Small Scale Pig Production
Responsible small scale pig production requires an understanding of the basics of good animal care and welfare, swine nutrition and recommended steps to maintaining healthy animals and ensuring on-farm food safety. It is important that all farms, regardless of size follow provincial/federal guidelines and regulations relating to animal agriculture and livestock production.
Guide to Small Scale Pig Production for Saskatchewan Farms
The Guide to Small Scale Pig Production for Saskatchewan Farms was developed specifically to help small lot hog producers in Saskatchewan get started. It is an excellent reference whether you are considering raising a few pigs, or already have small herds on your farm. To obtain a printed copy of the guide, contact Sask Pork by email or phone (306) 244-7752.
Canadian Small Scale Production Manual
The Canadian Small Scale Production Manual is designed for people who are interested in raising pigs on a small-scale basis. Maybe you are new to raising pigs. Perhaps you have been at it for a while and still have questions about different aspects of pig management. The objective of the manual is to provide you with information in key areas to help you raise pigs successfully and responsibly. The manual, developed by the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, builds on the experience of small-scale pig farmers who have learned by doing.
The Top 10 Things to Know About Raising Pigs
The Top 10 Things to Know About Raising Pigs, developed in conjunction with The Canadian Small Scale Production Manual, provides practical advice on getting started in pig production.
Sask Pork Webinar
Small Scale Pig Producing: Everything You Need to Know
“Small Scale Pig Producing: Everything You Need to Know” with veterinarian Dr. Kelsey Gray helps producers navigate the ins and the outs of feed, housing, pig health and biosecurity, behaviour, transport and regulations. The session also addresses how to avoid the most common mistakes and how to make a profit.
Dr. Kelsey Gray graduated vet school from the University of Calgary in 2017 and immediately started with Prairie Livestock Veterinarians. Over the past few years she has developed an interest in outdoor pig farming and working with smaller family farms. Kelsey volunteers with the Calgary Stampede on the Pork Committee and advocates for agriculture awareness and education.
Dr. Kelsey Gray provided two preventive medicine resources for small scale producers.
Processing
It is strongly recommended that processing space be arranged in advance. This will ensure there is sufficient capacity at the time the animals are ready for market. If the pigs are being transported to a local processor, the farm must have a valid Premises Identification Number (PID) and be registered in the national PigTrace database. Animals moving off farm need identified prior to delivery to the processor. For more information, please contact Ravneet Kaur by email or by phone at 306-244-7752.
African Swine Fever and Biosecurity
All hog farms, including small lot producers are encouraged to learn more about the potential risk for swine diseases. Currently, African Swine Fever (ASF) presents a very real threat to the Canadian hog industry and affects all pigs. The disease causes high pig mortalities and there is no vaccine or cure. ASF can be introduced to swine herds through the feeding of table or restaurant scraps that may have come in contact with infected meat products. It is important to follow established regulations around feeding pigs.
Another risk of transmission of ASF is via escaped domestic pigs or contact between feral wild pigs and domestic pigs raised outdoors in unsecured housing.
Learn More
Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Closing the Gate on African Swine Fever
Canadian Pork Council: African Swine Fever & Small Scale Producers
Other Resources
Swine veterinarians are an invaluable resource to ensuring your herds remain healthy and productive.