.
• firearm. Debord recommends a .22 rifle.
• multiple sharp boning, skinning and fillet knives plus a knife sharpener. For safety’s sake, always try to work with your knife blade facing away from you.
• cleaver for the skull
• gut hook
• bell scraper
• reciprocating saw or hand saw or both
Denne historien er fra September - October 2023-utgaven av Hobby Farms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September - October 2023-utgaven av Hobby Farms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ostrich EDUCATION
If you're looking for a unique livestock option, these large, flightless birds might be the answer.
Spiced Apple Rings
Learn the best and tastiest ways to put up the traditional canning foods, from tomatoes and green beans to apples and peaches in this new book.
RURAL REBOUND
Have cities reached their peak?
Pie Time!
Make a sweet potato crumb pie for the holidays or any day!
Soil SOLUTIONS
By practicing more sustainable farming techniques, we can bring back the rich topsoil of the preindustrial era.
Groundbreaking Fertilizer
Raise compost worms and harvest their waste, which is a natural and powerful plant fertilizer.
Cut & Dried
DRYING YOUR HERB HARVEST OFFERS AN EASY WAY TO PRESERVE ITS FLAVOR AND USEFULNESS FOR PROJECTS AND RECIPES YEAR-ROUND.
HERB-INFUSED LIP BALM
CREATE A SOOTHING AND GENTLE PRODUCT PERFECT FOR HEALING DRY, CHAPPED LIPS.
Heart & Soul
CONSIDER SOME HEART- AND LUNG HEALTHY HERBS.
TO LIFT You Up
HERBS CAN PROVIDE EXTRA SUPPORT WHEN IT COMES TO DEPRESSION.