Animal Husbandry and Raising Pigs Outdoors
At Alternative
Roots Farm, Madelia
At Alternative
Roots Farm we have been raising pigs outdoors since 2012. Over the years
we have raised 6 different heritage breeds (Gloucestershire Old Spots, North
American Guinea Hogs, Red Wattle, Mangalitza, Ossabaw Island, Mulefoot) and
many mixes in-between. On our small farm acreage, we have been forced to
learn, sometimes the hard way, the best practices in raising a small herd of
pigs outdoors, and on pasture.
Our experience has
taught us about good pasture rotation, breeding and farrowing, electric fence
training, feed rations, pasture forage options, winter housing, trailer loading
and animal health. This summer we are hosting a workshop on raising pigs
on pasture with a hands-on focus to get you started in raising your own
pigs.
This field day is
focused on getting you hands-on and a real-world experience in electric fence
set-ups, pasture rotation, loading animals, separating stock, checking heat
cycles in gilts/sows, feed rations, pasture forage options, breed
characteristics and a number of curveballs you can expect the pigs to throw at
you. Class will include hand-outs of the presentation.
Participants are
expected to bring their own lunches and workwear suitable for working with pigs
hands-on. If you already raise pigs, please practice good biosecurity
measures and come in clean and sanitized workwear – lets keep our animals and
your animals healthy together.
Sunday, August 25
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Rain day back up:
Sunday, September 1
Class Cost: $75/Participant or $100/couple (With the full
field day, no tag along kiddos please.)
Maximum number of
Participants: 20
Pre-registration is
required, email us directly at info@alternativerootsfarm.com
