I have two sows and soon I’ll need to butcher one. They are sisters, but they’re built differently. One is longer and skinnier with 14 teats, while the other is shorter, wider, and has only 10 teats. Which one should I cull?

How long does a barrel of feed (approximately 5 bags) last for one pig? Do you typically achieve a 3:1 or 4:1 feed conversion ratio?

There is a means to add tension to the band saw. How tight should I set it? For reference if it is too lose, the blade will touch the metal sliding cutting surface. Any tips on how tight I should go?

I think we all recognize that the current food system leaves much to be desired. More and more platforms, like mine, are emerging with the goal of encouraging people to support local food sources. A common barrier I hear is that many people say they simply can’t find local food. What do you think? How can we push back against the dominant food system? How can I help others see that there are efforts underway, and people are really trying to make a change?

The platform I’ve created offers a space where users can form communities to buy and sell local food goods, but it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation—these communities need to grow in order to work effectively. My excitement is growing because, just recently, the first community was created on the platform, and I can’t wait to see how others begin linking up their goods.

In five years or less, I truly believe the way we access food could look drastically different from what it does today. The potential for change is there, and it starts with all of us working together. What do you think the next step should be in helping spread the word and build more local food systems?

Check out linkfoodlocally.com