As we step into 2025, we at Roots and Soil Homestead are excited to share our vision and goals for the year ahead. Every animal we raise and every project we undertake is rooted in our commitment to sustainable farming, ethical practices, and preserving heritage breeds. This year, we’re focusing on key areas that will help us continue to grow, learn, and contribute to the farming and homesteading community.

1. Growing Our Kunekune Herd

Kunekune pigs are a relatively new addition to our homestead. In 2025, we’re committed to further developing our herd by focusing on quality breeding stock.

• Why Quality Breeding Matters: Exceptional breeding stock ensures animals with superior genetics, strong conformation, and excellent temperaments. This translates not only to better pigs but also to exceptional pasture-raised pork that’s flavorful, tender, and sustainable.
• Sustainability Goals: Kunekunes are perfect for regenerative farming, as they thrive on pasture and require minimal grain. By continuing to prioritize breeding for strong grazing ability and overall health, we’re helping promote sustainable pork production.

2. Strengthening Our Katahdin Flock

Our Katahdin sheep are another vital part of Roots and Soil Homestead, and this year we’re focused on producing livestock with excellent growth rates and robust health.

• Prioritizing Growth Rates: Faster-growing lambs mean greater efficiency for both our farm and our customers. We’re honing in on genetics that produce high-quality lambs while maintaining the breed’s signature mild-flavored, tender meat.
• Supreme Health Standards: Healthy animals are the foundation of any successful farming operation. We’ll continue to prioritize parasite resistance, strong immune systems, and adaptability to ensure our flock thrives.

3. Heritage and Landrace Poultry and Waterfowl

Preserving heritage and landrace breeds of poultry and waterfowl is a responsibility we take seriously. In 2025, we’re deepening our efforts to maintain breed standards and increase our knowledge about the birds we raise.

• Focusing on the Standard of Perfection: From our exhibition Barred Rocks and BBS Ameraucanas to our Swedish Flower Hens, Sebastopol geese, and Silver Appleyard ducks, we’re working to meet or exceed the standard of perfection for each breed.
• Attending More Shows: By participating in more APBA (American Poultry Breeders Association) shows, we’re expanding our knowledge, learning from experienced breeders, and continuously improving the quality of our flocks.
• Breed Conservation: Raising heritage and landrace breeds ensures their preservation for future generations while offering diverse, high-quality eggs and meat.

4. Successfully plant and maintain, a smaller, more sustainable garden

• Focusing on basic heirloom vegetables like greens, carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, peas and beans.
• Using as much fresh produce as possible in season and preserving the abundance in a timely manner.
• Learning more about soil health and amending our nutrients to improve production in natural, chemical free means.

Why These Goals Matter

Each of these goals supports our mission to farm responsibly, sustainably, and with a deep respect for agricultural heritage. By focusing on quality breeding stock, healthy animals, and breed conservation, we’re not only strengthening Roots and Soil Homestead but also contributing to the broader farming community.

Join Us on Our 2025 Journey

We’re excited to tackle these goals and share our progress with you throughout the year. Whether it’s updates on our Kunekune herd, new lambs in our Katahdin flock, or highlights from a poultry show, we hope to inspire and educate through our journey.

Thank you for supporting Roots and Soil Homestead. Together, we can continue to promote sustainable, ethical farming and preserve the incredible breeds that make our work so rewarding.

Here’s to an exciting and productive 2025!