Why We Recommend Raising Pigs on the Homestead
Years ago, we learned how one of the biggest gains we could make towards a self-reliant food source, was growing out our own pigs.

Not much else can completely pack your freezer, like bringing home a whole hog from the processor. Obviously, a side of beef will do the same, but when you compare the investment, and relatively short time involved, hogs are hard to beat.
Share & earn a little
It’s also fairly easy to help offset those input costs, by finishing a hog or two for friends or family. We have grown our “list” of repeat customers thru the years, to the point we always feed out between 6-10. Not everyone we sell to wants or needs a hog every time, so the number is relatively fluid whenever we purchase a group.
buying pigs
We only buy weaned piglets in the spring. It isn’t worth it to us with the added chores, to keep a group thru the winter months. Pigs are very hearty, and there are plenty of people who do keep them year around, it’s just a personal preference.
lenth of time & weight gains
We allow 5-6 months to get one to processing weight. Opinions vary on what that number is, but we are shooting for a live weight of between 250-300 pounds. The way our math works, that gives us the most pounds of pork, for the lowest input cost. Any heavier, and your feed bill starts to offset the value you get, and any lighter, just really doesn’t fill the freezer how we would like.
feed
We try and give our hogs a variety in their diet, from garden waste, to excess dairy or stale bread. That’s always just used as a supplement though, since the main diet is a commercial hog feed we purchase in bulk from a local feed mill. We are fortunate enough to have a 3-ton feed bin, so we can have bulk hog feed delivered right to the farm. Mills also sell it by the 50-pound sack though, so it can always be purchased that way as well.

processor
We have used the same processor all this time too, which we feel is important. Admittedly, they are within a few miles of our farm, so it’s super handy, but we would use them regardless. They are respectful, humane, clean, and make a fantastic product. Find one that is reputable, that you can develop a business relationship with, and stick with them. It will save you lots of potential aggravation. Processors are always crazy busy, so we always make sure and get on their books as soon as we get our group of pigs. Not everyone has the space, ability, or even desire, to finish pigs for the freezer.
give pigs a try
If you are on the fence, or have even just considered it, we would wholly recommend giving it a try. With a moderate investment and a few months of time and effort, a person can go a long way towards securing their families food needs for the year. We’ve found it to be a very satisfying and rewarding endeavor.

More to come on our experience with raising pigs on the homestead!