Pig Vaccination Schedule USA: Complete Guide for 2026
Introduction Disease prevention remains the cornerstone of profitable pig production, with vaccination programmes reducing mortality by 15-30% across U.S. swine operations, according to 2025 USDA veterinary surveys. A well-designed vaccination schedule…
Ready-Made vs Custom Pig Feed: Cost, Performance & Profitability (2026 Guide)
Introduction After 20+ years running a 5,000-head operation in North Carolina, I’ve used both ready-made commercial feeds and custom-formulated diets at different stages of my farming career. The decision between purchasing complete feeds from a…
Pig Feed Formulation Basics: Building Balanced, Cost-Effective Rations
Introduction Pig feed formulation is the process of combining available ingredients in set proportions so the finished ration meets every nutrient requirement at the lowest workable cost. Feed represents the largest single expense in pig production,…
Pig Farm Biosecurity Measures: Practical Protocols for Disease Prevention
Introduction Disease outbreaks cost the U.S. swine industry an estimated $3 billion annually in lost production, treatment expenses, and mortality. In my 15 years of swine practice across Iowa and the Midwest, I have witnessed devastating Porcine…
Vitamins and Minerals for Pigs: What They Need and Why It Matters
Introduction Vitamins and minerals for pigs make up less than 2% of the diet, yet they determine how efficiently the other 98% is used. Deficiencies rarely announce themselves—they erode growth rate, feed conversion, and immunity for months before…
Understanding the Pig Digestive System: A Farmer’s Guide
Discover how the pig digestive system works. Understand swine monogastric digestion and gut microbiome health to maximise feed efficiency and herd profits. The pig digestive system is a simple yet highly efficient process that allows pigs to convert feed…
Top Pig-Producing States in the USA: Regional Powerhouses of American Pork
Introduction After 20+ years running a 5,000-head operation in North Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand how geography shapes the American pork industry. Understanding commercial pig farming by state is essential for anyone evaluating market…
History of Pig Farming in America: From Colonies to Industrial Powerhouse
Trace the remarkable journey of American pig farming from 16th-century colonists to modern industrial operations. Discover key historical milestones, breed development, and industry evolution. Introduction After 20+ years running a 5,000-head operation…
Pig Housing and Farm Infrastructure: Barn Types, Space, and Systems
Pig housing and farm infrastructure covers every fixed structure and system a herd depends on: the barns themselves, the flooring underneath the pigs, the ventilation moving air through the building, the water and feed delivery lines, and the manure…
Selecting Pig Breeding Stock for Your Farm: A Complete 2026 Guide
TL;DR – Quick Takeaways Introduction: Why Breeding Stock Selection Determines Your Farm’s Success Selecting breeding stock for your pig farm is arguably the most critical decision you’ll make as a pork producer. Whether you’re managing…