Join the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and the Cowichan Agricultural Society on May 11 at beautiful Keating Farm in Duncan for a Small-Scale Pig Production Workshop. Click here to reserve your spot!
Session 1: Fundamentals of Small-Scale Pig Production
Starting with basic terminology, we’ll explore how best to get started with small-scale pig production including breed selection, supplies and equipment needed, legal requirements, housing, feed and water management, health, handling, and emerging issues like African Swine Fever and feral hogs.
Session 2: Planning for a Successful Breeding Program
In this session, we will deal with the key factors for breeding including the condition of your gilt or sow prior to breeding, choice of boar, time of year for farrowing plus equipment to have on hand when the sow is due to farrow. Some of the more common issues or complications that might arise during breeding and farrowing will be covered. Castration technique and tagging will be demonstrated via video.
Session 3: Nutrition and Feeding Basics
Everett Dixon from Top Shelf Feeds will discuss the nutrition needs of both breeding stock and growing pigs including the changing requirements for protein, vitamins, minerals. He will also address the challenge of ensuring that your pigs’ nutritional needs are being adequately met when supplementing their diet with alternative feeds like spent brewery grains, produce scraps and other food waste.
Session 4: Integrating Pigs into a Rotational Grazing System
In this session we will discuss the fundamentals of rotational grazing and what role pigs can play in regenerative agriculture. Practicalities including forage varieties, pasture management, health considerations and the unique needs of pigs will be covered. Fencing options for the successful management of pasture-based pig production will be introduced before we head out for some hands-on skill building and fencing demonstrations.
Demonstrations & Hands-On Skills Training
We will be demonstrating a range of tools and technologies you can use as part of a successful fencing system including fencing equipment and UBCO electric bikes. There will be opportunities for hands-on skills training, test rides and lots of time for questions.
