This year, we decided to breed our sow, Boo, with Duroc genetics. Boo is a mixture of Tamworth and Berkshire genes, which in the past has led to piglets that are fast-growing, vigorous, and, I might ...
The Advantages of Using AI Breeding for Pigs
For almost as long as my husband and I have raised pigs on our farm, we have relied on AI breeding (artificial insemination) to get the job done. Although AI is the norm when it comes to ...
American Guinea Hog: Is This Small & Calm Breed Right For My Farm?
If you’re thinking about raising pigs on your small farm, you may have to put some thought into what breed would be best for you. That’s smart to do. Not considering the benefits and disadvantages ...
Yorkshire Pig: Are These Big, Friendly Pigs Right for Your Farm?
This year, for the first time ever, we found ourselves in a pinch when it came to piglets. Normally, we rely on our breeding sow, Boo, to mother all of the piglets that we raise for meat for ...
6 Practical Tips When Buying Piglets: Everything to Consider Beforehand
Raising pigs for meat is a great step toward a self-sufficient homestead - and it’s incredibly fun, too. Out of all the livestock you can raise, I think pigs are some of my favorite animals. They’re ...
Raising Pigs on Concrete: The Pros and Cons to Consider
For as long as I have been raising pigs, I have always done so on a dirt floor or on pasture. On my farm, raising pigs in this way only makes sense. We raise most of our pigs during the summer ...
Farrowing Preparation: How to Be Ready for Your Newborn Piglets
Aside from lambing season, farrowing is 100% my favorite time here on the farm. There’s nothing more exciting than watching our sow give birth to a litter of wiggly, healthy little ...
8 Practical Tips on Housing Pigs and Keeping Them Healthy & Happy
It always bothers me when people comment on pigs being filthy, stinky animals. On my farm, pigs are hardly the stinkiest creatures - if you’ve ever smelled my dog before he’s had a bath, you’ll ...
Pig Manure Compost: The Benefits, Risks, and How to Compost Pig Manure
Raising pigs is great for so many reasons. Not only can you produce all kinds of delicious meat for your freezer - Bacon! Ham! Pork chops! Sausage! - but pigs are also fantastic at rooting up and ...