Want to start a pig farm? Read this first!

There is a lot to consider when embarking on any farming operation, and the same is true for starting a piggery. Janine Ryan reports on some of the things you should consider when thinking about starting a pig farm.

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Pig farming is often a popular choice for new farmers, and its appeal often stems from a combination of practical, economic, and lifestyle factors. Some of the appeal has its roots in reality, but farmers must remember that all farming operations require careful research.

Despite this, it is important to consider what some of the appeal is. For example, pigs have relatively short gestation periods and reach market weight faster compared to other livestock species, such as cattle. This means more frequent income for farmers. Pigs are also known for their efficient feed conversion, meaning they can convert feed into body mass quite effectively. As most farmers know, feed efficiency usually translates to lower costs per unit. (Of course, there are other variables to consider than simply feed efficiency.)

AFFORDABLE PROTEIN

As an affordable protein option when compared with lamb or beef, there is also perceived consumer demand for pork, which means that new farmers often believe that there is always a market for their product.

There is also the belief that you can run a profitable pig operation at a small scale. While this may be true for some piggeries, it is not true across the board, and it is important to remember that the more pigs you produce, the less they cost per unit. This means that your pork may reach the market at a more affordable price, thus seeing an increase in demand. However, the opposite may be true with a smaller herd, and your pork may thus then have to be marketed as niche (organic or free-range pork, for example).

Some of the appeal is also the belief that pigs can be raised on any food product. This is not true, particularly if producing pigs for the formal market. It is very important that your pigs are fed nutritious food that is healthy for the growing pigs and for the end consumer.