Pigs have higher feed conversion ratios than ruminants, but lower ratios than poultry. The ratio depends on the quality of the feed, but I think it runs in the 3-5 lbs. of feed per pound of gain range. Because pigs aren't ruminants, they don't digest forages as completely as sheep and cattle or produce amino acids as in the rumen, and thus generally require higher quality feeds and have higher, more complete protein requirements. Be sure runoff from the pigs pens doesn't flow directly to surface water. Your plans would meet the requirements of an animal feeding operation, even with a couple pigs. An AFO that discharges to surface water is required to get a permit which will require you to eliminate the ability of untreated runoff to get to surface water, at which point you are no longer a regulated AFO and don't require a permit--so, just skip the regulatory process and make sure no runoff gets to surface water. Pig manure is high in nutrients, particularly phosphate and high in nitrogen when the liquids are retained. Because pigs don't normally consume high fiber diets (like humans they don't digest the cellulose), it isn't as high in organic matter compared to cow or sheep manure. They will heavily fertilize the garden and add organic matter, but they won't add the degree of organic matter that ruminants can. Biologically they are relatively close to humans. I would fallow the pens for a year before putting it back in garden to make sure there aren't any diseases or parasites passed to the garden produce. Good luck!

Thank you so much Kirk, your prayers most welcome. The pain is just really doing me in, not to mention inability to do anything at all. I think that huge crock sounds like a terrific buy and would make a neat fountain. I bet it's beautiful and can't wait to see it. Totems are very addictive and fun. I have made 4, and have stuff to make a few more. Two of mine are cobalt, one is milk glass, and is the lead crystal type glassware. I can't wait to get my amber one done next. It won't be very big, but that's the fun of totems. You can make most any size. I even have a tiny one that's only about 10" high. Pix of all in photobucket album, so you've probably seen them before. Karen Here is a link that might be useful: sangaree_KS

Hey Connie: I grow Molineux, Mary Rose and Crown Princess Margareta. My Molineux did reasonably well this year in far too much shade. Much taller than last year at about four feet high. Part of that could be due to stretching for the sun. Next year when I move it to a sunnier locale I'll probably keep it trimmed more. For now I'd call it medium. Mary Rose in light sun is say 3.5 x 3.5 feet. Cut back hard twice this summer and is blooming now. I love this rose. Crown Princess Margareta is new this year and is bigger than both Molineux and Mary Rose. Many canes, all long. I should have cut it back harder about a month ago but hated to because of all the blooms and the fact that its new. I'd put it in the back unless you want to keep it trimmed or wish to put it on a shortish trellis. Good rebloom. Hope this helps. Kate

I did a lot of reading about the hazards of microwave cooking and didn't like what I saw. I don't believe 1/2 of what I read as a general rule. But some of it was pretty scary. I was especially concerned when the OBGYN said DO NOT microwave stored breast milk. It's actually a lot easier to do without than I thought it would be. Alternatly, we are eating a lot more raw food. Which is infinitely better tasting and better for us. My 3 yr old and I wander through the garden grazing like goats everyday. It's great! for lunch today we had handfulls of broccoli, carrots and snowpeas. I agree time is of the essence when it comes to sustaining the planet and I have to agree that I don't think Earth was meant to sustain this many humans. It seems like every time I watch the news She is trying to shake us off. Earthquakes and hurricanes everyday the more they come the worse they get. Yet here we all are still breeding (myself included - though I stopped at 2) It's a pity that social conciousness isn't more widespread.