Haines Member Farm, LLC is a community supported agricultural farm (CSA) in Haines, Alaska. The 5-acre farmland’s breathtaking view will make you forget about the sturdy brush gripping your ankles. This farm will be the owner’s additional step taken toward 100% self-sufficiency. The ultimate plan is simply to grow strawberries. 

One of the first steps in starting the farm is to clear the land, so why not diversify? Allow 12 little pigs to enjoy eating this vegetation, feed and scraps while trodding the ground, preparing it for planting. Pigs are great for large, fenced areas to turn over the soil, root out shrubs, bushes and persistent weeds. These 60 pound pigs will grow into delicious 230 pound hogs…”Strawberries and Prosciutto for Sale.” 

After toying with her inner capitalist for a while, the owner learned how easy is it to stress out a pig; a common problem that can be caused by hauling, vaccinating, etc. Well, what else could loosen her grip on this lovely self-sustainable idea? Here is her cost benefit analysis that leads to the most reasonable financial solution.

Cost Benefit Analysis: Clearing Farm with Pigs or Plow

Based on this analysis, foregoing pigs this year is the best financial decision for the owner’s situation. She is still committed to pigs, someday! Finding them locally avoids risk. Reducing the scope of what can be accomplished this year will allow more time to save, plan for pig sitters and their housing, stretch out expenses, and let new ideas germinate to reach her self-sufficiency goal. A five-year plan is underway. We’ll share that so you can customize it for your CSA farm and self-sufficient lifestyle goal.