First hog of the year

The first hog we processed this year was for ourselves.  We don't generally name our hogs, but this one received the name, Oreo, due to it's coloring...




We decided to have Swiss Meats process it for us, but Dan field dressed the hog himself, which is to gut and skin it.  It's much easier to transport this way.  We had Swiss process it so we could have hams and bacon cured and smoked for us.  As much as Dan likes processing the hog ourselves, not to mention a lot less expensive, we miss having bacon.  And best of all, Swiss Meats can cure without using nitrates (reason being, there is pretty conclusive evidence that nitrates cause cancer, for those that don't follow this topic).

We can't wait to get the call letting us know our meat is ready to pick up!

Mmm... pork!