Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pork Shares
What is included in a half hog?
Our Curated Half Hog includes a thoughtfully selected variety of bacon, smoked ham, pork chops, roasts, ribs, sausage, ground pork, and premium cuts. We've designed it to take the guesswork out of buying a hog while giving your family an excellent variety of pork for everyday meals.
Can I customize my hog share?
Yes! Our Whole Hog is completely customizable. You'll choose exactly how you'd like your pork cut and packaged. If you'd rather skip the cutting instructions, our Curated Half Hog is designed to make the process simple.
How much freezer space do I need?
A Curated Half Hog generally requires about 3–4 cubic feet of freezer space, while a Whole Hog typically requires 6–8 cubic feet. Chest freezers make storing bulk pork especially easy.
How are your pigs raised?
Our pigs are born and raised right here at Grid Iron Hill Farm in Havre de Grace, Maryland. They spend their lives outdoors with access to wooded paddocks where they root, forage, wallow, and explore. They're fed a tested, chemical-free, non-GMO ration that's free from corn, soy, and shellfish.
Do you use hormones or antibiotics?
No. We never use growth hormones, antibiotics, or vaccines in our pigs—including our breeding animals. We believe healthy animals raised in a clean, low-stress environment simply don't need them.
What breed of pigs do you raise?
We raise a Heritage Mulefoot × Berkshire cross. This combination is known for producing beautifully marbled pork with rich color, exceptional tenderness, and deep, old-fashioned pork flavor.
Are your bacon and hams cured?
No. Our bacon and hams are naturally smoked and uncured. They contain no added nitrates, nitrites, MSG, or added sugars.
What's in your sausage?
Our sausage is made with simple, recognizable ingredients like herbs and spices. We avoid unnecessary fillers and artificial ingredients so the flavor of the pork can shine.
Why does low-stress handling matter?
Stress immediately before processing can negatively affect the tenderness, texture, and flavor of pork. That's why we personally handle and transport every pig with patience and care, keeping the experience as calm and low-stress as possible.
Why buy pork directly from a local farm?
Buying directly from a local farm gives you confidence in how your food was raised while supporting local agriculture. You know where your pork came from, how the animals were cared for, and the family who raised them.
Where is Grid Iron Hill Farm located?
Grid Iron Hill Farm is located in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and proudly serves families throughout Harford County, Cecil County, Baltimore County, and the surrounding region with pasture-raised pork, grass-fed beef, and other farm-raised foods.
If you're searching for pasture-raised pork in Maryland, bulk pork, half hogs, whole hogs, or freezer pork near Harford County, we'd love to help. Grid Iron Hill Farm in Havre de Grace offers thoughtfully raised pork shares from Heritage Mulefoot × Berkshire pigs, born and raised on our family farm using regenerative farming practices and a non-GMO diet.
