Pigs for rooting and recycling....
Pigs are known for rooting and recycling, digging and turning the earth searching for yummy things left behind. They turn your garbage into yummy fertilizer, turf into dirt. This year will be the first year I try raising pigs. The purpose is for meat of course, they will be fed organic non GMO grains and whatever kitchen scraps I have. The other reason for the pigs is their need to root around and disturb the ground. I have ground that is not ready for gardening yet and so I will bring on the pigs to turn and fertilize the ground to get it ready to plant. I'm planning on taking a year to do this so after the pigs I will plant some rye and allow the ground to settle. Next spring I'll try to plant some type of garden. Since this is the first year, and I am flying by the seat of my pants everything on the pig pages is pure conjecture. I have no real experience with pigs yet and have gleaned what i know from the books I have read and farmers who have ventured into pigdom ahead of me. So far my farmer friends have had great success with the pigs inside a greenhouse to prep the soil, and outside in a future garden area set up with moveable electric fencing. An important note on the feeding of pigs is the importance of B12 in the pig diet. Comfrey is a big producer of B12 and and when you up the B12 in your pigs you can decrease the protein requirement.
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The key I think is to read and ask as many questions you can think of, but to keep to the basics. What do I need to keep them contained and safe, what do they need for food and water and general observations in regards to identifying your pigs health issues. The best book that I read cover to cover and finished with this basic knowledge is Living with Pigs by Chuck Wooster. This book is very basic in nature, don't expect to be a pig pro, just better equipped to get you a pig start with some kind of confidence. He will take you from piglet to a vodka and grain pre butcher cocktail for the pig (yes the pig). Love Chuck!
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