Hogs are some of the easiest farm animals to raise. All it takes is some basic barn supplies, housing, and the right pig feed and care.

Most often, people raise hogs as a source of fresh meat or for profit. Unlike large commercial operations, you can start small and make more deliberate choices about your small operation. If you decide to expand your hog-raising business later, you'll have a better understanding of what it takes.

Pigs or Hogs?

People often use these two terms interchangeably, but there is a difference between them. Basically, pigs are still young and small, while hogs are mature and weigh over 120 pounds. You will probably start your hog business with pigs that will mature into hogs. When choosing products such as pig food, you should go by stages, weight, or age — not by name alone!

Choose a Breed

Pig breeds vary in size, foraging ability, temperament, and flavor of meat. You also need breeds that are suited to your climate. Hogs can adapt to various conditions but tend to adjust better to cold temperatures than to hot ones. Heritage pig breeds can adapt quickly to changes in climate if they have adequate shelter.

Heritage breeds are those that haven’t been crossbred. Purebred lines maintain some impressive traits, including producing juicier, more flavorful meat and hardiness against disease.

When choosing a pig breed for an FFA or 4H project, there are three essential attributes to look for:

• Heavy muscle
• Structurally correct
• Well balanced between the front and rear

Heritage pig breeds are often used for show pigs as listed below.

Farmers typically raise heritage breed pigs in a pasture where they can graze, instead of living in cages. This improved lifestyle results in better nutrition for the pigs and a better quality of pork.

Some of the most popular heritage pig breeds are:

• Red Wattle
• Yorkshire
• Hampshire
• Berkshire
• Tamworth
• Duroc

If you prefer to crossbreed pigs as a way of introducing positive traits, the Landrace is popular, as it crosses well with other breeds. This breed is known for its ability to farrow (give birth) and for producing large litters.

Creating a Home for Your Chosen Pig Breed

Once you choose your breed, you will have a better idea of what you need to prepare your lot. Make sure you get everything you need before you bring your new pigs home.

Pasture 

It isn’t just the acreage that matters for your pigs — it’s the available forage and the nutrients it provides. An acre of good quality pasture is appropriate for up to 8 or 10 pigs. If you plan to start with only two or three pigs, allow at least 8 square feet for each.

Fencing 

Strong fencing is a must to protect your animals and yourself. Each state has unique fence law statutes that you must follow. Loose pigs contribute to the growing problem of feral hogs. Even if you opt to install an electric fence, you need a woven wire fence on the outside.

The best hog fencing is woven wire. Red Brand hog wire fencing is designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions and the demands of large animal herds. It also works effectively as hog wire fencing to keep wild hogs and other predators out.

Another option is to install hog panels. Many landowners prefer the open appearance and use the panels for landscaping projects. The strong, galvanized metal is tough enough for all types of ranching conditions and larger animals.

To install hog wire fencing, you will need either wood or metal posts. Place posts no more than 12 feet apart for optimal sturdiness. The optimal fence height is from 35" to 48". Purchase posts that are tall enough to drive at least 2 feet into the ground. When attaching the fence, place the bottom a few inches underground to prevent the pigs from digging out.

Hog panels are sturdier than wire fencing, and they come in a range of widths. You might install panels on metal T-posts up to 20 feet apart. There are also many ideas for "boxing in" hog panels using wood or metal, but these are primarily for decorative purposes.

Housing

Pigs and hogs require shelter from both hot and cold temperatures. There are many styles of shelters for outdoor pigs, including wood structures with concrete floors and solid roofs, and portable ones that offer more flexibility during changing weather. Weigh your options carefully when planning the housing for your new pigs.

Depending on your climate and your breed of pigs, your housing might require heavy insulation or a way for your pigs to cool off. You will also need a separate farrowing house for your sows to have their litters. The farrowing house should be made from easy-to-clean materials and have the capacity for heating and cooling.

Feed 

Unlike cattle, pigs are not ruminants and cannot live entirely on forage. While they are omnivores and will eat nearly anything, giving them high-quality pig feed will help maintain their growth rates.

Pig feed is available in a variety of formulas for different stages of growth. Rogue Quality Feeds All-Natural Feed Starter provides a complete pig starter ration. Use covered feeders outdoors to help keep the pig feed clean and dry.

Water 

A steady supply of clean water is imperative to your hogs’ health. Depending on your setup, you might install a watering system that attaches to your home. Another option is to haul the water to the lot as needed. However, you shouldn’t use water buckets or tubs that can be knocked over.

The Trojan Model 75 Cone Throat Nipple works with a pressurized water system to reduce water waste and spray. It resists sanitizers and eliminates wet ground that causes pigs to wallow.

It’s imperative to have your fence up, your shelter built, and a dependable water system in place before you bring your pigs home. If you give your pigs everything they need, they will take care of the rest.

Shop Grange Co-op for All Your Hog Barn Supplies

Grange Co-op has everything you need to make your new venture more successful. Secure your new pigs with our strong, secure hog panels and hog fencing. Ensure they get the nutrition they need to grow into healthy mature hogs. We offer a range of pig feed to provide them with optimal nutrition at every growth stage. If you have questions about any of our products, contact us using our online form, or use our store locator to find the Grange Co-op store closest to you.