Door Kim Dieter Updated January 28, 2019
Pigs live comfortably on small farms. Depending on the climate and terrain, stocking rates are between 10 and 50 pigs or five to 10 larger sows per pig. Because feed makes up about three-quarters of the cost of raising pigs, careful control of feed costs is necessary to make a profit. Small pork producers try to increase their profits by selling to niche or specialized markets.
Types of Pig Farming Activities
On father-to-father farms, sows produce two litters per year. The young pigs grow for five to six months and are sold at a market weight of about 265 pounds. Some producers sell young pigs during weaning. Other hog producers buy young feeder pigs weighing 40 to 60 pounds and raise them to market weight.
Requirements for animal feed
With a simple digestive tract, pigs require a diet consisting mainly of grains. For every pound of increase, approximately 2 kg of feed is needed. A typical feed ration consists of a grain such as corn, a protein supplement, vitamins and minerals. To reduce feed costs, hog producers can grow their own feed, purchase bulk grain or graze grass. Some producers use feed such as old, stale bread and grain waste.
Facilities for exercise and shelter
Pigs need a well-built pen for exercise and shelter from bad or hot weather. Pigs are often grouped into pens based on their weight and age. Pig wire forms the basis for a strong housing. Waste management plans are critical because a 300-pound pig produces more than a ton of manure per year. Sows need a dry stall for farrowing, with extra warmth for the newborn pigs in cold weather.
Need for qualified workers
The farrow-to-finish operation requires skilled labor when the sows calve to ensure a healthy litter. Daily feeding, annual vaccinations, parasite treatment and stable maintenance are required all year round. Careful selection of healthy and fast-growing pigs increases the chance of profit.
The need for marketing
Developing a marketing plan is important. Traditionally, market weight pigs are sold to processing plants or through livestock auctions. To increase profits, specialty producers can sell lightweight piglets for holidays, quality feeder pigs for youth exhibitors, or purebred breeding stock to other producers. Explore local marketing opportunities including farmers markets, butchers, grocers and restaurants in your area and specialist providers such as organic meal delivery.
Also consider your digital marketing options, such as building your own branded website, advertising online, listing your business in electronic directories and offering online promotions.
FAQs
Many farmers start their livestock operations by raising pigs for profit. Hogs can be an economical way to get a good return on your initial investment if you keep track of your expenses and infrastructure costs. Raising pigs for profit isn't for everyone, but it can be a good way for your homestead to earn income.
How do you raise pigs for profit? ›
It is essential to develop a marketing plan. Traditionally, market-weight pigs sell to processing plants or through livestock auctions. To increase the profit, specialty producers may sell lightweight roaster pigs for holidays, quality feeder pigs to youth exhibitors or purebred breeding stock to other producers.
How much does a pig farm owner get paid? ›
Salary Ranges for Pig Farmer
The salaries of Pig Farmers in The US range from $32,745 to $259,380, and the average is $66,371.
How many pigs should I start with? ›
How many pigs should you start with? Start small with two to four weaner pigs, typically purchased in the spring and raised until market weight (late fall). This will give you an opportunity to understand the requirements and commitment required in raising pigs.
Why are pig farmers losing money? ›
Pork producers have been losing money as pig prices and consumer demand have struggled at a time of high costs for labor and other expenses.
What is the average profit per pig? ›
Pork packers saw profits of about $60 per head, or $2 per head less than the previous week, and their second best profit margins since October 2021. Last year pork packers saw profits of $2 per head.
Is raising meat pigs worth it? ›
Beginners in personal meat production and homesteading may be interested in raising swine. When done correctly, you can put pork in your freezer at a lower cost than what you would pay in the grocery store, and possibly even make some money when you have extra pigs to sell.
What is the best thing to feed pigs? ›
Good pig feed contains sufficient energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Rice bran, broken rice, maize, soya-beans, cassava, vegetables and distillers' residues are often used in pig feed.
Can you make a living raising pigs? ›
Raising Hogs for Profit can be a satisfying enterprise. However, there are several management skills that each hog producer should have to be successful. Each livestock enterprise has different resources: land, facilities, labor, capital, feed, and management. To raise hogs sustainably, you must manage these resources.
Who is the richest pig farmer? ›
Qin Yinglin (Chinese: 秦英林; pinyin: Qín Yīnglín, born 1965) is a Chinese agriculture tycoon, billionaire, Communist Party member, and the world's richest farmer. He is the chair and president of the pig farming company Muyuan Foodstuff and is one of the richest people in China. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, ...
Pigs do not need a lot of space to thrive. They will be happy if they can sleep, eat, and root. If you're keeping them in a pen and not moving them, one pig will need an approximate 8×10 foot space (80 square feet). So if you get two pigs, you will need double that space.
Why do farmers own pigs? ›
For one, almost every part of the animal could be used. Secondly, pigs were self sufficient and could be raised at little cost to the farmer. Pigs were especially good foragers and were allowed to roam the forest in search of food. They would eat many things that other livestock could not.
How often do pigs need to be fed? ›
Your pig should consume between 4 to 8 pounds of feed per day. Pigs can be either self-fed or hand fed at least twice daily.
What is the best pig for a first time owner? ›
Kune Kune. If you're looking for a family pig, this is certainly a great breed to consider. Kune kunes are quiet, docile and sweet, making them excellent choices for first-time pig owners. They are odorless, thrive around human interaction, and are completely safe around children too.
What age should you slaughter a pig? ›
Once slaughter weight is achieved, the pigs are transported for slaughter. This is typically at around 5 to 6 months of age. The pigs are calmly moved in small groups through the receiving and holding yards towards the slaughter process.
How much does it cost to start a small pig farm? ›
The numbers can vary based on the size of your farm, your location, and other factors. So, how much does it cost to start a pig farm? You could spend anywhere from $500 to $10,000 to start a small free-range farm. Large-scale farms could require up to $2 million to get going.
How many pigs can you raise on 1 acre? ›
Stocking rates
| Sows with litters | 6-8 per acre |
|---|
| Pigs from weaning to 100 pounds | 15-30 per acre |
| Pigs from 100 pounds to market | 10-20 per acre |
| Gestating sows | 8-12 per acre |
Sep 27, 2017
In The Homestead Hog it states that 25-35 pigs per acre is a good rule of thumb. I use the lower figure of 25 per acre just to be safe and give them a lot of room to root. This means that you can put 8-9 pigs on a quarter acre. A single pig can be raised in a lot as small as 34′ x 34′.
