The many advantages of pigs
Today’s domesticated pig has most of the qualities that the modern farmer looks for in livestock, including high profitability, explains Shane Brody.
Basic requirements for the sleeping area
The enclosed sleeping area for pigs should take up about a third of total pen size.
How whey can cut the cost of pig feed
Alternative feed options can help to buffer the impact of rising costs, especially when prices increase due to adverse climatic conditions. Mauro Delle Donne of Zandam Farm explained to Glenneis...
Pig farming: starting from scratch
There are several key factors to consider before deciding to farm pigs, whether intensively or free range, says Shane Brody.
Intensive or free-range pig farming?
This is the first question you have to ask yourself when considering raising pigs, says Shane Brody.
6 facts about feeding pigs
Dr Elsje Pieterse of the Department of Animal Sciences at Stellenbosch University offers some advice on good feeding practices.
Successful piggery businesses in South Africa
Number Two Piggeries currently employs 1 000 people, and farms a total of 20 000 breeding sows.
The success of People First Piggery co-operative
Hard work and tenacity have turned a tiny enterprise into a flourishing commercial operation.
Rearing pigs on acorns
Acorn-fed pigs is a Spanish and Portuguese tradition. Oak Valley Estate in the Elgin Valley is one of just a few commercial, free-range, acorn-fed pig farms in South Africa.
From unutilised land to successful piggery
The Doornspruit Community Trust has put land donated to it by the Catholic Church to good use by opening a piggery. The operation has begun doing well, and today supplies...
New deal for pig farmers
Smart producers realise that producing within environmentally and socially sustainable limits is an opportunity, says Dr Glen Illing of Topigs. He was speaking at the recent RSA Pork Producers’ Organisation...
Commercial pig production: A quick income earner
Not having specific skills to diversify should not be a deterrent, according to Thami Zimu.
Top pig stud gains from strong genetics
A strict selection policy, in which only 50% of female piglets born are selected as F1 gilts, has gained the Leanside pig stud a reputation for superior genetics. It has...
Pigs as pets: Breeding teacup pigs
Steven Watermeyer is breeding micro pigs to meet the local demand for pet porkies.
How to survive economically in pork production
Neil Dry focuses on exceptional genetics in the management of his piggery in North West.
How a piggery improved pig welfare
Rob and Ian Butt introduced housing pens to improve the welfare of their pigs.
A piggery against all odds
Former factory workers Pleasure Molaudzi and Nomsa Mlangeni are at last following their true interest – running a piggery. Despite hardships, they are determined to succeed. Peter Mashala reports.
How SAPPO is helping small-scale pig farmers
The Baynesfield Training Academy in KZN offers emerging farmers training in pig production.
Pigs reared on pastures and acorns
Allowing pigs to graze like sheep will never keep supermarkets stocked brimful with bacon, as Charlie Crowther admits. But he has nonetheless found a market for his pasture-reared pigs. Denene...
Superior genetics ensure pig breeding profits
Arthur Gee says that only superior genetics can counteract declining profits in pork production.
