New to pigs, breed help needed

[porkchop48]

We just bought a 7 acre farm in OH and will be moving in the upcoming weeks.


We would like to raise a few pigs. What is a good pig to start with? We would like to breed them and sell off some of the babies as well as keep some and raise for processing.

So any suggestions on a good "starter" pig would be greatly appreciated. Actually any tips for that matter are greatly appreciated.

 

[freemotion]

OK, I'll start by saying I have almost no experience.....but.....having pigs for the freezer myself, I'd suggest you take the first year and raise some weaners for your freezer and get to know pigs and their housing, food, behavior, etc and then decide if you want to have fully sexually mature and gigantic pigs.....

Unless you've been there, done that, and are comfortable with them. Pasture raised anything commands a good price in my area. If you can find it.

 

[porkchop48]

Weaners is our plans for this year just to get to know them and get a general idea of pig care

But thank you for the tip as well

 

[freemotion]

Hope I didn't come across as condescending....I got two pigs last year (my dad raised a couple when I was a kid, he was raised on a working farm) for the first time and got a somewhat aggressive female. It kinda took me by surprise. Also, the fencing that others have success with did not work with my pigs and we had to put up a new fence very quickly.

I have four weaners this year so it wasn't all bad, but I learned a LOT last year!

 

[porkchop48]

Sorry for the late reply on this..

You did not come across condisending at all.


Even with raising up weaners.... Is there a breed that is better or are all pigs ( meat wise ) the same?

The plans are to eventually have two females and do a little of our own breeding.

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

there are some subtle differences between breeds as far as the meat goes - but its kinda like asking whats the best kind of dog. its really, whats the best kind of pig for YOU! we like the heritage breeds - specifically Tamworths. and we've also liked herfords. so you might want to do some research and ask around what works in your region.

and as Free said, starting with feeder pigs is a great way to find out if you even like them. pretty much throw everything you've ever thought or seen about pigs on tv right out the window - so before you invest too much time/effort you need to know what you are getting into. and a breeding pair can be very expensive.

the most important thing - get good fencing. go directly to field fencing (or hog panels) AND electric.

here's what i know about pigs:
http://adventuresinthegoodland.blogspot.com/p/what-i-know-about-pigs.html

but careful! we do our own butchering and one of the posts provides a step by step of 'how to.'

its a little late in the season to find weaners - but there should be another round coming up. you can try the auctions, the Farm and Dairy, or on CL to see what is available. or call your local 4H club as they will probably have some contacts for you. see if you can visit a couple sellers and compare for yourself.

good luck!

 

[SuburbanFarmChic]

We are still seeing weaners posted to CL in our area. Most are yorkshire crosses. Going for about 65/75 each.


I also like the heritage breeds. We have red wattles which I LOVE. Our boar is a giant goof.


In our experience it takes as much time/effort (not expense) to raise 1 pig as it does to raise 4 or 5. Also sometimes you can get a better price on weaners if you ask for the whole litter. (wouldn't do this your first year) Get a year of pigging under your belt and fences in order, etc and then try a whole batch. If you are going to breed you'll need to know how to do this anyway. Make sure your farm/resources/time can handle 7-12 pigs.

Then find the absolute best breeding stock you can possibly afford. We did and never looked back. Our sow is great, the boar is friendly, they have great structure and relatives of theirs tasted super good.

Get a sample of pork from the farm you want to buy breeding stock from. Especially if it is a heritage breed, most people raising will put one or two in their own freezer and sell off the extras.


Breeds: We like the red wattle, the duroc, and we are looking into the tamworth. Small pigs are also fun. There are some neat breeds that are also on the heritage list but don't hit 5 or 6 hundred lbs usually. Ossabaw, kune kune, and I've seen some neat wild pig/pot belly crosses but the guy who was doing that is no longer answering his phone.