Free-Range Pig Farming: From Pig To Pork

Free-range pork, poultry, and other livestock products have gained popularity in recent years.

- Ursula Human

Consumers consider themselves to be informed about where their food comes from and when it comes to meat production, they are particularly concerned about animal welfare. According to the Free Range Pork Association (FRPA) of South Africa, this is especially true when it comes to pig, broiler, and egg production.

The FRPA states that although many consumers might have misconceptions about intensive pig production, their perceptions still influence their buying behavior. According to them, consumers should be able to choose meat that is produced the way they want it to be produced. In addition, consumers who prefer free-range produce are usually willing to pay for it.

This article discusses the differences between free-range and intensive pork production, as well as some popular processing techniques for free-range pork.

What is free-range pork?

Many consumers believe that free-range production systems promote the welfare of pigs. But what exactly does free-range pig farming entail? According to the FRPA, there are several different production methods that can be employed to raise free-range pigs. This is due to country-specific differences, as well as differences in their environments and weather conditions.

They define free-range pig farming in South Africa as follows: “Free-range pig farming means that pigs are kept outdoors in big enough camps where they can eat, sleep and play outside for their entire lives to allow them to express their natural instinctive behaviors.”