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A robust heritage breed pig lounges contentedly in a muddy wallow, perfectly capturing the raw essence of free-range farming practices in Victoria's Heathcote region. The large, slate-grey swine stretches languidly across a shallow puddle, its muscular body partially submerged in rich, dark earth and brownish water. Surrounding dry grass and disturbed soil suggest a natural paddock environment typical of extensive pig farming techniques. The animal's thick, sparse-haired skin glistens with moisture, demonstrating an instinctive cooling behavior that allows livestock to regulate body temperature in warmer agricultural landscapes. This candid moment illustrates the interconnection between animal welfare, natural behaviors, and sustainable farming methodologies prevalent in regional Victorian piggeries. The image powerfully communicates the unstructured, pastoral approach to pig rearing that distinguishes free-range agricultural practices from more intensive production models.