Pigs on the Move

March 24, 2025

A few weeks ago, we posted about getting three feeder pigs. The warmer weather has allowed us to begin taking steps to transition them into pasture. The pigs, which are now 100 pounds, were moved into their training pen consisting of electrified polywire fencing. This fencing is located inside more stable wire fencing to ensure pigs do not escape.

Once grass begins growing in April, we will move pigs into a pasture, using only electrified fencing. So far, so good.

Much of farming is about making mistakes, and learning from those mistakes. The first mistake we made was constructing an A-frame pig shelter indoors during the winter. Sounded like a good plan for when temperatures were below freezing. Unfortunately, the barn where the shelter was built is 500 feet from the pig pen and weighs 100 pounds. Our lesson learned was to make a shelter in situ.

Another lesson learned is that pigs love to root, or dig with their snouts. Pigs pursue this instinctual behavior to search for food, regulate body temperature, and communicate. Although we are not surprised by the behavior, it is fascinating to see how successful they are at digging holes. This is a great benefit in our training pen because the soil is compacted, and we hope the rooting will promote grass growth. However, we are concerned what they will do to our pasture in a few weeks.

Last week: Wetland Architects

Next week: Wrapping up maple syrup

Fun fact: Some pigs have nose rings to prevent them from rooting. Ours do not.