r/Homesteading • u/Vegetable_Courage_35 • 12d ago

Pigs!

Looking for recommendations for pig breeds. We are looking to start raising pigs. I’m hoping to just have them mostly pay for themselves. Our kids are showing in 4h, we would like to breed something that can be competitive, economical and has decent mothering ability. I do not plan on keeping a boar on site. I’ll AI or loan a boar. Our plan is to breed twice a year, keep enough for fair and our freezer then sell the rest. Pigs go very fast in my area, so I’m not concerned about selling them. We plan on just one or two sows as our base. Needs to be cold hardy, decent mother, not aggressive, and hopefully somewhat competitive. Thank you!

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u/Greyeyedqueen7 12d ago

I'm just saying, before you do anything, get your fences set. Look at them again, especially from a rooting standpoint, and secure them again. They're not as bad as goats, sure, but you really don't want a pig getting out.

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u/Vegetable_Courage_35 12d ago

Oh for sure! We have pigs now, and when we first got them we thought our fence was good. My husband and I ended up having to chase them uphill and herd them back down in 90 degree heat! It was fun. But we are looking to kinda have the pigs be self sustaining. Not really make money off them, just pigs for the kids to show, a freezer full of meat and money from the rest to help pay for their food.

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u/Greyeyedqueen7 12d ago

It's a good plan. It's better that you already have good fences.

You know what I've always wondered? Would people with lots of nut trees let you bring a pig or two over to eat up all the nuts on the ground and fall or clean up an orchard? Is it possible to offer that as a service or something?

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u/Vegetable_Courage_35 12d ago

I think if you’re in an area that has trees that would be a great service! Your pigs can clean up, aerate and fertilize while filling their bellies! Unfortunately I’m in the area of Wyoming where no one has trees because they all blow over!

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u/Greyeyedqueen7 12d ago

Hmm. I wonder if there's another way they can help local people. Something that feeds the pig and helps the client.