Field Day: Animal Husbandry and Raising Pigs Outdoors

 

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