An Introduction to Raising Hogs

If you subscribe to this Farm Journal, you know that my initiation into ranch life was administered by pigs. But, what I failed to report after this initiation is what I learned. First, there is nothing a bucket of feed can’t solve. Second, of all of the major livestock species, none is more misunderstood or less appreciated than the pig.

When you think of a pig, you most likely think they are filthy, smelly, greedy, gluttonous mammals. But, despite their reputation, they are actually not inherently dirty nor that edacious. What you might also not know is that you don’t have to raise a huge number to make money.

When we started the ranch, we were told that feeder-pig production was the best way to get into farming. A single gilt (female pig) could become 10 in fairly short order, because they can breed at 8 months of age to farrow (give birth) at one year. Within 8 weeks of farrowing, we would have feeder pigs for our table and to sell. No other major livestock species can match this quick turnaround on investment.

We were also told that compared to the pork you buy at the grocery store, the pork you raise at home tastes a million percent better. The person who told us this wasn’t lying. What they failed to tell us is there is a learning curve when raising pigs.

When bringing animals on the ranch, our main job is to give them a safe environment, feed them well, and be attentive to signs of ill health or disease. It’s also critical to differentiate between pets and livestock.

Sung the way the mice in “Babe” would introduce new chapters, it is true: Pigs are not pets. These animals continue growing well into their tenth year of life. Some state fairs host big boar contests with boars weighing in at 900 to 1000 pounds. Unlike a Siamese cat or Yorkie, a “lap pig” will hurt you!

Raising pigs is a way we choose to provide quality meat for our family table. Sending an animal to market is never easy, but it is easier when we know in our heart that we gave them a good life.