Should You Raise Pastured Pigs On Your Homestead?

On this episode of Homesteady, we examine the question: Should you get pigs on your Homestead?

Aust brings us through history, recounting the trials of General Peter Stuyvesant in New Amsterdam to keeping pigs from destroying the Dutch fort with their rooting. Known as "mortgage lifters" for their dependable moneymaking attributes, Aust has been raising pigs on his homestead for five years, and sells them for his most profitable homestead business. We've discussed pigs many times before, on the blog and on the podcast (here, here, here, here, and here to give you a few.) Now, with experience as a guide, Aust and Mike are able to give detailed information on the financial and practical applications of raising pigs.

What is the right kind of homestead for pigs? How do you know if pigs would be a good fit for you? From grass to woods, pigs are versatile and able to flourish in diverse landscapes. However, there are several things to consider before deciding to buy pigs for your property:

• How far are the neighbors? Even well kept pigs smell like, well, pigs.
• What are the zoning laws in your town and state regarding pigs?
• Is your infrastructure appropriate for easily bringing food and water to your pigs?

What kind of pigs should you get? How many pigs are a good start? And what should you expect for them to give back to you? (For Accountant Mike, who only needs companionship from a pig, maybe a tea cup pig? Ok.. don't do a Tea Cup.. they are a scam ;)

• Stay away from rare, expensive breeds like this one.
• Reach out to local farmers, and buy what is available in your area. (Aust prefers the Yorkshire Landrace Cross.)
• Start with two and scale up based on your success. It's better to have more demand than supply.
• Rely on a larger pig farmer to maintain breeder pigs. Buy feeders.
• Purchase feed. Growing your own feed is not a cost savings unless you raise many pigs.

Thomas Dexter, Aust's local source for his Yorkshire Landrace pigs, shares important information on raising pigs, and the care it takes to raise and maintain breeder pigs year round.

Are pigs profitable? Listen to Accountant Mike do the cost breakdown to see if pigs are the "mortgage lifters" Aust wants them to be.

On our next episode we are discussing fishing! Want to be part of next week's podcast? At 9:00 PM EST Tuesday on the Homesteady YouTube Channel and at the Prepperbroadcasting Network we are live! Not able to join us live but want to share your own fish story? Call 657-223-3276 to leave us a voicemail and you may hear your story on the air.

Pioneers get an exclusive after show where you are able to chat with Aust and Accountant Mike about your specific questions. Not a Pioneer? Become one today for exclusive access to discounts, podcasts, how-tos, and more.

A special thanks to our new sound engineer, Allyson Holley, who has been mixing the Homesteady Podcast since we've gone weekly. We couldn't do it without you!

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