Pigs for stump removal

[JacksFlock]

We recently had about 10 acres of small pines cleared and now are left with lots of stumps. I've read some that pigs will help root those stumps out, especially if you put salt on the stumps. I have 2 questions about this. 1. Has anyone done this or have experience with it? 2. What would be the best breed of pig for this?

 

[kenfromMaine]

Hi
I have heard but not yet tried this, is to take a piece of rebar or pipe and drive it in the ground a foot or so, wiggle it to round out the hole then dump some corn down the hole do this around the stump a few spots. When the pigs start finding the corn they keep rooting it sounds like it would work.
GL
ken from maine

 

[Cornish Heritage]

I'm with Ken in that I have heard of this but never tired it myself. I have also heard that corn is what works. I think also burning the stumps works too as the pigs will then chew on the charcoal.

Sorry to not be able to help any further.

Liz

 

[JacksFlock]

Well with the news today that pork prices are going to shoot up, I guess we're going to try it in the spring! Can't go without bacon... We're in Maine too Ken, and breed you'd suggest over another?

 

[Straw Hat Kikos]

Well with the news today that pork prices are going to shoot up, I guess we're going to try it in the spring! Can't go without bacon... We're in Maine too Ken, and breed you'd suggest over another?

Global bacon shortage. lol

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Welcome JacksFlock! From one Maineah to anotha!

 

[JacksFlock]

Thanks!

 

[kenfromMaine]

JacksFlock,
I have mixed breed pigs, they are fine but I am leaning towards the Large Blacks, for their disposition. I'm from Livermore falls where are you from?
One thing I did find out about at least here in Western Maine is that the pig market is very slow, so this bacon shortage they mention could be a good thing maybe..
Ken from Maine

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

JacksFlock, We purchased Yorkshire piglets from Pennsylvania this past season. They did a good job at routing. No doubt if we had put some corn down, they would have really gone to town. They managed to move some really big boulders with their snouts. That was just because they were doing what they do, not because they could smell food down there.

In Maine, the trouble we found was actually finding anything other than a mixed breed. Which there is nothing wrong with that for what we wanted. Just saying. If you are looking for a specific breed, you may in fact have to go out of state.

 

[JacksFlock]

Thanks for all the info. Ken I was born an raised in Dixfield, not far from you. I know live in Corinna, and work in Auburn. The property we'll be building on and that has been cleared is in Etna.