Provide growing pigs with a balanced ration even when they have pasture or woodland access. Evaluate feed inputs against growth, condition, and time to finish; reduced feed purchases alone do not establish lower production cost.
NCAT’s outdoor-hog guide treats nutrition, facilities, ground management, and markets as connected decisions.
Know what is in the ration
Keep feed labels and quantities with the group record. If you intend to use alternative ingredients, have a qualified adviser evaluate the overall ration and check applicable feed rules.
Do not assume pigs can safely or legally eat any material because they are omnivores. Food-waste feeding has separate disease-control and legal considerations.
Record growth alongside feed changes
Track the group’s progress using consistent measurements. Record feed changes, weather, and health events that may explain a change in growth.
A lower feed bill is not automatically an improvement if pigs take longer to finish or fail to meet the intended condition. Compare the whole project, including additional time and care.
Inspect heavily used ground
Watch heavily used areas near shelter, water, and feeding points. Moving animals or equipment should fit a plan for the land, rather than merely shifting the most obvious mud.
If you want to make environmental claims about the system, keep appropriate evidence. The fact that pigs were outside does not by itself establish a measured soil or climate benefit.
Connect nutrition with the processing target
Discuss expected size and timing with Underground Processing before the appointment. Review the current pork fee structure, particularly if pigs may become unusually large.
Review the ration, observed finish, and processing target together. If additional feeding time is proposed, include its feed, labor, and facility costs before changing the appointment. See our pork processing information as you plan.