There are numerous options for farrowing sows ranging from free-range to pens to crates – each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your choice will be based on your weather and unique farm situation but the primary consideration must be the safety of the people caring for the sow and her piglets.

If you need a steady supply of quality pigs, a breeding operation is the way to go. Crossbred pigs grow better and generally have superior meat quality. Common crosses include Hampshire/Yorkshire; Duroc/Chester White; other breeds you might encounter include Berkshire, Red Wattle, Mule Foot, Spotted Poland and Landrace. It’s generally preferred to cross a meat-type pig Hampshire, Duroc, Berkshire with a maternal type Yorkshire, Chester White, Landrace. Sows should be the maternal type and boars the meat type.

My husband and I have been through numerous production models in the swine industry. Our latest move from Minnesota to Tennessee essentially transitioned our swine operation from completely contained confinement buildings to outdoor free range. We gave up concrete, climate control and automatic feeding for mud, chasing pigs through timber and more mud. The new plan has definitely down-sized the herd from hundreds of sows to two and has seen cedar posts and wire panels replace farrowing crates and manure pits.