Overview:
     This site was designed to provide a model for demonstrating Pasture-Based Swine Management to farmers interested in this approach to raising hogs. Several field days along with group workshops at the ALFDC site have provided opportunities for farmers to see for themselves this method for raising hogs. Farmers have also gained hands-on experience by participating in workshops. Other farmers have visited the site individually to gain a better understanding how to set up their farms. Eight other farms using this pasture-based approach are being developed with the help of ALFDC and ASU.  An estimated budget is provided that was developed using 1999-2000 production inputs and expenses at the ALFDC Demonstration Farm.

Farm Description:
     The pasture layout (see drawing of site layout) includes 12 paddocks (average size = 0.4 acres), six paddocks on each side of an access lane. Multiple paddocks allows for rotational grazing which can help maintain pasture quality and decrease rooting. At the ALFDC farm, we have observed very little rooting by rung sows in paddocks with plenty of vegetative growth.

     At the ALFDC, we use two strands (12 and 22 in. above ground) of 12.5 gauge, high-tensile electric fencing [image of electric fencing], which works well for the sows. Hogs are trained to "respect" the fence. More strands (up to five or six) may be neccessary to hold smaller pigs. Greg Guntharp uses multiple strands of high-tenile wire to hold any size pig. His wires are placed at 2, 6, 10, 16, 22, and 28 inches above ground and charges the second and third wire. At the ALFDC, we have constructed weaner crates with welded-wire panels. These crates consist of a nursery hut (8' x 16') and ample space outside the hut. We maintain a deep bed of straw in the whole area, adding fresh straw as needed. Remember electric fencing is a mental barrier, not a physical barrier. Pigs and sows having no experience with electric fence should be "trained" by placing them in a pen made of hog wire or panels with electric wire around the inside perimeter of the fence.

     Because this site bordered or in proximity to vegetable and row crops an eight-inch irrigation well was available as a water source. This is not an ideal water source, but can be suitably adapted and may have some advantages, especially during periods of drought. The eight-inch well was fitted with an adapter connected to both a six-inch line that feeds a pond, and a two-inch that feeds the tank used for drinking water. The water flows by gravity from the tank to the invidividual barrels tht are equipped with floats and automatic waterers. An overflow gate was constructed in the levy of the pond to allow overflow to fill hog wallows during times of low rainfall or drought.

Housing
Farrowing Huts: Two designs are being used, one insulated and one non-insulated [click here for hut designs]. In the south, the insulation seems to be very beneficial during the hot months. Mark Newman of Myrtle, MO provided us with the plans for the insulated hut. Mark farrows about 250 sows in the these huts and really likes the design. These huts are floorless and are bedded with wheat straw because of its cost and availability. There are many variations of hut designs. Construction cost and personal preference may be two of the main criteria for selection. However, a study conducted by W. Roush and M. Honeyman at Iowa State University indicated that there may be a relationship between floor space and crushing percentage of pigs . In this study, six types of non-insulated, floorless, pasture farrowing huts were compared. In general, less pig crushing was observed in huts with larger floor areas. Huts can be constructed or purchased with sow guards inside the hut to help protect the baby pigs from crushing. To help keep young pigs in the hut, boards can be placed across the hut or "fender" can be constructed or purchased.

Gestation Huts: Several designs are adequate for housing sows and (or) boars. The design we are using is a wooden structure (8 ft. x 12 ft.) with a metal roof.

Ample floor area (12 to 16ft²) per sow is needed, especially during hot weather when these structures are needed for shade. There are designs available that are made of metal with wooded skids. Durability is a major consideration because they are used by groups of hogs and repairs will be greater than with the farrowing huts.