About
Sweet Rock
It started with chickens...
Sweet Rock Farm is a family owned and operated farm located in Harris MN owned by both Tim and Joyce Leek. Our family’s commitment is to offer our customers the highest quality meats direct from our farm to you. In doing so we hope to show you the difference in the quality of our Berkshire pork, Boer goat, pasture raised turkey, chicken, and eggs of many colors from free range happy hens.
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We got started with just a few chickens and found how much we truly love raising the animals, and as they say happy animals create quality meat and eggs. At the prompting of my 80 year old father suggesting we raise some pigs as he grew up on a pig farm. We did so thinking it would something for him to enjoy. We then researched many pig breeds decided our goal is quality over quantity and hands down the Berkshire pig breed won.
Happy pigs. Happy hearts.
We started with a few the first year with dad and discovered that raising pigs in an open pasture with daily belly rubs and back scratches makes for a happy pig and amazing tasting pork. Plus it is quite fun watching pig tv; they do the darnedest things. The following year through demand we added a few more and quickly sold out. 2023 will be our 3rd year pasture raising Berkshire Pigs and are well on our way to another fun year with the pigs. Give some a try. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste.
Something new in 2023 at the prompting of one of our Farmers Market customers this year we will adding some goats. This will be a first for us, so like before, we had to do our research and again another breed stood out: Boer goats. We will be starting with just a few to try them and see how things go. We will keep you posted on this adventure. Let us know if you would like to try some.
Our commitment to our animals is a safe happy home where they can live their best life and get daily belly rubs and scratches.
Why Berkshires?
According to Wikipedia, "The Berkshire pig is and English breed of pig, originating in the county of Berkshire for which it is named. It is the oldest pig breed in England. Berkshire was listed as vulnerable with less than 300 breeding sows but has since been revived in popularity of the breed through its connection to the Japanese marketing of a 'wagyu for pork' the number have increased.”
“Berkshire pork, prized for juiciness, flavor, and tenderness, is pink-hued and heavily marbled. Its high fat content makes it suitable for long cooking and high-temperature cooking. The meat has a slightly higher pH, according to food science professor Kenneth Pursa of Iowa State University. Increased pH makes the meat darker, firmer and more flavorful. High pH is a greater determinant than fat content in the meat’s overall flavor characteristics.”
Pick Up Locations
Add Your desired location at checkout.
North Branch Farmers Market
Saturday 8am-12pm.
Harris Farmers Market
Sunday 10am-2pm.
Shoreview Farmers Market
Tuesday 3pm-7pm.