🍺 From Bar Ditch to Barley: The Unbelievable Tale of Our Biggest (and Sweetest) Hog

Barley today - and as a young piglet 3 years ago

If you’ve ever driven a quiet country road and seen something rustling in the ditch, you might not expect it to be a pig. But in the fall of 2022, that’s exactly where Barley’s story began.

For over a week, a young pig was spotted darting in and out of the woods alongside a road in northwest Wisconsin—lost, hungry, and completely terrified. A kindhearted local family worried for his safety, fearing he’d be hit by a car. So, they set out to rescue him.

But as anyone who’s tried it can tell you—catching a pig is no easy feat. They tried everything: snacks, goat’s milk, sweet feed, pig chow, gentle voices, and even baby talk. Nothing worked. Until someone suggested something… unconventional: beer.

Yes, you read that right. In one last-ditch (pun intended) effort to save his life, they cracked open a cold one and offered it to the wary pig. And wouldn’t you know it? He finally slowed down enough to be safely caught.

The kind family knew then and there, his name could only be one thing: Barley.

Farmer Terry and I brought Barley home to Pleasant Pasture shortly after, where he found not only safety—but his forever home. Since then, he’s grown into quite the presence. At over 650 pounds and nearly 7 feet long, Barley is the biggest hog at the sanctuary—but don’t let his size fool you. He’s also the most playful.

Barley still acts like the youngest of the bunch. He gets the zoomies in the mud. He LOVES snout scratches, and he bats those signature long eyelashes when he wants attention.

He may have started his journey in fear and uncertainty, but Barley now lives a life full of comfort, care, and love—and it’s all thanks to people like you.

Would you consider becoming a monthly sponsor for Barley?

Your support helps keep this gentle giant well-fed and well-loved, and in return, you’ll get monthly updates and photos of the one-and-only Barley himself.

👉 Become a sponsor for Barley the Hog »

Oink oink and thank you from the bottom of his muddy little heart. 💗