Hogs

Topics of interest to all new farmers related to sustainable swine management should include bio-security, swine welfare assurance, environmental regulations, and disease control. All farmers will want to pay particular attention to information that can help them successfully manage all sizes of hog production systems in a profitable and environmentally friendly manner.

Resources

Pigs on Pasture – The Gunthorp Farm

Greg and Lei Gunthorp from LaGrange, Indiana, share their insights and experience on how to raise pigs on pasture. (Rodale Institute.)

Sustainable Hog Production Overview

A guide that discusses the various aspects of an animal friendly environment specific to sustainable hog production. A solid resource for topics related to enhancing on-farm nutrient cycling to build carbon in the soil and increase soil fertility. Consumers today are seeking out healthy products grown in this fashion. The guide also includes information on marketing, breed selection, feed alternatives, odor and dust control, and humane treatment. (National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service)

Alternative Hog Production Systems

Tent-like hoop houses and other low-cost housing systems, in combination with deep bedding for hogs, keep manure in solid form and allow composting to begin in the bedding system. Other sustainable, non-confined systems put pigs on pasture or fields to forage. For more information on alternative hog production systems, contact Professor Mark Honeyman, Iowa State University, tel: 515-294-4621 or email honeyman@iastate.edu. (National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, November 1998.)

Swine Source Book: Alternatives for Pork Producers

Packed with information on just about every aspect of setting up a sustainable hog enterprise. Designed so sections can be easily removed and copied. Produced by Alternative Swine Production Systems Program. Phone 1-800-876-8636 to purchase a copy. (Land Stewardship Project.)