Pigs have a reputation — deserved and undeserved at the same time. They're smarter than most dogs, destructive when under-stimulated, and remarkably efficient at converting feed into pork. For homesteaders focused on filling a freezer, a single pig on a small plot of land will outperform almost any other animal. But they're not for everyone, and the work is more involved than it sells.
This category is for people ready to understand what pigs actually need — and the honest work of raising meat for your table.
Future articles in the pigs category will cover:
- Weaner pig vs. starting your own breeding stock (and why weaners are usually right)
- How much space a pig actually needs
- Fencing for pigs — the electric setup that keeps them in
- Feed conversion: how much a pig eats per pound of gain
- Pig-friendly breeds for meat production (Berkshire, Tamworth, etc.)
- Seasonal pig raising — the spring-to-fall window
- Processing: DIY at home vs. local butcher, and what to know before you commit
Raising your own pork is not just economical — it's a different relationship with meat entirely. If you're ready for that, stick around. We'll build out this category as practical knowledge, not theory.