Meet Acorn and Ham Solo: The Gentle Giants of Jones Family Farm & Ranch
In the rolling hills of Amador County, a heartwarming tale of agricultural revival is unfolding at Jones Family Farm & Ranch. At the center of this story are two charismatic pigs named Acorn and Ham Solo, our beloved Gloucestershire Old Spots.
A New Beginning in Amador County
Our journey began in July 2020 when we, Erik and Brian Jones, purchased our 160-acre ranch. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area, we embarked on a mission to embrace a healthier lifestyle through homesteading. Our goal was simple yet profound: to raise our own food and share wholesome, locally-produced options with the Amador County community.
Introducing Acorn and Ham Solo
In 2022, Acorn and Ham Solo joined our farm family as young pigs, each weighing about 50 pounds. Fast forward to today, and these gentle giants have grown into their roles as the matriarch and patriarch of our pig population. Acorn, our lovely sow, now tips the scales at a healthy 350 pounds, while Ham Solo, our impressive boar, has reached a whopping 750 pounds!
Personality Plus
Don't let their size fool you – Acorn and Ham Solo are as gentle as they come. Known for their intelligence and friendly demeanor, they're a pure joy to be around. They absolutely love human interaction, especially when it comes to back scratches and ear rubs. You'll often find them contentedly rolling around in the mud, showcasing the natural behaviors that make Gloucestershire Old Spots such a delight to raise.
But it's not just their friendly nature that makes them special. Acorn and Ham Solo are devoted parents, showing immense love and protectiveness towards their piglets. Twice a year, usually in early summer around June and again in winter around December, they bless our farm with litters of adorable piglets.
The Legacy of the Gloucestershire Old Spot Breed
Acorn and Ham Solo are proud representatives of the Gloucestershire Old Spot breed, a heritage pig known for its distinctive white coat spotted with black patches. Originating from the Gloucestershire region of England, these pigs are celebrated for their hardiness, docile nature, foraging abilities, and high-quality meat.
The journey of Gloucestershire Old Spots to California mirrors the state's agricultural evolution. Farmers here value breeds that can thrive in diverse climates and contribute to sustainable farming practices. By choosing this breed, we're not only honoring agricultural tradition but also reinforcing our commitment to humane and sustainable animal husbandry.
Life on the Farm
At Jones Family Farm & Ranch, we're committed to ensuring Acorn, Ham Solo, and all their offspring live their best pig lives. Here's how we care for our porcine friends:
Twice-daily feedings with high-quality feed
Regular health monitoring
Frequent human interaction (and lots of scratches!)
Access to plenty of water for creating their beloved mud baths
Clean, pest-free bedding and pens
Treats in the form of healthy table scraps
Freedom to roam under the shade of oak trees, enjoying a natural habitat
This level of care not only keeps Acorn and Ham Solo happy but also contributes to the superior quality of pork we produce. Happy pigs make for delicious, ethically-raised meat.
Join Our Journey
We believe in transparency and connecting our customers with the source of their food. That's why we welcome visitors to our farm to meet Acorn, Ham Solo, and the rest of our animal family. It's a great opportunity to see firsthand how we raise our livestock and why small-scale, humane farming practices make a difference.
At Jones Family Farm & Ranch, we're more than just farmers – we're caretakers, animal lovers, and your neighbors. We're committed to producing high-quality, antibiotic-free, humanely raised livestock right here in beautiful Amador County. Our mission goes beyond just feeding our family; we aim to provide healthy alternatives to neighbors seeking quality produce.
Stay tuned for updates on Acorn and Ham Solo's latest adventures, and don't forget to check our store for the delicious, ethically-raised pork products that are the result of their hard work (and ours)!
Come visit us, meet our beloved pigs, and become a part of our growing community that values quality, sustainability, and heartwarming stories. Experience the difference that small-scale, thoughtful farming can make!
