In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Kelly and Troy McClung guest host again. The core of the discussion is how to raise pastured pork on your homestead for free or for profit.
Troy and Kelly detail how they raise pigs on their homestead and how it is a valuable revenue stream to support their homesteading expansion endeavors.
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Raising pigs on a homestead is both rewarding and profitable if done right. For those interested in self-sufficiency and supplementing their homestead income, pigs are a great option. In this post, we’ll explore the basics of raising pastured pigs for profit from the perspective of homesteaders Troy and Kelly McClung, share their real-life experiences, and break down the process step-by-step.
Why Raise Pigs on the Homestead?
Pigs are great animals for a homestead for several reasons. Not only do they provide delicious pork, but they’re also relatively easy to care for and can help manage land by clearing brush. For homesteaders looking to take control of their food supply, pigs offer a great way to raise meat without a lot of specialized equipment.
Pros of Raising Pigs:
- Quick Growth: Pigs grow relatively fast. In about seven months, they can reach a good weight for processing.
- Efficient Land Use: They can live on small acreages, and their rooting behavior helps clear land, which can be useful if you’re expanding pasture.
- Income Potential: Selling pork as a whole, half, or in individual cuts can be a lucrative way to supplement your income.
Cons of Raising Pigs:
- Destruction: Pigs root around and can make a mess. If they’re not properly managed, they can turn an area into mud.
- Size and Strength: Adult pigs are large, strong animals. If you’re working with kids or others on the farm, always take extra precautions.
How to Get Started with Pigs
Before jumping into raising pigs, there are a few important things to consider, such as where to get them, how to house them, and what they will eat. For more on this topic, check out this article on Getting Started Raising Pigs.
Where to Buy Pigs: Start by purchasing piglets from a trusted local farm, not from livestock auctions where animals may carry diseases or have unknown health problems. Buying locally allows you to see the conditions in which the pigs were raised and get a feel for the farmer’s practices.
Plan on purchasing three piglets to start. If you’re just getting into homesteading, this is a manageable number, and you’ll have plenty of pork for your own freezer while also selling some to friends or customers.
Housing and Fencing: Pigs don’t require complex or expensive fencing. Electric fences work great for pigs because they learn quickly to avoid them. Once trained, pigs respect electric fencing. Ensure they have plenty of space to roam and root, as pastured pigs will be healthier and happier.
- Klober, Kelly (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 344 Pages – 12/25/2018 (Publication Date) – Storey Publishing, LLC (Publisher)
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Feed and Care
What to Feed Your Pigs: Feeding your pigs will likely be your biggest expense. The best way to cut costs is to buy feed in bulk from a feed mill rather than small bags from stores like Tractor Supply.
Start by feeding your piglets a 16% protein feed and switch to a lower protein feed (around 12%) as they get bigger. On average, a pig will consume around 1,200 pounds of feed during its lifetime.
Watering and Shelter: Pigs need constant access to fresh water, especially in the heat of summer. Make sure their waterers are sturdy enough to withstand some pig roughhousing. Provide basic shelter to protect pigs from extreme weather—nothing fancy is needed, just a dry, shady place for them to rest.
Selling Pastured Pork for Profit
One of the biggest benefits of raising pigs is the potential for profit. Once your pigs are ready for processing, there are several ways to sell the meat.
Selling Whole and Half Hogs: The easiest way to sell your pork is by the whole or half pig. At $3.50 per pound for the hanging weight (the weight after the pig has been gutted but before it’s cut into individual cuts), this can be a good way to sell directly to customers without needing a retail license.
For example, if your pig weighs 277 pounds hanging, you’ll make approximately $969.50 per pig. Sell two pigs, and you’ve covered your costs for raising all three!
Selling Individual Cuts: For homesteaders with a little more experience, selling individual cuts can increase profit margins. However, this requires more work, as you’ll need a USDA-inspected processor and proper storage facilities to sell cuts like bacon, sausage, and pork chops.
The Homesteading Experience: Fun with Pigs
Pigs aren’t just profitable—they’re also fun! Piglets are playful, curious, and love to root around. Homesteading families often find joy in watching them grow and play. They can also be a great learning tool for children, teaching them about animal care, biology, and where food comes from.
However, be mindful of safety. Pigs can grow large and may unintentionally harm children if not supervised properly. Even the gentlest pigs can accidentally knock you down if they’re excited for feed!
Is Pig Farming for You?
Raising pigs on a homestead is a rewarding experience that can provide food and income. It requires planning, proper care, and an understanding of your local market, but the work is well worth it when you have a freezer full of home-raised pork and extra money in your pocket.
If you’re looking to increase your self-sufficiency and are interested in adding animals to your homestead, pigs are a great option to start with. Just remember, pigs are powerful creatures, and while they may bring joy and profit, they need to be treated with respect and care!
More Resources From Troy and Kelly
You can find more information about their pastured pork profit summary on their youtube channel at Ep 14: Get Paid to Raise Pigs on Your Homestead or read about their homesteading endeavors at redtoolhouse.com
